Australian Regional Tourism Convention – Mackay, QLD 9-11 October 2024
The 2024 Australian Regional Tourism Convention (ARTC) will be held in Mackay, QLD on 9-11 October 2024.
Convention is a must-attend event for anyone who wishes to contribute to the future of regional tourism in Australia and is tailored for all sectors of the tourism industry. It is a great networking opportunity and forum to exchange ideas about ways to grow a sustainable regional destination and to showcase best practice success.
The 2024 ART Convention theme is Regional Tourism: Inspiring Success.
Convention registration includes:
- Tourism Australia Agritourism Forum – Wednesday 9 October (1.30pm – 5.30pm)
- Welcome Reception –Wednesday 9 October (6pm – 7.30pm)
- 2 full days of convention – Thursday 10 and Friday 11 October (Friday will conclude at 3pm)
- Convention Dinner – Thursday 10 October
If you have any Convention enquiries or registration issues: please contact the Convention Manager, Belinda King directly via belinda@kingevents.com.au or 0402 199 347.
Registrations for this event have now closed.
Program & Presenters
See the program and presenter line-up for the Australian Regional Tourism Convention in Mackay, centred around this year’s theme, Regional Tourism: Inspiring Success.
Alexandra Hordern
General Manager, Regulatory and Consumer Policy, Insurance Council of Australia
Ben Andrews
Head of Digital, Destination Marketing Store
Charlotte Prouse
Director, Destination Marketing Store
Chris Parsons
TV Presenter
Dave Hockly
Founder, Data Story
Despina Karatzias
InstituteofExcellence.com
Hannah Statham
CEO, Media Mortar
Hayden Zammit Meaney
Founder, Tourism Accelerator
John Hart
Executive Chair, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Hon John Pandazopoulous
Chair, Parks Victoria and Mid-West Victoria
Linda Tillman
MD of Tilma Group & Co-Founder of Australian Centre for Regional Events
Mardi Bush
Director Bush Heli Services / Queensland Helicopters
Mark Olsen
CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
Patricia O’Callaghan
CEO, Tourism and Events Queensland
Peter Syme
Strategic travel and tourism advisor
Oriana Wyrozebska
GM Commercial, Government & Tourism, Queensland Music Festival
Rebecca Lange
Event Manager, Mingle Events Co.
Rob Cocco
CEO, Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays
Ryan Smith
Founder and Chief Access Officer, The Access Agency
Stu Speirs
Director, Silver Lining Strategy
Teona Cousin
Executive Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Mackay Regional Council
Toni Brennan
Founder and CEO of Fun Over 50 Holidays
Discover Mackay
Destination: Mackay, QLD
Venue: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
The Mackay region is delighted to welcome you for the 2024 Australian Regional Tourism Convention.
The region can offer natural experiences, fun-filled adventures or pure relaxation with a backdrop of gorgeous scenery and amazing sunsets. Whether inland, on the coast or the City Centre, see nature come to life with unique and rare experiences.
To find out more about visiting, head to the Mackay Issac region website.
Delegate Accommodation
We’ve locked in special rates from a number of local accommodation properties for convention delegates.
Quest Apartment Hotels
- Delegates can access a 12% discount on the Best Available Rate.
- Enter the promotional code “QMOGARTC24” through the ART booking link and select your hotel to redeem your exclusive discount.
- Bookable dates are from 5th to the 14th October 2024.
Aligned Corporate Residences Mackay
- Delegates can access a 10% discount.
- Enter the promotional code “ARTC24” through their website.
- Valid for stays between the 4th and 14th October 2024.
Delegate Special Offers
Convention delegates can enjoy exploring more of the Mackay region with these special offers from local tourism operators
Red Cat Adventures
- Get a 15% discount off retail prices for the Wildcat Mackay Day Tour & Wildcat Sunset Cruise
- Bookings are valid until 13 October for travel dates between 11 – 13 October 2024
- Head to www.wildcatmackay.com.au and enter the promo code ‘art15’ at checkout. The discount will automatically apply.
Sarina Sugar Shed
- Get 30% off Sugar Shed Tour, the Distillery Tour or the Combo Package Tour
- Valid for bookings from 4-13 October 2024.
- Head to sarinasugarshed.com.au and use promo Code ‘SSSART24’
Follow on Social Media
Mackay Regional Council
Facebook | Instagram | #MackayPride #DiscoverMackay
Mackay Issac Tourism
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | #VisitMackay #OurIssac #ThisIsQueensland
Convention on the Move
Delegates can start their convention experience early with a famil as part of our Convention on the Move program on Wednesday 9 October.
For further enquiries regarding Convention on the Move and bookings, please email: vicmanager@mackayregion.com
*Itineraries correct at time of publication. Please note these may be subject to change.
Mingle Mini Southern Tour – $160
Enjoy this unique Mystery Food and Shopping Mini-Bus Tour, showcasing the best of what the Mackay’s Southern region has to offer.
- Visit up to 5 mystery destinations treated to private access, exclusive offers, and delectable cuisine
- Includes a tour and tastings at an award-winning tourism attraction, unique in Australia
- Catering for the day is all inclusive
- Comfortable, spacious and air-conditioned mini bus transport
Time: 8.00am to 12.00pm
Max 11 pax
Mackay Adventure: Beach Sunrise with the Wallabies Tour – $99
Come along and experience one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets. Sunrise with the Wallabies on Casuarina Beach at Cape Hillsborough.
- Return air-conditioned bus transfers from Mackay CBD Hotels with Mackay local guide
- Meet the Cape Hillsborough National Park Ranger and learn about the wallabies and kangaroos
- Guided hike to the best lookout, time to explore the beach
- Light breakfast included (dietary requirement requests can be catered for if advised in advance)
- Options for extra adventures if time permits
Time: 4.00am to 9.00am
Max 11 pax
Explore Art Deco history in just one city block of Mackay.
Join us in exploring Mackay’s rich art deco heritage as we discuss the people and business that shaped our Sugar City in the early 20th century.
Meet and gather at the front of The Australian Hotel before heading off on a wander down Victoria Street and the surrounding city area. Discover buildings rich in historical significance to the time period and hear about our local Mackay heritage.
Time: 10.00am to 11.00am