Special thanks to our host partners:

TELLINGYOUR STORY

VICTORIAN VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES

SUMM IT2019

Murrindindi Shire | 21-23 August 2019

SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS

Simon WallerFuturist and Founder, The Digital Champions ClubSimon doesn’t just talk about the future, he chooses to live it. Simon has experimented with virtual organisations, 30 hour weeks, remote work, unlimited leave and flexible teams. Armed with his first-hand experiences, Simon helps others implement the future and successfully navigate the risks, challenges and opportunities it brings. Simon will explore with the audience what role will VICs play in a world of increasingly cheap technology (and even cheaper information)? And what exactly is the role of humans when our technology knows our preferences better than we do?

Dr James Adonis Dr James Adonis is one of Australia’s most well-known employee engagement and team leadership educators. With rich practical experience as a leader in a variety of industries, including the hotel sector, and still employed in a leadership capacity responsible for more than 100 staff, James is frequently featured in the media as a thought leader on all matters related to workplace relations. Including his weekly business column with the Nine group of online news publications, books and fortnightly newsletters, James’ insights reach over 100 000 people every month. James’ PhD explored the ways in which leaders can engage employees during organisational crises and significant change. His presentation will deliver his insights on how to bring employees and volunteers along on the journey of change, and keep them engaged throughout the process.

Liz WardCEO and Co-Founder, Tourism Tribe Liz is a committed advocate for innovation in marketing and distribution and a recognised expert in strategy with more than 20 years’ experience specialising in travel and tourism. Liz is the CEO and co-founder of the innovative online learning community, Tourism Tribe, which launched in July 2015 and provides online coaching and support to tourism operators across Australia and the world to make digital work better for them. Liz’s presentation will give you strategic insight and practical takeaway tips to masterfully attract and engage your ideal visitors through digital storytelling and excellence in customer experience throughout the entire consumer journey.

Cumulus StudioAward-winning Architecture and Interior Design Practice Cumulus Studio recognise the power of design in shaping brand identity and tourism product development in the landmark projects they have worked on.Directors Peter Walker and Keith Westbrook will be joined by representatives from Y Water Discovery Centre and Greater Shepparton City Council to discuss the relationship between architecture and the visitor experience, managing multi-purpose developments on environmentally and historically sensitive sites, and how to bring the community along on the journey.

The Victorian Visitor Information Services (VIS) Summit is the yearly meeting place for all VIS personnel, economic development staff and regional tourism bodies. Gain inspiration from valuable professional development sessions, learn from best practice case studies and exchange ideas through ample opportunities to learn from others.

This year’s Summit will be held at the multi-award winning business venue, Holmesglen at Eildon, hosted by the Murrindindi Shire.

The beautiful surrounds of this area of Victoria will be the setting for delegates to discover the diverse visitor experiences available in the region; we’ll explore how to manage the change and disruption affecting visitor servicing; and show you how you can promote your tourism story by engaging with your local community, wider stakeholders and visitors to the region in a meaningful way.

For the complete package, delegates will benefit from the multi-choice workshops and regional study tours showcasing the host region to gain product knowledge, share ideas, experiences and best practice.

TELLINGYOUR STORY

VICTORIAN VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICES

SUMM IT2019

Morning 9:10

10:00

10:40

11:00

11:30

12:40

1:15

Engaging Employees During Change Dr James Adonis

Innovation Showcase Hear from VIS across the State on how they are adapting to meet visitors’ needs

Morning Tea

Adapting to change: Stories from the first year of the new visitor service model Tanya Bonte and Anne Lacey – City of Melbourne

Reference Group Workshop Your opportunity to formally join the Reference Group-led workshop to express your ideas, concerns and areas for growth.

Close of Day One

Conference Concludes

Lunchtime We will snap a last minute pic of the group, grab a lunchbag to take away and begin the journey back home.

Morning 9:00

9:20

10:15

11:00

11:20

12:10

12:50

Welcome to Murrindindi

Beyond Information – How Embracing our Humanity will Create More Meaningful Tourism Experiences Simon Waller – Founder, The Digital Champions Club

Trending Technologies and Opportunities for Destinations CEO Liz Ward – CEO and Co-Founder, Tourism Tribe

Morning Tea

Department of Transport: Regional Information and Discovery Session Kaye Tuddenham – Department of Transport Gael Evans-Barr – Regional Roads Victoria

Visitor Servicing Toolkit Paul Matthews – Visit Victoria Paul Albone – Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions

Lunch

Afternoon 2:05

2:55

3:20

4:10

5:00

Regional Storytelling and Increasing Visitor Engagement through Multi-purpose Buildings – Panel Discussion Peter Walker – Cumulus Studio Keith Westbrook – Cumulus Studio Julie Blyth – Y Water Discovery Centre Maree Glasson – Greater Shepparton City Council

Afternoon Tea

Breakouts – Round 1

1. How to Virtually Hug your Visitors: The Principles of Passionate Visitor Servicing (Despina Karatzias – Institute of Excellence)

2. Parks Victoria: Digital Customer Experience – (Andrew James – Parks Victoria)3. Visitor Servicing Toolkit Metrics Workshop (Dr Claire Ellis – Claire Ellis

Consulting)

Breakouts – Round 2 (Repeat of Round 1 Breakouts)

Close of Day One

Evening Time to get dressed in your finest greenery and enjoy the hospitality of the Holmesglen at Eildon team for the Gala Dinner. What lies ahead? A night of fun, laughter and reinforcing your industry relationships, all under the banner of ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’.

Thursday 22 August 2019 DAY ONE

Friday 23 August 2019 DAY TWO

SUMMIT PARTNERS

The 2019 Victorian Visitor Information Services Summit is brought to you by:

Presenting Partner

Host Council

Host Venue

Program Partners

Principal Wine Partner

Supporting Beverage Partners

Transport Partner

VTIC Corporate Partner

Grace MaynardIndustry Development Coordinator Tel: 03 8662 5387 E: info@vtic.com.au

ENQUIRIES TO

CHOOSE ONE OF THREE STUDY TOURS

STUDYTOURSWednesday 21 August, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Study Tour 1 – Eildon & Alexandra – History and Heritage Tour

What better way to explore the magnificent Lake Eildon than on board a luxury houseboat! Enjoy morning tea on the water while you discover the history of the Eildon Dam and the fascinating story of hydro-electricity in the region. Disembark and head to the gorgeous township of Alexandra

for a trip to the historic Alexandra Timber & Tramway Museum and lunch in the old world charm of the Alexandra Hotel. Throw in a dash of nature with a visit to the stunning Snobs Creek Falls and your day is complete!

Study Tour 2 – Marysville & Surrounds – Art and Nature Tour

Art and nature lovers can combine the best of both worlds exploring the picturesque Marysville region. We’ll visit MiRa (Marysville Information and Regional Arts Centre) and enjoy morning tea and a tour of their latest exhibition followed by a wander through the famous Bruno’s Art & Sculpture Garden.

Then it’s a trip up to the impressive Steavenson’s Falls, lunch at Vibe Hotel Marysville and a quick shopping fix in Marysville Village before we head back down the mountain. For a final flourish of nature’s paintbrush we’ll travel past the magnificent Cathedral Ranges and then on to Acheron to sample some of Little River Wine’s finest drops amongst the sculptures at Rennies at Acheron.

Study Tour 3 – Say G’Day to Yea

Discover Yea’s best kept secret – the stunning Yea Wetlands. With a guided tour and a chance to get up close with an array of birds, animals and plants – budding photographers should bring their cameras! Enjoy morning tea at the award-winning Y Water Discovery Centre followed by a tour of the historic

buildings in the township. Explore the Great Victorian Rail Trail and the Cheviot Tunnel and dine at the Yea Peppercorn Hotel (Victorian Tourism Awards Silver Award winner) in the historic Kelly Dining room. We’ll finish the afternoon high atop the ranges with a wine tasting at Sedona Estate.

Welcome Dinner 6:30 - 9:00pm

All three study tours will arrive back at Holmesglen at Eildon for a country style pot roast by the campfire including mulled wine, beers from Bonfire Station Brewery and bubbles from Snobbs Creek Wines.

Be ready for departure from Main Reception by 6:30pm to main campfire location. Please wear appropriate footwear and warm clothes. Beanies will be provided. Alternative location available in the event of inclement weather.

SUMMIT LOCATION

The Summit, Welcome Dinner and Gala Dinner will be held at: Holmesglen at Eildon 92 Moore Road, Eildon(03) 5774 2631

ACCOMMODATION

Holmesglen at Eildon are proudly supporting the VIS Summit and providing great accommodation rates on-site. To ensure the maximum number of persons can be accommodated on site, rooms at Holmesglen at Eildon will be sold on a twin, 3 and 4 share basis. Prices start at $90/night.

Single rooms have been secured at two nearby properties, with transfers to/from the venue included together with full buffet breakfasts at Holmesglen at Eildon. Prices start at $160/night.

Please contact the team at Holmesglen at Eildon for all accommodation bookings on 03 5774 2631 or eildon@holmesglen.edu.au.

Your Investment:Fee includes your choice of one of three full-day study tours, plenary keynotes, workshops, welcome dinner and gala dinner.

VTIC Member – Full Summit $525

Non-VTIC Member – Full Summit $725

VTIC Member – One Day $290

Non-VTIC Member – One Day $350

All prices include GST.