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Experience and variety are the noticeable attributes in this year’s speaker line-up at the Sales and Marketing in Travel Asia-Pacific conference. Over the next few weeks we will be profiling a selection of speakers from across the two day program (Nov 18-19th), and providing a few words on the different topics each will be dissecting.
It’s a challenging and varied cross section of industry issues that find their way onto the chopping block of discussion this year. Subsequently, the presenters need to be experts in their fields. So let their profiles speak on their behalf, and help highlight type of experience set to lead stimulate debate at what promises to be an engaging 2 day forum.
On day one Darrell Wade will be looking at the recent trend of Consumers’ distressed buying mentalities. Darrell is the Co-founder and CEO of Intrepid Travel. During an epic journey across Africa in 1988 with a group of friends, Darrell and business partner Geoff Manchester gave birth to their idea for Intrepid. As the company has grown into an Australian and International success, Darrell and Intrepid’s philosophy has remained – to provide fun and affordable travel adventures that are sustainable and beneficial to both travellers and local communities.
Adrian Currie is the Managing Director for Booking.com in Australia and New Zealand, and will be leading us through the benefits of a comprehensive affiliate marketing strategy.
Adrian opened an office for Booking.com in Sydney in 2008 to support local hotels and affiliates. Prior to this, Adrian was Chief Financial Officer of Booking.com (formed from the merger of Active Hotels and Bookings, both acquired by Priceline.com in 2004/05), who are the European market leader for online accommodation bookings.
Aileen Cobern is set to tackle the risky topic of pricing. Aileen, GM Sales & Marketing for Choice Hotels Australasia, has been in the tourism industry for over 20 years, 16 of those with Choice Hotels. Aileen spent a number of years with an inbound operator in the late 80’s and 90’s and commenced her career in advertising in the late 70’s with Ogilvy & Mather Advertising where she spent 10 years. With Choice Hotels, Aileen has run million dollar campaigns, participated in a global loyalty programs and has been integral to her company’s growth and competitiveness in the changing online world.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
