Tips for tourism operators at major showcase

DARREN McLEAN

THE region’s biggest tourism conference, Bendigo NEXT, returns for 2025 next week.

Tailored for tourism professionals and businesses, the showcase will take place at the Quality Lakeside Hotel from 10am to 4pm on Monday 24 February.

It is being presented by Be.Bendigo in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and the Bendigo Tourism Board.

City economy and experience manager James Myatt described the conference as a must-attend event for businesses wanting to drive innovation, growth and success.

“This year’s Bendigo NEXT conference builds on its tourism-focused roots whilst incorporating dynamic business training seminars designed to appeal to a broader audience in the business community,” Mr Myatt said.

“From the latest trends to practical tools for growth, this event is packed with insightful presentations, interactive workshops, strategies, and a networking session to connect and build new partnerships.”

Bendigo Tourism chair Kath Bolitho will MC the day.

The program includes Victorian Tourism Industry and Council Updates and the Future of Business with AI by Despina Karatzias of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, a session on upgrading the NBN across the Bendigo region with NBN Local Victoria/Tasmania head Emily Peel, and Workforce Requirements and Opportunities with Martin Collins of the Victorian Skills Authority.

Bendigo Heritage Attractions will lead a session called Attracting Multicultural Visitors to Bendigo, while the City of Greater Bendigo’s community engagement officer Angela McKinley will deliver the Accessible Content for Businesses session.

Bendigo Art Gallery curator Lauren Ellis, Bendigo Venues and Events manager Julie Amos, City major events manager Nicole McNamara, and destination and experience manager Glenn Harvey will lead a discussion on highlights and opportunities in the region in 2025.

Incoming Be.Bendigo CEO Hayley Tibbett said the program offered something for everyone.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with the City of Greater Bendigo to deliver the 2025 Bendigo NEXT conference,” Ms Tibbett said.

“This is a dynamic and forward-thinking event that builds on its tourism-focused expertise with new elements to support small business owners and entrepreneurs.

“The program will deliver a wide range of topics from expert-led presentations on critical topics like AI, workforce development, [and] multicultural tourism, to interactive workshops on finance, marketing, and customer service tailored to your business needs.”

Ms Tibbett said the conference will be more accessible than ever and has been designed to deliver practical insights and meaningful connections that will help businesses thrive.

“We encourage tourism professionals, small business owners and innovators across all industries to join us for a day of learning, inspiration and networking,” she said.

Bendigo NEXT stands for Networking, Emerging trends, experiences and Technology.

Registrations can be submitted at events.humanitix.com/bendigo-next-2025.