Destination Byron 2026 Tourism Symposium

Every year Destination Byron hosts a tourism symposium to bring together stakeholders in the local visitor economy for a day of inspiration, education and connection.

Destination Byron’s 2026 Annual Symposium returning on Thursday June 25th.

Join us for a full day of inspiration, insight, and action as we shape the future of Byron Bay together. This year’s symposium features an exceptional mix of keynote speakers, expert panels, and interactive sessions designed to spark ideas and drive collaboration.  Our theme this year is “Naturally Byron: Growing a World-Class Visitor Economy”.

9:00 am – Morning Momentum

• Welcome to Country

• Strategic overview of Destination Byron

• Byron Shire Council – Update

• Keynote - Brisbane 2032 Olympics opportunity and overview - Rebecca Masci

• STR – Data Update - Paul Hammond from STR, a CoStar Group

• Business Events Presentation - Petrina Maxwell - Agent 86 Events

• Panel – Delivery Luxury Travel Experiences

• Regional Night-Time Economy Grant

• Byron Writers Festival Update & Learnings

Lunch & Local Connections

• Working-style lunch designed to foster networking and idea-sharing

Afternoon – Tools for Impact

• Keynote - Wild at Heart - Nick Baker, CEO, Reflections Holidays

• Keynote - Futurist Simon Kuestenmacher - Brisbane 2032/ Byron Region Focus – latest situation, forecast and opportunities / Q&A

• Live feedback and Q&A to shape Byron’s next steps

2:50 pm - Symposium concludes
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3:00 pm - Networking Drinks
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4:30 pm - Event end

Speakers:

Simon Kuestenmacher

Returning to the Destination Byron Symposium this year, Simon Kuestenmacher from The Demographics Group will unpack the latest demographic, consumer and tourism data shaping Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers.

One of Australia’s leading data and trend commentators, Simon will also explore how Brisbane 2032 could impact Byron Shire — from infrastructure and visitation growth through to business, lifestyle and regional opportunities.

Known for turning complex data into engaging real-world insights, Simon’s sessions are always a symposium highlight.

Rebecca Masci

We’re excited to welcome Rebecca Masci to this year’s Destination Byron Symposium.One of the first employees appointed to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, Rebecca has spent more than two decades working across mega sporting events, infrastructure and regional development.Rebecca will explore how Brisbane 2032 could shape tourism, infrastructure, investment and international attention across South-East Queensland and Northern NSW — and why Byron Shire has an important role to play in the decade ahead.A must-attend session for businesses, tourism operators and community leaders looking to understand the future opportunities for our region.

Paul Hammond

Destination Byron Symposium will feature Paul Hammond from STR, a CoStar Group company presenting a Byron Shire-specific update on the latest tourism and accommodation data shaping our region.

With 30+ years in global tourism and hospitality, including senior roles with Hyatt, IHG, Booking.com and Expedia Group, Paul brings deep international experience across hotel performance, travel platforms and major global events.

His session will translate STR’s benchmarking data into clear insights on visitation trends, market performance and opportunities for Byron’s visitor economy.

JOIN DESTINATION BYRON

Destination Byron offers FREE membership to all Byron Shire participants in the region’s visitor economy.

Membership Update Form — Destination Byron

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