Sydney – (Thursday, 22 February 2024) - The TravMedia Summit Australia 2024 connected 180 of Australia and New Zealand's top travel writers, editors, influencers and broadcast journalists with more than 170 international travel and tourism brand PRs and VIPs for a thought-provoking day of networking, learning and development at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. 

In its fifth year, The TravMedia Summit is part of TravMedia's IMM (International Media Marketplace) Australia, the leading media networking event for the travel industry, celebrating its 12th year in 2024.

The stellar line-up of speakers included media personalities and industry thought leaders. Richard Quest, CNN's foremost international correspondent and one of the most instantly recognisable members of the CNN team joined as Keynote Speaker. Richard captivated and engaged the audience with anecdotes demonstrating his vast knowledge and position within the travel industry. He also shared exclusive insights on how to work with CNN. 

"After a highly successful Keynote Presentation at IMM North America last year, we were thrilled Richard accepted our invitation to join us in Sydney," said Nick Wayland, CEO and Founder of TravMedia and IMM.

The TravMedia Summit Australia brought together travel PRs, industry professionals and media to discuss future-facing industry trends, challenges and opportunities. The Summit presenters and panellists dove into top-of-mind issues, including AI, the modern media landscape, destination stewardship, the always popular Slam with Travel Editors and a PR and Writing Masterclass.

Kicking off the day, Matt Barrie, the visionary CEO & Founder of Freelancer.com, delved into the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence in his presentation, AI and the Future of Work, setting the tone for the innovative presentations and panel discussions ahead.

The Destination Stewardship panel with industry heavyweights René De Monchy, Chief Executive, Tourism New Zealand; Maya Lange, Vice President, Global Marketing, Destination British Columbia; and Ross Levi, Executive Director, New York State Division of Tourism led an inspiring discussion on sustainability, inclusivity and the role that media can play in supporting destinations.

After lunch, Susan Coghill, Chief Marketing Officer, Tourism Australia, moderated The Modern Travel Media Landscape. Panellists Zac Garven, Tourism and Events Manager, Advance Rockhampton; Amanda Kendle, Podcaster and Freelance Writer, The Thoughtful Travel Podcast; and Tina Pik, Video Creator, Travel TikToker and YouTuber, Hangry By Nature, highlighted best practices for working with content creators in new media channels.

The Slam with Travel Editors Panel, always unfiltered and unforgettable, included a lively discussion on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Moderator Nick Wayland was joined by Constantina Demos, Travel Editor, delicious.; Penny Hunter, Editor, The Weekend Australian's Travel + Luxury; Jessica Lockhart, Destination Editor, Oceania, Lonely Planet; and Juliette Sivertsen, Chief News Director - Travel, Stuff. The editors answered top-of-mind questions about story angles that resonate with readers, their positions on AI, the importance of video and how they use press releases and press trips to research stories.

The grand finale was the PR & Writing Masterclass, led by PR maestro Jill Collins and esteemed journalist Rob McFarland. The discussion provided expert insights on promoting yourself and your brand and writing killer copy.

The Cocktail Reception Sponsor, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, showcased their high culinary standards with premium pours, caviar, lobster and wagyu on the menu. 

The TravMedia Summit is the forum for the travel industry to connect and learn from our most influential leaders. The one-day conference brings together travel and tourism PRs, editors and travel writers to inspire ideas, share insights and discuss the trends, opportunities and challenges affecting our industry. Presented the day before IMM, The TravMedia Summit attracts A-list media from Australia and New Zealand's top publications, including AFR, BBC Travel, delicious., Escape, Lonely Planet, Nine, NZME, The Weekend Australian's Travel + Luxury and Traveller. 

For more information about The TravMedia Summit, visit travmedia.com/immaus

Media Contacts for The TravMedia Summit:

Lauren Moelk

Chief Communications Officer

lauren.moelk@travmedia.com 

+61 (0)422 258 062

Blake Riddington

Regional Director Australia & New Zealand

blake.riddington@travmedia.com

+61 (0)468 438 451

About TravMedia

TravMedia is the travel industry's only global media network. Founded in 1999 by Nick Wayland, a former travel editor seeking an easier way to research and report travel news, TravMedia is the one-stop solution trusted by travel PRs and media to network and share press releases, stories and ideas. The platform hosts thriving online communities and is an essential daily tool for collaborating and developing long-lasting professional relationships. 

TravMedia provides global travel newsfeeds and connects more than 25,000 travel media and more than 20,000 travel brand PRs worldwide via an online newsroom, press release distribution, events, Journalist Alerts and daily industry updates. To learn more and register for TravMedia, visit travmedia.com. 

About IMM

TravMedia's IMM is the leading travel industry event for travel brands and destinations to connect with the media. In its 12th year, IMM hosts more than 2,500 media and international travel brands annually in six countries worldwide. Upcoming IMM events include IMM Germany in Berlin on 4 March, IMM France in Paris on 13 March, IMM Asia in Singapore on 21-22 October, IMM North America in New York City on 22-23 January 24-25 2025, IMM Australia in February 2025 and IMM UK in March 2025.

For more information and registration for IMM events, visit travmedia.com/imm or email imm@travmedia.com.