Event
IACC Asia Pacific Study Tour – Sydney
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Purpose-Driven Hospitality: Designing Experiences that Matter — From Kitchen to Client Experience
This year’s theme, Purpose-Driven Hospitality, Designing Experiences that Matter spotlights a holistic approach to hospitality. We’ll explore how every function, from front-of-house and food service to sales and marketing, plays a vital role in creating more meaningful, intentional, and profitable guest experiences.
Capture the spirit of intentional gathering, drawing inspiration from Phil Preston’s focus on purpose-driven leadership and Priya Parker’s emphasis on purposeful gatherings. It sets the perfect stage to examine how hospitality and venue management can evolve to deliver experiences that truly matter and leave a lasting impact.
Speakers
Day One
Phil Preston
Director
Phil Preston
Purpose Driven Gatherings:
Going Deeper to Elevate Event Outcomes
Steve McKenzie
Chief Innovation Officer
Momentus
The Future of Venues:
Global Insights on Technology’s Transformative Impact
Jessica Christiansen-Franks
Founder & CEO
Neighbourlytics & Director of Wade Institute of Entrepreneurship
Cultivating Bold Ideas:
How Passion and Strategic Leadership Inspire Entrepreneurial Success
Klara von Bertouch
Senior Manager
Space & Co (GPT Group)
Event MC & Presenter
From Intention to Impact
Day Two
Andrew Everingham
Founder & CEO
Capital e
The Future of Gathering:
What Venues Must Do Now
Peter Merrett
Founder
Peter Merrett & The House of Wonderful
Bringing Wonder To Life:
The Magic Connection of Everyday Excellence
Jess Quiney
Head of Strategy APAC
Project Worldwide
Impact Unleashed (Measurement Methods)
A new way to measure the effectiveness of physical experiences.
James Bennett
Director of Creative Technologies
Project Worldwide
Impact Unleashed (Measurement Methods)
A new way to measure the effectiveness of physical experiences.
Participating Venues
Day One
Chat GPT Space & Co
Level 1, Tower 1/201 Sussex St Sydney
JP Morgan
85 Castlereagh Street Sydney
Cliftons Margaret Street
Level 13/60 Margaret Street, Sydney
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Cliftons Spring Street
Level 3/10 Spring Street, Sydney
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Day Two
Karstens
Level 1, 111 Harrington Street, Sydney
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Australian Museum
Level 4 / 1 William Street Darlinghurst
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Agenda
DAY 1 – 16 Feb 2026
9:00 to 9:30am – Registration/Arrival of Conference Guests at GPT Space & Co.
9:30am to 9:45am – Conference Welcome & Commencement
9:45am to 10:00am – Opening remarks by event MC – Klara von Bertouch
10:00am to 11:00am – Phil Preston, Purpose Driven Gatherings
11:00 to 11:15am – Morning Tea
11:15am to 12:15pm – Steve McKenzie, The Future of Venues
12:15pm to 1:00pm – Lunch at GPT Space & Co.
1:00pm to 1:30pm – Walk to JP Morgan
1:30pm to 2:30pm – Jessica Christiansen-Franks, Cultivating Bold Ideas
2:30 to 3:00pm – Afternoon Tea
3:00pm to 4:00pm – Klara von Bertouch – From Intention to Impact
4:00pm to 4:15pm – Day 1 Wrap Up
4:15pm to 5:00pm – Own time
5:00pm to 7:00pm – AP Copper Skillet Final Cook-off at Cliftons Margaret Street
7:15pm to 9:30pm – Conference Dinner at Cliftons Spring Street
DAY 2 – 17th FEB 2026
9:00am to 9:15am – Review and Introduce Day 2 at Karstens
9:15am to 10:15am – Andrew Everingham, The Future of Gathering
10:15am to 10:45am – Morning Tea
10:45pm to 11:45pm – Jess Quinley & James Bennett, Impact Unleashed
11:45pm to 12:45pm – Lunch
12:45 to 1:15 pm – Walk to Australian Museum
1:15 pm to 2:00pm – IACC Update with Mark Cooper & Susan Liston
2:00 to 2:45 pm – Australian Museum Tour
2:45pm to 3:00pm – Afternoon Tea
3:00pm to 4:30pm – Peter Merret, Bringing Wonder to Life
4:30pm to 4:45pm – Conference Wrap Up
What to Expect
Greetings All,
Welcome to Purpose-Driven Hospitality!
Join us in sunny Australia for an action-packed, two-day journey focused on creating experiences that matter in hospitality. Inspired by thought leaders such as our keynote speaker Phil Preston, we’ll explore how every role in our industry can deliver intentional, impactful guest moments. Enjoy the excitement of the Copper Skillet chef competition and explore various Sydney venues. Experience dynamic discussions and fresh insights from industry leaders—all centered on elevating in-person events.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with hospitality professionals from Australia, Asia, and beyond. Secure your spot for an unforgettable experience in Sydney this February.
Until then, safe travels, and see you soon!
Board of the IACC Asia Pacific Chapter
Pricing
2 Day registration Rate: AUD $1,425/person
The study tour fee includes all meals and pre-dinner drinks. Housing accommodations are not included in the fee. IACC will provide a number of discounted accommodation options for delegates soon.
1 day packages are available from $700 per person and you can register your attendance with Sim Goitom at simret.goitom@expandwithace.com . Please include the day you wish to attend in your email.
Please submit the registration form below and IACC will invoice you to complete payment.
