North Coast Tourism Symposium Program
Thursday 31 July 2025
The theme of this year’s Symposium is Inspire! Shaping Tomorrow’s Visitor Economy.
What defines innovation? Where can we pull inspiration from to evolve our offering to align with future demand? How can your experience(s) be more memorable, authentic, and unique? Can local stories, culture, and history be meaningfully woven into what you deliver?
The 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium explores the future of tourism through the lens of innovation, personalisation, and purposeful visitor engagement. Under the theme Inspire! Shaping Tomorrow’s Visitor Economy, this year’s program brings together leading voices to challenge and inspire. Keynote speaker Mark Bouris AM, renowned Australian entrepreneur and changemaker, will headline a program that provokes fresh thinking on value creation, destination leadership, and the power of experience in a competitive landscape.
Join us for a day of insight, inspiration, and practical ideas that will shape how we welcome and connect with tomorrow’s visitors.
Symposium program
TIME |
PROGRAM |
| 8.30am – 8.45am | REGISTRATION OPEN – tea and coffee available |
| 9.00am-9.25am | Welcome & Conference Opening |
| 9.25am – 9.50am | DNC Update Michael Thurston General Manager, Destination North Coast. |
| 9.50am – 10.10am | Destination NSW Update |
| 10.10am – 11.00am | Keynote Address Mark Bouris AM |
| 11.00m – 11.20am | MORNING TEA |
| 11.20am – 12.00pm | Future Proofing Destination Success in Sustainability |
| 12.00pm – 12.10 pm | TRANSITION |
| 12.10pm – 12.50pm | Breakout Session #1
Stream 1: Local Legends – Inspiring Tourism Success Stream 2: Inclusive Tourism & Accessibility |
| 12.50pm – 1.50pm | LUNCH |
| 1.50pm – 2.35pm | Breakout Session #2
Stream 1: AI Innovation & Implementation Stream 2: Economy and Market Trends – Impact on Tourism Now & Ahead |
| 2.35pm – 2.45pm | TRANSITION |
| 2.45pm – 3.00pm | Wellness Break Crystal Castle |
| 3.00pm – 3.25pm | Tourism Australia Rob Harding-Smith |
| 3.25pm – 3.55pm | Byron Shire Council |
| 3.55pm – 4.00pm | Bringing it all together Michael Thurston |
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
