For the first time in its history, Byron Bay will host the North Coast Tourism Symposium, with the 2025 event set to take place on Thursday 31 July at the iconic Byron Theatre.
Presented by Destination North Coast, the annual Symposium brings together regional tourism operators, industry leaders and policymakers to explore the evolving landscape of travel across the North Coast. It’s a key opportunity for the sector to connect, exchange ideas and shape strategic direction, but this year’s event carries added significance.
In 2025, the Byron Community Centre, home to the Byron Theatre, marks 130 years of service to the Byron Bay community. This milestone adds deeper meaning to the Symposium’s location.
Founded in 1895 as the Byron Bay School of Arts, the Centre was created to enrich the lives of locals through education, creativity and civic engagement. These are values that still guide its work today. Over more than a century, it has evolved into a dynamic, community-owned hub for arts, culture and essential support services.
“Hosting the Symposium during our 130th year is not only timely, it’s symbolic. This building has always been a space where people come together to learn, listen and imagine what’s possible. To now welcome the tourism industry into that space feels like a natural and exciting extension of our story.”
For Byron, the event is not just about showcasing the town as a destination, it’s about recognising the role that culture and community play in the sustainability of regional tourism.
“This is more than a day of speakers and panels,” Howell said. “It’s a reminder that great visitor economies are built on strong local communities. Byron has long been a place people are drawn to, not just for the landscape, but for the spirit of the place. And Byron Community Centre has always been at the heart of that.”
Over the decades, the Byron Community Centre has delivered a unique blend of cultural programming and grassroots support. It operates Fletcher Street Cottage, offering vital services to people experiencing homelessness, as well as hosting events, theatre, music, workshops and festivals that enrich the town’s cultural identity.
The Byron Theatre itself is a recognised venue for independent performance, film and ideas, regularly featuring local and touring artists. For many, it represents the authentic, community-led side of Byron that visitors increasingly seek out.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the venue for this year’s Symposium,” Howell added. “It’s a moment to reflect on the legacy of the Centre and to invite industry leaders into a space that truly represents what Byron is about.”
The one-day Symposium will include a curated programme of keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities under the theme “Inspire! Shaping Tomorrow’s Visitor Economy.” Topics will focus on innovation, resilience and collaboration in the face of industry shifts.
Tickets to the 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium are now available.
Tickets: 2025 North Coast Tourism Symposium and Regional Tourism Awards Gala
As the Centre celebrates 130 years of community spirit and cultural leadership, this event marks another meaningful chapter. One that places Byron firmly at the centre of the region’s tourism conversation.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 31 July 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Byron Theatre, Byron Community Centre
Location: 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Evening Event: North Coast Regional Tourism Awards Gala
Time: From 6:00 PM
Venue: Elements of Byron, 144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay
Presented by: Destination North Coast, in partnership with Byron Shire Council
Tickets: Available via Humanitix – events.humanitix.com/2025-north-coast-tourism-symposium-and-gala-awards-dinner
Enquiries: info@dncnsw.com | +61 2 6622 7429
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