The 2023 Cruise360 Conference plenary session will run from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Registration begins at 7:15am and doors will open at 8:00am. The Trade Show will be open during morning tea, lunch and networking drinks, which will run between 5:00pm and 6:30pm.
State of the Industry Leaders Panel
Australasia’s cruise line leaders look at what’s driving forward momentum in this region, sharing their insights, the latest trends, their thoughts on sustainability and destination stewardship, and views on the evolutions underway across the sector.
| Moderator: | James O’Loghlin |
| Panellists: | Peter Little, Interim Leader, P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia |
| Gavin Smith, Vice President & Managing Director, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd | |
| Ben Angell, Vice President & Managing Director APAC, Norwegian Cruise Line |
Today’s travel environment has changed dramatically, and the familiar patterns of the past have been disrupted. Cruise Critic’s Adam Coulter and Vanessa Green share insights from across the industry, taking a closer look at today’s cruiser and how they are driving evolutions in every aspect of the cruise experience.
| Presenters: | Adam Coulter, Executive Editor, Cruise Critic |
| Vanessa Green, Sales Manager Australia, Cruise Critic |
The global drive for sustainable tourism continues to build, but the term “sustainable” has become vague, confusing, and often removed from the consumer. In this conversation with CLIA’s Joel Katz, Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Officer Elissa Keenan helps unpack what sustainability really means for a travel agent, and what tools are available for agents to prepare for the future.
Rivers have long been the lifeblood of the communities they connect. In this conversation, Avalon Waterways President Pam Hoffee talks with Phil Hoffmann AM, Founder and Executive Director, Phil Hoffmann Travel. Pam will explain how the life of the river inspires the visitor, how an evolution in river cruising is enhancing the experience, and what opportunities this presents for the travel agent.
New and emerging destinations play a pivotal role in driving the expansion of the cruising industry. Our panel of seasoned destination and cruise itinerary specialists will explore how new shores are reshaping the cruising landscape and why travel agents should seize this opportunity to elevate their business prospects.
| Moderator: | Adam Coulter, Executive Editor, Cruise Critic |
| Panellists: | Craig Upshall, Global Head of Cruise Development, Visit Qatar |
| Patrice Willoughby, Chief Sales Officer International, Azamara | |
| Robin West, Vice President and General Manager of Expeditions, Seabourn | |
| Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, Celestyal Cruises |
To stand out, cruise agents need a clear understanding of their customers’ post-pandemic needs and an ability to align these with their own strengths. In this panel discussion, cruise line executives and cruise specialist agents will explain how understanding customers' evolving needs and providing a personalised, high-touch service, can forge lasting connections and a loyal customer base.
| Moderator: | Deb Fox, Managing Director APAC, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises |
| Panellists: | Justine Sealey, Managing Director, Ramsgate Travel Service |
| Kathy Pavlidis, Cruise Manager, Travel Associates | |
| Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales & Marketing APAC, PONANT | |
| Lisa Pile, Vice President Sales & General Manager APAC, Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
The evolving cruise landscape offers more diversity in experiences than ever before. But when it comes to connecting with guests, the task can be more about identifying a mindset than targeting a traditional segment. In this conversation with James O’Loghlin, Virgin Voyages Chief Brand Officer Nathan Rosenberg will explain how to identify and target modern cruise customers, including the all-important new-to-cruise customer.
In this panel discussion, experienced cruise agents will explore ways to elevate your cruise business, maximise revenue and expand clients' options in the ever-evolving cruise industry. Panellists will share insights on opportunities to collaborate with cruise lines, identify target audiences, and customize and tailor client experiences.
| Moderator: | Dan Russell, General Manager and Director, Clean Cruising |
| Panellists: | Megan Catterall, Travel Manager, LUXE by itravel |
| Maxine Adams, Travel Consultant, MTA-Mobile Travel Agents | |
| Neil Kirby, Joint Managing Director, Travel Masters/The Travel Studio | |
| Deb Long, Manager, Weston Cruise and Travel | |
| Jeff Leckey, General Manager Cruise, House of Travel NZ |
Renowned thought-leader on the customer experience, Amanda Stevens brings the key themes of today’s Cruise360 together. As agents move from a transactional to a relationship mindset, this is the time to make the most of the opportunities ahead, build your personal brand, connect with your customers, and develop enduring relationships.
| Presenter: | Amanda Stevens, Consumer Futurist |
*Program session information is current as of 16 August 2023 and is subject to change.
