Join us for an engaging evening of industry insight as we explore accessibility, inclusion and visitor experience within the tourism, hospitality and events industries. Through lived experience and real-world case studies, this event will highlight how tourism professionals and organisations are working to create more accessible experiences for all visitors.

The evening will feature a keynote presentation by Oliver Hunter, a disability advocate and podcaster fresh off his run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. His keynote speech, Making It Work – Navigating a World Not Built for You, draws on his own personal experiences navigating tourism, travel and everyday environments with a disability. 

Attendees will also hear from industry representatives who will share practical case studies about accessibility initiatives they have undertaken within their own organisations, highlighting how accessibility considerations can be incorporated into planning, design and visitor experience delivery in meaningful and achievable ways.

The discussion will explore topics such as:

• Greater understanding of accessibility challenges within tourism, hospitality and events 
• The importance of designing inclusive visitor experiences
• Practical ways to improve accessibility within the industry
• Real-world examples of accessibility initiatives in action
• How tourism professionals can incorporate accessibility into their own roles and organisations

Designed for tourism, hospitality and events professionals, emerging industry leaders and students, this event offers the opportunity to gain practical insights, hear directly from people working in this space, and connect with fellow students, professionals and industry leaders.

Meet the Speakers: 

Oliver Hunter – Keynote Speaker 

Living with cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair, Oliver has a different view of the world around him (literally – he’s lower). Performing stand up comedy – although he’s never actually stood up – Oliver has been cracking jokes about disability for over 10 years. Entertaining crowds from all major cities in Australia to Dallas, Seattle and L.A in the United States. While not wearing his comedian hat, Oliver is a disability awareness consultant and advocate, keynote speaker and podcast host, always aiming to break down barriers and improve the lives of all people living with a disability. In other words: “the guy you get when you can’t afford Dylan Alcott”.

Sasina Chomsuwan – Business Case Study Presenter 

Hear from Sasina, Customer Service Manager at The District Docklands, about the development of The District’s Art Trail – a free, accessible, self-guided journey launching at The District Docklands. Designed as an inclusive experience for all, The District’s Art Trail incorporates tactile elements, audio guides, braille plaques, and ongoing sensory developments, inviting visitors to see, hear, and feel art in their own unique way. In this session, Sasina will share insights into their journey of making the attraction a truly inclusive public art experience. 

Zangi Dinh – Business Case Study Presenter

Zangi is a pracademic who combines extensive industry experience with academic scholarship in tourism and hospitality. With several years of experience in senior leadership roles within the hotel industry and a current position in higher education, Zangi bridges the gap between industry practice and academic research. In this presentation, Zangi discusses how the pursuit of visual appeal can sometimes come at the expense of accessibility and inclusion. Too often, accessibility is considered too late in the design process, resulting in beautifully curated experiences that unintentionally exclude guests with disabilities. Zangi challenges hospitality professionals to rethink what “good experience design” really means and invites a shift from purely visual appeal to holistic guest experiences that are seamless, meaningful and accessible – because exceptional hospitality should never come with barriers.

Jacinta O’Malley – Business Case Study Presenter 

Jacinta is Senior Events Coordinator at City of Melbourne, overseeing major events across Melbourne’s CBD. She has a strong focus on access and inclusion, working to ensure Melbourne’s events are welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Event Details: 

Date: Wednesday 1 July
Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Location: Garden State Hotel (The Observatory – Top Floor), 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Cost: Free for YTN Members, $20 for non-members 

Accessibility Information:

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event environment.

The venue is accessible via lift, with accessible toilets available within the event space. 

If you have accessibility requirements or require assistance to attend, please contact us when registering for the event so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Register Here

Don’t forget to download the The Pass app to unlock your exclusive YTN member discount on food and drink purchases on the night and across all Australian Venue Co. locations, available for use anytime.

For more information, check out the Membership Discounts section in the YTN member portal