May 1

Date

Industry Update at a clance:

Industry update at glance:

  • Hearts & Minds Conference keynote speaker announcement
  • Tourism Australia webinars
  • Victorian Tourism Awards nominations now open
  • Business Skills Mentoring Program

HEARTS & MINDS CONFERENCE

Meet your next keynote speaker

We are excited to announce our second keynote speaker, Caroline Kennedy, AI-Powered Leadership Strategist, TEDx speaker and award-winning author.

Experience The State of AI with Caroline, a practical keynote tailored for tourism and hospitality operators. Caroline cuts through the hype to show what’s real, what’s overhyped, and where AI can deliver immediate value without losing the human touch that sits at the heart of the visitor economy.

 

 

Details: Hearts & Minds – Technology with Human Touch

Date: Tuesday 26 May 2026
Time: 1pm registration for 1.30pm start
Finish: 5pm
Networking drinks and nibbles: 5pm – 7pm.
Location: Cleveland Estate – 55 Shannons Road, Lancefield, Vic 3435

This is a ticketed event:

  • Engaged and Strategic partners receive one ticket as part of their partnership
  • Additional tickets: $79
  • Non-partners: $99

 

 

TOURISM AUSTRALIA WEBINARS

Insights, speakers and latest updates

Tourism Australia runs monthly industry webinars featuring updates and guest speakers. You can watch past sessions on demand.

The next webinar will be held on Friday, 8 May at 1pm AEST. The webinar will include the latest information and data on consumer sentiment, the aviation landscape as well as insights from their partners around the world.

Managing Director, Robin Mack will join the webinar along with Regional General Manager South/Southeast Asia, Jennifer Doig, who will talk about the current situation in the market.

 

 

40th VICTORIAN TOURISM AWARDS

Nominations now open

Nominations are now open for the 40th Victorian Tourism Awards, offering operators across Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields the chance to showcase excellence and innovation within our region.

The Awards recognise outstanding achievement in business excellence, professionalism and collaboration across Victoria’s visitor economy, with finalists and winners celebrated at the Gala Ceremony attended by around 900 industry professionals from across the state.

In addition to the Awards program itself, a range of extra support options, including access to experienced mentors, will be available to assist businesses in preparing strong, competitive submissions.

Nominations close 27 May so start planning your entry NOW!

 

 

 

BUSINESS SKILLS MENTORING PROGRAM

Expressions of interest now open

The Victorian Government is offering free mentoring for small business owners – three one-hour sessions with an experienced mentor. It’s all about helping businesses tackle challenges, build skills, and make real progress.

The program focuses on six key sectors: advanced manufacturing/defence, health and medical tech, circular economy, digital tech, agribusiness, and regional tourism.

Eligible businesses can register for their sessions until 31st May 2026.

 

BECOME A PARTNER

We’re stronger together

Tourism thrives when our region works as one. From the Goldfields to Spa Country, we each play a vital role in creating world-class experiences and driving sustainable growth to Victoria’s Heartland.

Now is the perfect time to become an Engaged or Strategic partner to receive your complimentary Hearts & Minds Conference ticket.