Events

Explore Tourism Through the Power of Sport!

Join us for Beyond The Game: Tourism Through Sport—a dynamic panel event hosted by the Young Tourism Network (YTN), spotlighting the fast-growing world of sport tourism.

Hear from industry ambassadors working at the intersection of events, travel, and sport as they share their career journeys, insights, and tips for breaking into this exciting field. Whether you’re a student, graduate, or early-career professional, this is your chance to discover how sport is shaping the future of tourism in Victoria.

Meet our speakers:

Emilie Cutler, Coordinator Visitor Economy and Events at Bass Coast Shire Council

Hugh Bowman, Partnerships Strategy & Insights Lead at Tennis Australia

Olivia Newman, Digital Marketing Specialist at Netball Australia

 

Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Location: The Melbourne Public – Citizen, South Wharf
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tickets: $5 YTN Members | $15 Non-Members
Inclusions: Enjoy a welcome drink and a selection of savoury bites

Connect with industry leaders, grow your network, and explore the possibilities beyond the game.

Click here to register now!

Events

In celebration of International Women’s Day, join us for an inspiring evening featuring an all-women panel of industry experts sharing their insights into sales, career growth, and leadership in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Meet Our Speakers:

‍Caroline Vézeau – Business Development Manager, Park Hyatt Melbourne

‍Ashlee Zhang – Regional Sales Manager, Veriu Group | Veriu Hotels & Suites

‍Sarah O’Brien – Business Development Manager, brochuresDM & Big Red Group

 

Gain valuable knowledge, connect with like-minded professionals, and celebrate the incredible contributions of women in our industry.

 

Tickets: $15 YTN Members, $20 for non-members

Inclusions: Light refreshments

Where: Imperial Bourke Street – Parliament room (upstairs)

When: 6pm – 9pm 

 

Stay tuned on our socials for speaker highlights in the lead-up to the event!

Click here to register now!

Events

Kick off 2025 with YTN’s first event of the year! Join us for a vibrant evening of networking and cultural exchange as we welcome 40 International Master of Tourism students from Breda University in the Netherlands.

This unique event is the perfect opportunity to:

  • Expand your professional network with local and international tourism enthusiasts.
  • Exchange ideas and insights about the global tourism industry.
  • Enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere with drinks, light bites, and great company.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this event offers the chance to make meaningful connections and set the tone for a successful year ahead.

Tickets: YTN Members FREE, $10 for non-members

Inclusions: Welcome drink & Light refreshments

Where: Yarra Botanica, Upper Deck

When: 5:30pm – 7:30pm 

 

Click here to register! We can’t wait to see you there!

 

Don’t forget to download the The Pass app to unlock your exclusive YTN member discount on food and drink purchases across all Australian Venue Co. locations, available for use anytime. For more information, check out the Membership Discounts section in the YTN member portal

Events

We are excited to host the first collaboration event between Young Tourism Network and Youth Tourism Victoria!

Join us at the Duke of Wellington from 6pm on Thursday 28 November to celebrate 2024.

Tickets include a drink on arrival, light canapes and the chance to win a host of excellent door prizes. Further drinks available at bar prices.

This is your chance to make and grow connections and friendships across both organisations.

Your ticket also includes access to the official afterparty, hosted by Nomads St Kilda. Make your own way to Red Eye Bar, St Kilda for a drink on arrival and further drinks at bar prices.

Tickets are limited so get yours while you can.

 

Tickets: $10 for YTN and YTV members, $15 for non-members

Where: Duke of Wellington, 2/146 Flinders St, Melbourne

When: 6pm Thursday 28th November

Afterparty: Nomads St Kilda, 17 Carlisle St, St Kilda from 10pm

 

Click here to register! We can’t wait to see you there.

 

YTN and YTV are proud to partner with Australian Venue Co and Nomads St Kilda for this event.

Events

Take Charge of Your Professional Development

Join us for an interactive 2-hour workshop designed to help you take control of your professional journey, no matter where you are starting from. Valued at $250, this workshop is available for just $20 for members and $40 for non-members. Led by Alex Dugdale, the session will explore how to identify your strengths and develop the skills needed to stand out and grow in your career.

You’ll gain practical strategies for building confidence, setting goals, and navigating your path forward—whether you’re just beginning your career, looking to step up, or considering future leadership roles. This workshop is all about setting the right foundation for success and helping you make progress toward your personal and professional goals.

About Alex Dugdale

Alex’s career is dedicated to helping people unlock their potential and drive positive change. With extensive experience in mentoring and leadership, Alex has worked with a diverse range of teams and individuals across Australia, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond. He has a proven track record in creating strategies that enhance professional growth, boost performance, and support meaningful career development.

Now, through his company LiftUp Leadership, Alex empowers people at all stages of their careers to find clarity and take action. With two decades of experience in sales, customer success, and leadership, he brings valuable insights to help you elevate your own professional journey.

Where will the event be held?

This event will be held at William Angliss Institute, located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD at 555 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000. Click here to see the map. The conference room details will be provided in the confirmation email.

Who’s invited?

This workshop is open to everyone—whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply passionate about leadership. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and take the next step in their journey.

Attend as a YTN member for $20, non-members $40 (valued at $250)

Date: Thursday, 24 October

Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm (workshop 6 – 8pm)

Location: William Angliss Institute, 555 La Trobe St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Light refreshments provided

Click here to register!

Events

We’re thrilled to announce a special event celebrating the new partnership between Intrepid Travel and the Young Tourism Network!

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain an exclusive look into what it’s like to work for Intrepid, directly from three of their inspiring leaders. The panel discussion will cover career journeys, industry insights, and the future of travel—including a deep dive into Intrepid’s unique beyond profit approach.

On the night you will hear from;

– Jordyn Hoekstra, People Partner

– Jessica Wardell, Purpose Specialist 

–  Samantha McQueen, Australia & New Zealand Marketing Manager

–  Rowan Waters, Subject Matter Expert – Product Team

Keep an eye out on our socials to learn more about the panel members

Date: Tuesday, 24th September

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Intrepid Head Office Melbourne – Level 7, 567 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Ticket includes delicious refreshments to celebrate the partnership. 

Tickets: $10 for members | $20 for non-members. 

Don’t miss out—secure your spot now! Click here to register.

Events

Join us for another Tourism Ambassador Event!

Connect with your fellow emerging tourism network at our Tourism Ambassador networking night. Learn our panellists’ stories, who have a wide range of experiences working in the tourism industry.

 

Meet the panellists:

Jessica Horton, Go West Tours

Jessica embarked on her tourism career with a Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality from La Trobe University. Starting with an internship at Go West Tours, she swiftly progressed through roles in reservations, accounts, marketing, and relationship management.

Her career highlight came when she successfully integrated teams from a competitor post-acquisition during the challenging COVID-19 era, where she also gained diverse experience at the Taxation Office, as a contractor, and at Zoos Victoria.

Now as General Manager at Go West Tours, Jessica oversees all aspects of operations. Accepted into the Melbourne Tourism Leadership Program for 2024, she aims to empower young women in tourism, fostering inclusive leadership and innovation. Jessica is excited to collaborate with fellow ambassadors to shape the future of tourism leadership.

George Kopelis, Intrepid Travel

During his Arts/Commerce degree, George initially worked at Bunyip Tours selling day trips, finding tourism appealing but not yet considering it a career path. However, after graduation, an opportunity at Intrepid combined his economics background with practical experience in tour operations, proving to be an ideal fit. The challenges of Covid-19 were substantial; managing cancellations during travel restrictions tested his resilience, but the reopening of borders reignited his passion for the industry.

A unique aspect of George’s career includes a brief stint as a graduate journalist, a long-time goal that he quickly realized wasn’t his calling. Tourism has since proven to be a more fulfilling and fitting career path.

George is motivated to become an ambassador to share his journey and enthusiasm for the tourism industry, aiming to inspire others to consider this dynamic and rewarding field.

Ronae Jennings, Departments of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Ronae has built a dynamic career in tourism, marked by multiple interstate moves and diverse roles. Starting with Qantas Holidays, she excelled in reservations, product management, sales, and airport operations, including as an Airport Manager in Alice Springs and Darwin. After 20 years representing the Qantas brand, she took a career break to explore new opportunities, such as managing exclusive dining events on Kangaroo Island.

Now, as an Aboriginal Tourism Adviser, she is working on the potential of a First Peoples Tourism Industry Body and has been involved in the community engagement around this. Ronae’s passion for the industry and commitment to diversity drives her to inspire others, particularly First Peoples, to recognise and pursue the broad and fulfilling career paths available in tourism.

Zippi Bryan, Punthill Apartments | Veriu Group

Zippi’s tourism career highlights include transforming her team members from a Super Host (Duty Manager) into a Junior Hotel Manager at Punthill Essendon (removed North), fostering team collaboration and earning accolades like Hotel Manager of the Year nomination. She led Punthill Essendon to win Hotel of the Year and her team member winning Super Host of the Year also.

Known for community engagement, Zippi forged strong local connections and navigated the successful launch of Punthill Essendon North despite challenges, achieving impressive occupancy and revenue milestones. Her path from front office, through reservations and revenue before returning to operations underscores a commitment to guest service. As an ambassador, Zippi aims to inspire young professionals by showcasing diverse career paths and promoting collaborative networking in the industry.

Enjoy canapes and welcome drinks included.

Attend as a YTN member for $10, non-members $20.

Date: Wednesday, 31 July

Time: 5.30pm to 9pm

Location: Hop Bar and Garden, Beer Deluxe, Federation Square

Click here to register!

Events

Events

Join us in Ballarat for an evening of connection and learning. We will be exploring the interactions between community and the visitor economy and the opportunity that connecting the two can create for the future of tourism.

 

Experience a behind the scenes tour of Itinerant Spirits and an introduction from the team about their experiences setting up the distillery here in Ballarat.

 

Meet our ambassador keynote:

Madeleine Sawyer

Sustainable Destination Development Officer, Tourism Midwest Victoria

As a proud advocate of tourism as a profession, Madeleine has taken on roles across the industry in the accommodation sector, the caravan and camping industry, in research and industry development. She is passionate about the important role that the visitor economy plays in telling the story of a region, culture and people, all the while enriching the lives of the community when developed and managed in a sustainable manner. In her current role at Tourism Midwest Victoria, she is working to empower and advocate these benefits for the Ballarat region through tourism product and industry development.
Maddy is also the recipient of VTIC’s prestigious Lynette Bergin Award and has just returned from Europe where she was conducting field research on tourism best practice, in search of visitor experiences developed with community benefits in mind.

 

Typsy micro-credentialing 

You’ll also hear from the team at Typsy. Their role is to provide Victorian businesses with a micro-credentialing program that provides fundamental customer service, hospitality and tourism skilling solutions. The program aims to provide an opportunity to support workers and workplaces across Victoria by providing focused training in specific customer service skills to better support employees and businesses to adopt innovations and improve productivity.

 

Enjoy food and drinks included.

Attend for free as a YTN member or non-member.

 

Date: Wednesday, 5 June

Time: 5.30pm to 8pm

Location: Itinerant Spirits, The Goods Shed, Lydiard Street North, Ballarat

Click here to register!

 

We are proudly partnering with Typsy to deliver this event.

This event is part of our Choose Tourism program – an Australian Government initiative.



Events

Connect with your fellow emerging tourism network at our Tourism Ambassador networking night. Learn our panelists’ career stories, working in content development, marketing and partnerships.

 

Meet the panelists:
Amy Gardner, Freelance Tourism Communications Specialist

With over a decade of tourism industry experience Amy has developed a strong passion for creating and promoting exceptional visitor experiences across Australia. She works on a freelance basis consulting in communications, digital marketing, copywriting and social media management with the wonderful team at CK PR, the Melbourne’s biggest family travel site TOT: Hot or Not and also Western Melbourne Tourism Inc, among other projects.She has also launched her own travel platform called Seniors in Melbourne and can be regularly found exploring Melbourne’s sites with her parents to create insightful travel tips for retirees visiting Melbourne. This flexibility has allowed her to follow her dreams of being a mum, and also pursuing her own entrepreneurial goals.

Amy is a YTN advocate and is passionate about supporting new industry professionals, as well as volunteering with the passionate crew at West Welcome Wagon who provide support and material goods to asylum seekers in our community.

 

Ashley Woodrow, Puffing Billy

Ash has a rich background in Communication Design, Marketing, and Business Development. Currently, Ash is at the heart of all things Marketing, Tourism, and Functions at Puffing Billy Railway. As their Marketing Executive, she thrives in the world of inbound markets, product development, and uncovering industry trends. Her ability to streamline multi-department processes and create memorable brand marketing experiences sets her apart.

Beyond the office, Ash proudly wears the hat of a mum to twin boys. She admits that her Puffing Billy team is easier to please than her two toddler bosses. Yet, the immeasurable return on investment she gains from motherhood fuels her drive. Ash’s inspiration comes from her zest for exploring the world, conquering challenges, and being surrounded by game-changers. With her expertise and passion, she’s charting a remarkable course in the realms of Marketing and Tourism.

 

Natalie Babic, Parks Victoria

Natalie kicked off her tourism career with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Event Management/Tourism Management, and found a passion for Victoria’s tourism industry. She has had roles with Zoos Victoria, Melbourne Skydeck, Puffing Billy and is currently the Domestic Marketing Executive at Parks Victoria. So far, she has taken on roles in partnerships, operations, retail, ticketing, social media and content creation and campaign development. 

Some of her career highlights so far include working with the Starlight Foundation hosting famils, product development for High Tea Express (partnering with a lovely local business) and Dog Express (yes, you CAN bring your dog on Puffing Billy Railway), and setting up Melbourne Skydeck’s first photography competition. With her varied experiences, Natalie now loves an all-rounder job where she can see various touch points that come together.

 

Meet our MC: James Tranter

James is a self confessed YTN advocate, getting his first tourism job in Melbourne at Eureka Skydeck at a YTN event. He has been working at Melbourne Cricket Club for five years and oversees visitation to the MCG Tours and Australian Sports Museum and all things tourism. He’s also had roles in marketing, operations and sales and volunteered on the YTN committee.

 

Enjoy canapes and welcome drinks included.

Attend as a YTN member for free, non-members $20.

 

Date: Thursday, 9 May

Time: 5.30pm to 9pm

Location: Hop Bar and Garden, Beer Deluxe, Federation Square

Click here to register!

 

Choose Tourism – An Australian Government Initiative

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