Leon Kantor, Co-Founder, FuturePlace

This session explores Sydney’s night-time economy through the latest insights from the Data After Dark platform. Using standardised metrics and comprehensive data, it highlights trends in consumer behaviour, venue profitability, and economic performance, offering actionable strategies to enhance collaboration, navigate regulations, and strengthen Sydney’s global nightlife reputation.

Michael Rodrigues, 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

This special address will explore how economic shifts and regulatory changes are reshaping the hospitality industry. Topics include the effects of rising interest rates, gaming laws, licensing changes, and increasing insurance and electricity costs on profitability and valuations. It will also touch on shrinking margins and immigration regulations impacting workforce availability, offering insights on how to navigate these challenges and stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.

John Whelan, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Hotels Association (AHA) NSW

Australia’s pub sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, particularly in the face of recent challenges. Many experts maintain an optimistic outlook for this sector, recognising its integral role in Australian culture and its potential for sustained growth. But what exactly is in store for 2025 and beyond? Will pubs continue to evolve from traditional watering holes into multifaceted establishments offering a blend of dining, entertainment, and retail experiences? And how will urban sprawl, growing regional populations and the growing “staycation” trend impact on the demand for local pubs?

• Hospitality Trends: What to look for in 2025?
• Reviewing trading performance, key operational challenges, current market appetite, opportunities and challenges
• How can Government & Pub owners collaborate to drive economic growth, culture & entertainment
• Looking at the future: what are the greatest opportunities ahead and how to realise them?

Panellists include:

Elliot Solomon, CEO, Solotel

Justin Tynan, COO, Twenty Eleven Group

Matt Toohey, Director of Property, Endeavour Group

Chris Mallalue, Chief Development Officer, Australian Venue Co

Moderated by:

Justine Baker, Director, JBakerCo

In this session we bring together delegates for a series of 40 minute facilitated round table discussions with leading industry experts. Join the table that interests you most to discuss hot topics and share ideas for tackling some of the biggest challenges on the road to success in Pubs and Hospitality Real Estate. The session will close with a 2-minute summation by each of the Roundtable leaders.

Round Table 1:            Creating and supporting safe work environments

Facilitated by: Lisa Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer, Swillhouse

Round Table 2:            Influencers, events & co-branded campaigns: The future of hospitality marketing

Facilitated by: Ben Collis, Head of Commercial & Marketing, The Boathouse Group

Round Table 3:            Partnering with landlords to maintain and enhance hospitality assets as A-grade leaseholds and structures

Facilitated by: Tom Francis, Managing Director, Francis Venues

Round Table 4:           How Smarter Training Drives ROI

Facilitated by: Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Allara Learning and Allara Global

Prof. Jane Burns, Mental Health and Wellbeing Expert, Jane Burns Consulting

Round Table 5:           Keeping It in the family: Navigating succession, legacy, and ownership in family-run pubs

Facilitated by: Richard Milroy, Founder & Executive Director, The Private Wealth Network (PWN)

Round Table 6:           Focus on hospitality real estate: what are the trends in pub, who, where are groups buying and expectations for year ahead

Facilitated by: Vanessa Rader, Head of Research, Ray White

Round Table 7:           Tech on tap – how AI and tech are helping venues elevate the guest experience

Facilitated by: Kris Satish, Group Chief Executive Officer, Oolio

Round Table 1: Creating and supporting safe work environments

Lisa Hobbs, CEO, Swillhouse

Round Table 2: Influencers, events & co-branded campaigns: The future of hospitality marketing

Ben Collis, Head of Commercial & Marketing, The Boathouse Group

Round Table 3: Partnering with landlords to maintain and enhance hospitality assets as A-grade leaseholds and structures

Tom Francis, Managing Director, Francis Venues

Round Table 4: Beyond Compliance: How Smarter Training Drives ROI

Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Allara Learning and Allara Global

Prof. Jane Burns, Mental Health and Wellbeing Expert, Jane Burns Consulting

Round Table 5: Keeping It in the family: Navigating succession, legacy, and ownership in family-run pubs

Richard Milroy, Founder & Executive Director, PWN (Private Wealth Network) & Knowledge Media

Round Table 6: Focus on hospitality real estate: what are the trends in pub, who, where are groups buying and expectations for year ahead

Vanessa Rader, Head of Research, Ray White

Round Table 7: Tech on tap - how AI and tech are helping venues elevate the guest experience

Kris Satish, Group Chief Executive Officer, Oolio

Creating safe and inclusive workplaces is vital to the success and sustainability of the hospitality industry. As the sector evolves, businesses are focusing more on fostering environments that prioritize employee well-being and building people-centric cultures. How can leaders address workplace challenges, meet safety expectations, and create businesses where people thrive?

• Evaluating the most significant workplace safety and culture initiatives in the past year
• How can employers balance operational demands with employee well-being and development?
• Reviewing the role of leadership in driving a people-first approach
• Exploring the intersection of workplace safety, inclusivity, governance, and long-term business success

Lisa Hobbs, CEO, Swillhouse

In this session, we’ll explore how cloud-based video surveillance, access control, and environmental sensors are helping hospitality venues stay ahead of incidents, streamline operations, and create safer, more welcoming spaces for patrons. Learn how the right technology can reduce risk, improve visibility, and give you peace of mind – without adding complexity.

• How pubs and hotels are using AI-powered cameras and sensors to keep guests safe.
• How to get better visibility across all your venues – without needing complicated systems.
• A quick live demo: see how you can find footage or manage access in seconds.

Chris Clock, Senior Regional Sales Manager - ANZ, Verkada

Craig Woolford, a renowned Senior Consumer and Discretionary Analyst, will explore the economic trends shaping consumer spending and their impact on the pub and hospitality sectors. Gain actionable strategies to navigate challenges, adapt to shifting behaviours, and drive profitability in a competitive market.

• Understanding the economic indicators influencing discretionary consumer spending
• Addressing challenges to pub revenue and identifying opportunities for growth
• Exploring strategies for adapting to changing consumer preferences
• Projecting future trends and their implications for the hospitality industry

Craig Woolford, Senior Analyst, Consumer Sector, MST Marquee

As the hospitality real estate sector attracts growing interest from investors, fund managers are tasked with balancing risk, maximizing returns, and adapting to market dynamics. This panel will explore key strategies for managing funds in a rapidly evolving industry, highlighting opportunities in acquisitions, redevelopment, and regional growth. Hear from industry leaders about how they’re navigating challenges and positioning their portfolios for success.

• Pub sector financial landscape & deals
• Why do investors like buying pubs?
• Identifying high-yield opportunities in acquisitions and redevelopment
• How pub assets are valued: key factors influencing price and market trends
• The growing importance of regional and mixed-use developments
• Adapting to regulatory changes and their impact on fund performance

Panellists include:

Ben Ellis, Retail CEO, Charter Hall

John White, Special Advisor, Bentall Green Oak (BGO)

Suzanne Jacobi, Former Chief Executive Officer, Eumundi Group

Lucia Grambalova, Chief Investment Officer - Head of Asset Management, Hotel Capital Partners

Moderated by:

Mark Pratt, Executive Director, Harvest Hospitality

James Lidis will engage in a conversation with hospitality group leaders to showcase standout examples from the sector, exploring the interplay between location, consumer behaviour, and asset valuation. From navigating gambling zones to tailoring offerings for diverse demographics, together they will highlight how location shapes profitability, growth, and operational strategies in the hospitality real estate industry.

• Comparing consumer behaviours and revenue drivers in CBD and regional locations to understand how location influences pub success.
• Examining the impact of gambling zones, government policies, and regulations on operations, asset valuations, and the industry’s future.
• Tailoring strategies to cater to diverse audiences, including women, local preferences, and varying demographics.
• Can attractive venues become destinations themselves for regional tourism?

James Thorpe, CEO, Odd Culture

Chris Cornforth, Chief Executive Officer, Harvest Hospitality

In conversation with:

James Lidis, Managing Director, Design Collaborative Urban Planning

In a competitive market, maximizing the potential of existing assets has become a key strategy for hospitality operators and investors. This panel will delve into how strategic refurbishments and upgrades can enhance property value, boost revenue streams, and improve guest experiences. From modernizing interiors to leveraging underutilized spaces, discover the innovative approaches reshaping the hospitality landscape.

• Leveraging design and technology to modernize and enhance guest experiences
• Optimising underutilized spaces such as rooftops, car parks, and back-of-house areas
• Balancing heritage preservation with contemporary upgrades
• Navigating planning and zoning challenges during refurbishment projects

Panellists include:

Antony (AJ) Jones, CEO, The Boathouse Group

Ben May, Founder, May Hospitality

Craig Shearer, Founder & CEO, Kickon Group

Tom Francis, Managing Director, Francis Venues

Moderated by:

Vanessa Rader, Head of Research, Ray White