Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the full line-up of international speakers and cruise industry leaders for its Cruise360 Australasia conference next month.

Under this year’s theme Riding the Wave, the event has been designed to give delegates all the insight and inspiration they need to thrive in a resurgent Australasian cruise market.

More than 20 speakers and panellists will take to the stage at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre on Thursday 7 September, the first time the event has been held in Queensland.

Hosted by television and radio presenter James O’Loghlin, the sell-out conference will bring together an audience of almost 600 delegates, including CLIA travel agents, cruise line executives and industry supporters from across Australia and New Zealand.

Visiting international presenters will include Pam Hoffee (Avalon Waterways), Nirmal Saverimuttu (Virgin Voyages), Adam Coulter (Cruise Critic), Patrice Willoughby (Azamara Cruises), Robin West (Seabourn), Lee Haslett (Celestyal Cruises) and Craig Upshall (Qatar Tourism).

The event will also include CLIA’s annual Industry Leaders Panel, featuring CLIA Australasia Chairman Ben Angell (Norwegian Cruise Line); Marguerite Fitzgerald (Carnival Australia) and Gavin Smith (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd).

CLIA managing director in Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference was shaping up to be one of the industry’s best.

“Our theme is Riding the Wave, and everything we offer at Cruise360 has been designed to help delegates reach the crest and fully capitalise on cruising’s renewed prosperity,” Katz said. “We’ve gathered an impressive cast of respected travel agency leaders, cruise line innovators, sales experts and expedition leaders who will inspire our delegates and equip them with the best possible insight to drive their success.”

Key sessions at Cruise360 Australasia 2022 will include:

Industry Leaders Panel – exploring the cruise industry’s rapid revival, future outlook and ongoing strength, with Ben Angell (CLIA chairman in Australasia and VP & managing director of Norwegian Cruise Line APAC), Marguerite Fitzgerald (president, Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia), and Gavin Smith (VP & managing director Australia & New Zealand, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd).

Rivers as a Life Source – Avalon Waterways President Pam Hoffee will explain how the life of the river inspires the visitor, how an evolution in river cruising is enhancing the experience, and what opportunities this presents for the travel agent.

Sailing with a new mindset – The evolving cruise landscape offers more diversity in experiences than ever before. In this conversation, Virgin Voyages President and Chief Experience Officer Nirmal Saverimuttu will explain how to identify and target modern cruise customers, including the all-important new-to-cruise customer.

What do Cruisers Want – Cruise Critic’s Adam Coulter and Vanessa Green share insights from across the industry, looking at how today’s travel environment has changed and the ways in which familiar patterns of the past have been disrupted.

Demystifying Sustainability – Ecotourism Australia Chief Executive Elissa Keenan helps unpack what sustainability really means for a travel agent, and what tools are available for agents to prepare for the future.

Destinations = Opportunities – A panel of seasoned destination and cruise itinerary specialists will explore how new shores are reshaping the cruising landscape and why travel agents should seize this opportunity to elevate their business prospects.

Dinosaur or Dream Designer – A panel discussion of cruise line executives and cruise specialist agents will explain why today’s agents need a clearer understanding of their customers’ post-pandemic needs and an ability to align these with their own strengths.

Up the Ante and Inspire – In this panel discussion, cruise line executives and experienced cruise agents will explore ways to elevate your cruise business, maximise revenue and expand clients’ options in the ever-evolving cruise industry.

The Power of Relationships – Thought-leader Amanda Stevens combines current consumer insights with fascinating research into buying behaviour, explaining how to focus on building your personal brand, delivering powerful strategies for connecting with your customers, and developing enduring relationships.

The Cruise360 Australasia conference and trade show will be held at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane on Thursday 7 September, 2023. Delegates will also be invited to a welcome cocktail reception at Howard Smith Wharves on Wednesday 6 September, hosted by Tourism & Events Queensland, Port of Brisbane and Brisbane Economic Development Agency.