About the Event

Sunshine Coast Tourism Forum

Brought to you by Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce

Proudly sponsored by KPAT, the Sunshine Coast Tourism Forum brings together tourism, business and industry leaders for a morning of insight, conversation and connection, exploring the future of tourism, investment and destination development across our region.

Wednesday 30 September | 6:45am–9:00am

AVANI Mooloolaba Beach

The morning will be hosted by Josh Donohoe, Queensland Tourism Award Winner and Visit Sunshine Coast Board Member, who will guide the conversation and facilitate the panel discussion.

We are delighted to welcome Bridget Woods, Deputy Director-General of Tourism at the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), as our keynote speaker.

With more than 30 years' experience in tourism development and strategy across Australia and internationally, Bridget brings an exceptional depth of knowledge to the conversation. Before joining DETSI, she spent five years as Director of Destination Development at NEOM in Saudi Arabia, leading the Tourism Development portfolio for one of the world's most ambitious tourism projects. She has also held senior tourism roles in Queensland, including Director of Tourism and Events at Townsville Enterprise.

Bridget is now driving Queensland's Destination 2045 Strategy, championing regional growth and preparing the state for future opportunities, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Her keynote will provide a unique insight into the future of Queensland tourism and what the opportunities ahead could mean for the Sunshine Coast.

You’ll also hear from Kenneth Wagner, Managing Director of KPAT, who will share his tourism journey and the story behind KPAT's investment in the region, including AVANI Mooloolaba Beach.

Kenneth will also join Bridget Woods and Andrew Fairbairn, Senior Tourism Industry Lead from Sunshine Coast Council, as part of a Q&A panel exploring the opportunities and future direction of tourism across the Sunshine Coast.

Join us for a morning of big-picture insights, meaningful connections and an important conversation about shaping the future of Sunshine Coast tourism!

Event Speakers

Event Sponsors