Roundtable events to support tourism industry

TOURISM Midwest Victoria is hosting three roundtable events this month designed to connect likeminded people in the region.

It will begin on Monday 11 August with a business events roundtable at the Mercure Ballarat before an event focused on accommodation at the George Hotel on Tuesday 12 August.

The sessions will conclude on Monday 18 August with a roundtable about attractions to be held at Kryal Castle.

The events will provide a chance for businesses to speak with experts and discuss topics relevant to each sector.

Sovereign Park Motor Inn owner and Tourism Midwest board member Tim Canny said it’s important to have relationships with local businesses.

“If we can build some relationships around with nearby hotels, if we’re full we will recommend guests go to a nearby hotel or motel that we have a relationship with,” he said.

“Those referrals are really valuable for both parties.”

The discussions, particularly the business events roundtable, will also outline how artificial intelligence can enhance business opportunities.

“It’s all about leveraging and harnessing AI to enhance our role and elevate our events spaces,” Mr Canny said.

Mr Canny has attended several roundtable events and he said they provide a chance to see how businesses have overcome challenges.

“They’re really good for almost forcing you to talk about the challenges you have within your business and learning a bit about how people troubleshoot some of those problems,” he said.

“It’s really valuable conversations that do occur.”

The events are part of Commerce Ballarat’s B31 August business festival and align with the B31 Ballarat Business Festival program.

To register for one of the free roundtable discussions, visit Tourism Midwest Victoria website.