Speaker & Panelist Bio's
Master of Ceremonies
Ross Greenwood: Currently business and finance editor of the Nine Network’s Today show, Ross was also co-host of Nine's former flagship current affairs program, Sunday. Ross can also be heard hosting his nightly Money Matters radio program on Sydney’s 2GB radio and other syndicated markets around Australia. Before joining the Nine Network, Ross spent time in London where he appeared as a commentator on BBC television, CNN, Sky News and Bloomberg, as well as being a regular co-host of BBC Radio Five Live's main business program, Wake Up To Money. With his vast knowledge of the financial market and current affairs, Ross is a highly respected financial analyst and journalist who will introduce a new dynamic to Cruise360 Australasia.
Guest Speaker
Michael McQueen: Michael McQueen is an Australian-born speaker, social researcher and bestselling author. Coming from a background in marketing and research, in 2004 Michael founded a consultancy specializing in demographic shifts and social trends called The Nexgen Group. Michael's latest book Winning the Battle for Relevance is a landmark title that explores why even the greatest businesses and institutions become obsolete and how others can avoid their fate. Drawing on research looking at over 500 of the world’s most iconic brands, Michael outlines a game plan for organizations and businesses who are committed to staying ahead of the curve by re-inventing themselves before they are forced to do so. Having spoken to over 200,000 people across 5 continents since 2004, Michael is known for his engaging, entertaining and practical conference presentations. He has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business including Bill Gates, Whoopi Goldberg and Larry King.
Steve Odell: Responsible for the growth of the NCLH brands throughout Australasia, Steve has over 30 years’ cruise industry experience and has held senior management roles for international contemporary and luxury cruise lines including, most recently, Silversea Cruises. In May 2016, Steve was appointed Chairman of CLIA Australasia.
Cindy D'Aoust: In the role of President and CEO, Cindy directs CLIA’s global team to successfully unify, represent, advocate and promote the common interests of the organization’s members and the global cruise industry. Among her top priorities is the commitment to unite the industry and create a stronger voice, making cruise travel the best vacation choice for every traveler around the world. Cindy is a recognized leader in the meetings and travel industry, and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. Prior to joining CLIA, Cindy served as Chief Operating Officer at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest global meeting planning association in the industry. In that role, she was responsible for global operations, marketing and member deliverables.
Sarina Bratton AM - Chairman Asia Pacific, Ponant: Widely regarded as a visionary businesswoman and entrepreneur, Sarina was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2014 for her “significant service to tourism, particularly the cruise ship industry, and in business”. The only Australian ever recognised in this way for contribution to the international cruise industry. Since late 2013 when PONANT flagged its intention to internationalise their business and product, Sarina was appointed as Special Advisor and Chairman Asia Pacific to oversee the strategy and spearhead the aggressive development in APAC.
Barry Brown - Divisional Vice President Commercial Operations, Australasia, Emirates: With more than 40 years experience in the airline and tourism industry, Barry Brown joined Emirates in 2010 as Vice President for Australia and New Zealand. In 2013 he was promoted to Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations – East, based in Dubai. Brown assumed responsibility for the commercial operations in the Far East & Australasia. He has recently relocated to his homeland as Divisional Vice President Australasia overseeing the carriers 77 weekly flights to Dubai and 28 Trans-Tasman services. He is also the partnership manager for Emirates with Qantas and Jetstar.
Marc Miller - Director of Itinerary Planning, Royal Caribbean International: Marc joined Royal Caribbean 13 years ago as an analyst in revenue management, but has spent the last 10 years as part of the itinerary planning team. Marc was part of the original launch team for Azamara Cruises developing their itineraries, and continues to support them in his current role. He now leads a small team focused on planning all deployments and itineraries for Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises worldwide. Marc graduated from Michigan State University with Bachelors degree in Marketing. He later attended University of Miami where he completed a MBA with a concentration in International Business.
John Conceicao - Executive Director Int’ Relations & Market Planning, Singapore Tourism Board: Mr John Gregory Conceicao assumed the position of Executive Director, International Relations & Marketing Planning & Oceania in January 2015. He is responsible for the strategic planning of operations in the regional offices, and oversees marketing and promotional efforts of Singapore as a compelling tourist destination within the Oceania markets. He also leads a team to work with in-market industry partners and overseas consumers, as well as monitor competitive activities and support the development of bi- or multi-lateral agreements to drive tourism growth.
John joined the Singapore Tourism Board in 2003 and has held several other leadership positions in areas such as Capability & Innovation, Visitor Information & Feedback, Strategic Planning & Innovation, Manpower Development and the Education Services Divisions. He has also served as Regional Director, Europe, overseeing the operations and in-market activities carried out by STB’s regional offices in Frankfurt, London and Moscow.
Peter Kollar - Head of Training & Development, CLIA Australasia: The creative talent behind the development of new cruise industry training for Australia and New Zealand over the past 5 years, Peter’s material is now reaching many other cruise markets, particular the UK and Asia. Peter’s cruise background spans the globe since 1997, having worked onboard various cruise lines for a decade. He formed an incredible knowledge of port logistics, onboard service, and operational awareness that only a life at sea can deliver. His return to land prompted roles as a travel agent, agency manager, and further as NSW Cruise Product Manager for a major retail brand. Peter holds 2 university degrees and 3 vocational certifications, and currently sits on the Sydney TAFE Advisory Panel for Travel & Tourism.
As part of this role, Deb leads an uncompromising focus on trade partnerships and also on developing industry-leading marketing and sales strategies that ensure enviable brand equity, deliver exceptional customer experiences and strong customer attraction and retention always through a customer centric lens. In turn, the company has received many industry and consumer accolades for cruising excellence.
Being part of the APT Travel Group’s Executive Team, the last 10 years has seen Deb’s significant input into the development and growth of the river cruise industry in the Australian market and more recently with small ship cruising, driven through a true passion & commitment to the industry.
Andy Harmer – Director & VP Operations, CLIA UK/Europe: Andy has spent most of his career within travel with the last 10 years specialising in the cruise industry. He has undertaken various roles including UK Sales & Marketing Director for a number of cruise lines including Crystal Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises. As director of CLIA UK & Ireland, Andy has established award winning training programmes for the cruise industry and has been able to utilise skills in training and marketing to grow the Association membership as the industry has witnessed record numbers of cruises being taken by British holidaymakers. In 2016 Andy was appointed CLIA Europe Vice President Operations with responsibility for the strategic development of CLIA Europe’s travel agent and event programme.
Phil Smethurst – Director, Bicton Travel: Phil Smethurst is a co-founder of Perth based, multi-award winning cruise specialist travel agency, Bicton Travel. After starting the business in 1998 with his mother Carole, Phil has helped drive the agency to become the resounding success it is today. Bicton Travel are five-times winners of CLIA’s prestigious Cruise Agency of the Year title and also been awarded Retail Travel Agency of the Year – Single Location at AFTA’s NITA’s for the last three consecutive years. Phil has been recognised for his personal achievements when presented with CLIA’s Cruise Consultant of the Year award in 2010 and AFTA’s Best Travel Consultant – Retail in 2015.
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