Amanda is an experienced Business Development General Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the airlines/aviation industry. Skilled in negotiation, stakeholder partnerships, business planning, management, presentations, and an experienced Advisor to the tourism sector, makes Amanda a true industry leader within her field.

Amanda will be joining Adam Humphries on an aviation panel before lunch, speaking on the evolution of regional aviation and the flow on affects into tourism, especially within a regional space.

Richard brings more than 20 years’ experience in professional sport, major events and business events to TEQ, with roles that cross the spectrum of entrepreneurial, commercial and the public sector.

Ranee has more than 20 years' experience in the port and shipping industry. As CEO of Port of Townsville Limited, she has overall responsibility for the strategic leadership, direction and operation of the Ports of Townsville and Lucinda.

Prior to her appointment as CEO, Ranee held a number of senior executive positions in commercial, planning, property and governance fields. Born and raised in North Queensland, she has led, managed and advised on a number of major infrastructure investments and economic opportunities for the region and Northern Australia, and has a comprehensive understanding of port and supply chain operations.

Ranee holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from James Cook University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She sits on a number of boards and committees including Ports Australia and Townsville Enterprise Limited.

Rachael comes to Tourism Australia with over 10 years’ experience in acquisition and partnership roles in the tourism technology industry, working across Fortune 500 companies and start-ups, most recently working as Director of Partnerships for Rezdy. She’s also had roles with Expedia Group, as well as hotel sales and front office functions so comes with a great breadth of experience in the industry.

Rod is the Principal of Rod Hillman & Associates and is a sustainable and ecotourism professional with extensive experience in operational and policy roles and projects in Government, Private and NFP sectors. Rod focuses on assisting projects to be successful in delivering unique ecotourism experiences,tourism certification and designing effective policy outcomes in Public-Private partnerships. He is the previous CEO of Ecotourism Australia, CEO of the Kokoda Track Authority (PNG).

Rod will be addressing the forum, highlighting Townsville's recently awarded Eco-Destination Certification.

Adam is a Travel Technology Sales and Procurement specialist, with broad experience in travel management, strategic sourcing, online travel distribution systems, expense management systems, consulting and change management, truly making him an industry innovator who leads by example and who has the courage to think differently.

Adam joins our 2024 Tourism Futures Forum as a part of an aviation panel, discussing the evolution of regional aviation, and the flow on effects into Regional Tourism, effecting our Townsville region and surrounds.

Jodie Kennedy is a Townsville local, and professional Event and Site Manager for medium to large scale events such as concerts, festivals, sporting events, conferences, community events and corporate events. Jodie is passionate about all things logistics management, operations management, event consulting and team leading. Working on successful local events and activation's such as Groovin the Moo, Magnetic Island Race Week, Townsville Winter Racing Carnival, Cathedral School Formal, Port of Townsville community days, and Traffic management for Qld Country Bank Stadium, makes Jodie a true industry leader within her field.

Having just launched her new event courses and with over 25 years’ experience, Jodie will be addressing the forum within the afternoon session, discussing the practical skills needed for successfully activating our city within the major events space.

After being involved within the hospitality industry for over 25 years, opening and operating venues all around the world from Vietnam, Auckland, Sydney , Perth and the United Kingdom, Michael now calls Townsville home, managing The Mercure within the Accor Group.

Michael will be providing a Bronze Sponsor address before the lunch break of the forum.