The annual ATEC Symposium is Australia’s largest inbound tourism conference with over 650 inbound professionals attending the four day event each year. The event is rotated around Australian destinations to showcase a region’s new products and developments. Each year ATEC (in conjunction with industry support) sponsor the flights and accommodation for senior inbound tour operators personnel (ITOs) to attend the event (primarily the business workshop sessions) and social networking opportunities. The ATEC Symposium conference program is comprised of plenary business seminars (including international market speakers), business breakout sessions, ITO/supplier workshop sessions, social networking events and ITO familiarisation programs.
Plenary sessions
The ATEC Symposium provides ATEC members with the latest market research information, and features current hot industry topics and professional development speakers presenting informative and relevant news. The business seminars include motivational and inspirational keynote speakers relevant to the inbound tourism industry.
Business breakout sessions
The program includes business breakout sessions which involve a more indepth and interactive discussion on particular inbound markets, issues and trends (eg. UK, China, risk management etc). These sessions are designed to give members the chance to hold open discuss with industry experts.
ITO/supplier workshop sessions
The Symposium provides a unique platform for ATEC supplier members to meet and network through business-to-business appointments with key inbound tour operators (ITOs), to build and strengthen business relationships. It is the best and most cost-effective method to meet with over 120 ITO companies in one room at the one time. The workshop sessions are run over a full day and broken into two sessions. ITO delegates must attend both sessions and supplier delegates may only attend either AM or PM (not both). Each session includes 24 appointments of eight minutes each with a two minute changeover time.
Social networking events
The ATEC Symposium program features a variety of social functions which allow members to network and allows the host region to showcase new/updated product, experiences and venues. There are a variety of networking opportunities including:
Tues/Wed social activities:
Local product offer industry rates for delegates to participate in tours prior to Symposium
Tuesday night activities:
Traditionally there are up to four or five evening functions available to all delegates as a social networking evening
Destination Showcase Festival:
(Wednesday evening) This event is the first official welcome function for all delegates to attend, which showcases the region’s food, wine, products and entertainment.
Market dinners:
(Thursday evening) Choose from a range of themed industry dinners.
ATEC Gala Dinner:
(Friday evening) This evening is the final function and brings all delegates together to celebrate the tourism industry’s accomplishments. The night involves the ATEC Awards for Excellence, 5-star dining, entertainment and the official after-party sponsored by Qantas – Club Qantas
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