Program creation will be led by Danika Porter, former head of brand and marketing at Federal Group, with assistance from apanel including Justine Lally, executive general manager of marketing at Journey Beyond; Megan Henderson, global head of marketing at Flight Centre; Lindene Cleary, chief marketing officer at Tourism Tasmania; and Chris Fundell, formerly head of APAC marketing at Globus family of brands and now founder of Strativate Marketing.
The 2026 theme will be ‘Connection is the Destination’, reflecting a broader shift across the travel industry, as audiences increasingly prioritise experiences that feel meaningful, personal and culturally relevant.
“What cuts through in marketing is changing and the way people discover travel has shifted dramatically,” Porter said.
“Creators, communities and cultural moments are now playing a much bigger role in shaping purchase decisions, and marketing has shifted from promotion to participation.”
