Interview: Setting the Standard for Generations

As one of the nation’s most well regarded publicans for the last 60 years, Arthur Laundy will reflect on his career, as well as remark on the current state of the industry. His daughter, Danielle Richardson, will discuss the multi-generational operations of the award-winning pub group.

Arthur Laundy and Danielle Richardson, Directors, Laundy Hotels
In conversation with Vanessa Cavasinni

Panel: Food (and Beverage) For Thought

This session will cover: the demand for value amid rising costs and shrinking margins, the effects of excise and how occasions and activations are driving sales.

James Ingram, Managing Director, Peninsula Hospitality
Brett Robinson, CEO, The Point
Rachael Paul, Director, Working Holiday Hospitality
Stephen Ferguson, National CEO, Australian Hotels Association

Panel: Creating the Right Team Culture

How big of an impact is team culture having on your business? What are the elements of your business that would encourage the right people to work for your venue and stick around? Our panel will discuss.

Elliot Solomon, CEO, Solotel
Professor Jane Burns, NTIA Chair/Allara Learning Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
Paula Hammond, CPO, Sonnel Hospitality
Dr Anna Kiaos, Founder Mind Culture Life/UNSW professor
Luke Butler, Managing Director, Hastings (Moderator)

Panel: Technological Advances in a Human-Centric Industry:

The technological arsenal that venues can employ continues to grow and evolve at rapid pace, allowing hospitality operations to improve efficiencies, grow sales and reduce unnecessary costs. The panel will look at questions like where is AI helpful and where it is not, what data is useful for analysis, and when do we have to focus more on the human side of the sector?

John James, Operations, Momento Hospitality
More speakers to be announced

The Future of Competitive Socialising (Presentation):

Social competitive products have been making waves in Aussie venues in the last 18 months, but where is the sector headed next?

Stephen Wool, CCO/Co-founder, Ballers Clubhouse

Interview: Going All In on the Waterside Hotel

After selling up all but one of its award-winning portfolio of Melbourne pubs, the Sand Hill Road team spent three years planning and building one stunning venue concept that drew on 25 years of hospitality knowledge.

Andy Mullins, Director, Sand Hill Road

Case Study: The Four Forces Shaping Australian Venues:

Looking through the lens of Waterside Hotel, Ben Williams breaks down the importance of frictionless guest experience; smarter loyalty and communication; operational efficiency as a margin lever; and platform thinking over silo solutions.

Ben Williams, Group Director – Pubs, Clubs and Hotels, Oolio

Presentations/Panel: Activating Your Venue

In an increasingly competitive landscape, venues need to find innovative ways to draw people to their venues. Activations and events are becoming ever more important in bringing new interest and patronage to venues – as well as getting them to stick around for longer and spending more.

Rachael Paul, Director, Working Holiday Hospitality
Kayla Seeney, General Manager, Camden Valley Inn

Panel: Rooms for Growth:

Accommodation is a revenue stream that has grown in demand among publicans. Our panel will discuss what it takes to do pub accommodation well, and how you can grow your business with it.

Steven Speed, Managing Director, WDS Hotels
Cathy Fitzgibbons, Director, The Glen Hotel
Anna Hurley, Publican, Hurley Hotel Group

Panel: The Investment Outlook

The frequency and value of pub transactions has picked up steam in 2026 – will this be sustained in H2 and beyond? How will macroeconomic factors influence pub investment, and what are operators and investors looking for in the long term? Our panel will discuss.

Tim Fitzgerald, COO, Sonnel Hospitality
Elliot Solomon, CEO, Solotel
Chris Cornforth, CEO, Harvest Hospitality