Hotel managers, keynote speakers from tourism and hospitality organisations and industry suppliers will fly into the Gold Coast from 31 August – 3 September to attend a series of inspiring discussions, networking panels and leisure activities as part of this year’s 2013 Best Western Australasia Convention (BWA Convention).

Attended by over 200 delegates, BWA Convention will be opened by Phil Hateley, Best Western Australasia President, hotel owner and life member, who estimates BWA Convention will generate a boost in the local economy by up to $500,000 from a number of planned activities, post touring and delegate spending.

Rob Anderson, Best Western Australasia Chief Executive said this year’s BWA Convention will provide training for hotel owners/managers, feature a motivational keynote speaker, and give Best Western members a chance to visit the Gold Coast’s best local attractions and theme parks.

“At our Convention sessions, members will hear from great speakers and be moved by inspirational stories – whether it encourages positive thinking or learning new techniques for business profitability,” Mr Anderson said.

“There will also be workshops on hotel sales and marketing and revenue management; networking events with suppliers, and of course the social aspect of Convention – meeting other Best Western members and learning about emerging hotel and traveller trends revealed during our live industry discussions and panel debates.

“Rounding out BWA Convention is the 2013 Best Western Australasia Awards for Excellence, presented on the last night at a gala dinner that has traditionally been a great opportunity for members to collectively celebrate their achievements.”

BWA Convention has attracted key experts from travel organisations including booking.com and Director of TravelTrends, Martin Kelly who will moderate the Best Western Australasia sales and marketing panel: Competitive Today. Tomorrow Ready.

Taking place on Tuesday, 3 September, the panel includes expert speakers talking about ways hotels can meet guests’ expectations in a changing environment.

A panel discussing how hotels can become China Ready & Accredited will also be led by China Ready & Accredited’s Chief Executive Officer, Julia (TingTing) Gong, and Global Executive Chairman, Garry Crockett.

In a company first for Best Western Australasia, the hotel group will report live updates and key insights from its dedicated Twitter account @BWAConvention. Follow @BWAConvention and tweet with #BWAConvention to take part in the discussion and #BWideas to follow insights revealed.

Supported by gold sponsor Telstra, BWA Convention runs from 31 August – 3 September 2013 on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

For more information on @BWAConvention or an overview of key sessions please contact:
Lauren Bremner
Marketing Communications Manager 
Best Western Australasia
Ph: (02) 8913 3300
Mobile: 0422 362 547
E: lbremner@bestwesternaustralia.com.au