Webinar: Cashless Contingencies - Exploring the Benefits and Preparing for the Unexpected
November 8, 2024
Participants will earn 1 CEUs for Webinar toward IAAPA Certification renewal.
Speakers
Peta Wittig
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Peta Wittig’s career has taken her from rural Australia to the world. From Australia and the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, she not only found a career, but a purpose. Recently leaving Phillip Island Nature Parks to pursue consultancy, she was instrumental in managing a unique conservation organisation that operates ecotourism experiences. With a focus on sustainable practices and authentic guest experiences, as General Manager of their Tourism attractions, she led Nature Parks to become the first Australian Attraction to be Sensory Certified and worked with the local community to become Australia’s first Sensory Inclusive Island. Peta’s latest initiative involved collaborating with Destination Phillip Island to facilitate and simplify the process for local tourism businesses to enhance their capability in access and inclusion. She has opened and operated attractions globally, with her expertise in planning start-up operations to leading seasoned attractions. Peta’s notable projects include roles in opening world-class attractions like Melbourne Aquarium, Dubai Aquarium, The Green Planet Dubai, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and St Louis Aquarium. As a result of her achievements, Peta was recognized in the Blooloop Top 50 Zoo & Aquarium Influencers for 2023, reflecting her commitment to shaping the industry's future. Peta has also joined the Canopy Strategic Partners team assisting clients in areas such as strategy, commercial and operational planning, along with delivering outstanding and unforgettable guest experiences.
As a member of the IAAPA Asia Advisory Committee and various other professional committees, Peta is actively engaged in shaping the future of the industry and has a personal passion for accessibility and inclusion and the potential of attractions worldwide to tap into this market to create fun and lasting memories for all. |
Michael Kelly
Michael commenced his career in operational management within the theme park, hotel and casino industries before joining Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in 2013.
During his tenure with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Michael has overseen unprecedented growth in visitation and revenue with his strengths in connecting strategy, visitor experience and business outcomes. This has allowed the commercial revenue arm of the business to double during his tenure.
His leadership has been integral in developing Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary into a multi-award winning, must do attraction for both local and international visitors. Michael has also been working with his team to further develop the Sanctuary’s conservation programs and has been instrumental in leading the responsible business initiatives within the organisation and local community.
After leading the Sanctuary for 7-years, Michael is now the General Manager of Strategic Projects for the National Trust of Queensland. He is currently developing and leading the implementation strategic direction, breathing new life into National Trust properties across the state and continuing to grow the Sanctuary.
He is a board member of the Zoo & Aquarium Association of Australasia, the President of the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce and sits on a number of local community groups.
He is also passionate about Tourism and has degrees in Hospitality Management, Events Management and Leadership & Management.
Ros Pullen
Shaun Hutchinson
Shaun is an accomplished leisure and entertainment professional with over 20 years of experience leading operations at major sports, entertainment, and attractions venues across the Middle East and Australia. As Group Operations Manager and General Manager of URBNSURF, Shaun has successfully launched and operated Australia’s first surf park in Melbourne and is now overseeing the Sydney location. His career includes management roles internationally, with Village Roadshow, Meraas Holdings, and Jumeirah International, with expertise spanning waterparks, indoor ski resorts, surf parks, and more. Shaun holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration, and is known for his talent in developing high-performing teams, optimizing operations, and driving strategic direction across various leisure attractions.
Agenda
Agenda
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