SUMMIT PROGRAM

REGISTRATION DESK OPEN

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Registration and check-in for all delegates. Please have your QR code from your confirmation email ready to ensure a smooth arrival. Name lanyards and event materials will be provided.

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Delegates need to be seated by 8:25am, ready for the Summit to commence at 8:30am.

welcome, acknowledgement of country & setting the scene

Britt Cox OLY, Event Host

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Welcome remarks from Josh Elliott, CEO Snow Resorts Australia

official event opening

The Honourable Kristy McBain MP

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Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government 

Minister for Emergency Management

Member for Eden-Monaro

The Hidden Giant: Snow’s Surprising Role in Australia’s Regional Economy

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A presentation of key insights from Snow Resorts Australia’s Economic Impact and Consumer Insight studies, highlighting the scale and significance of the Australian snow industry.  The session will explore what these findings reveal about the industry’s contribution to the Visitor Economy, and the implications for investment, planning and policy.

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Presentation of Findings by Andrew McDougall, Principal & Partner SGS Planning and Economics

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Panel Discussion

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• Nathan Butterworth - VP & General Manager, Perisher Snow Resort

• The Honourable Kristy McBain MP - Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, Minister for Emergency Management, Member for Eden-Monaro 

• Lisa Patroni - CEO Victoria Tourism Industry Council​

Is it all downhill from here? 

Reflections on Australia’s Snow Industry: The Realities, Challenges, and Opportunities Ahead

Peter Brulisauer - Vice President International Business Development, Alterra

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​A strategic reflection on the state of Australia’s snow industry, set against an evolving and competitive global market. Drawing on decades of leadership experience across Australian resorts and destination tourism, this thought-provoking session will explore the realities shaping the sector today and the factors leaders must consider in shaping its future.

Morning tea

Powered by AXESS Australia​​​​

Delegates will choose between two concurrent sessions, each focused on a different aspect of the industry.

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Stream a (Kosciuszko room)

What the Market Is Telling Us: Insights from Suppliers and Retailers in Snowsports

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A presentation from Snowsports Industries of Australia (SIA) examining emerging market signals from suppliers and retailers, including shifts in demand, purchasing behaviour and international travel.  Drawing on frontline market insight, the discussion will consider what these trends may indicate for the Australian consumer.

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Presented by Shane Carter (President, SIA) and Ed Foley (Board Member, SIA)​​

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Stream b (townsend room)

From First Turns to Podiums: Building the Snow Pipeline

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A focused discussion on how the Australian snow industry builds and sustains participation from first exposure through to lifelong engagement. It will consider the role of athlete pathways, from grassroots to elite, in shaping aspiration, visibility and long-term connection to the sport, and why this matters beyond high performance. With a practical lens, the discussion will identify where stronger alignment between resorts, clubs, schools and national bodies can better support participation, progression and the overall health of the industry.

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Presented by Steve Nelson (GM Participation & Sport Development, Snow Australia)

Beyond the Mountains: Snow, Communities and Regional Prosperity

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A panel discussion on the role of the snow industry in supporting regional economies, tourism, jobs, infrastructure and resilience. The session will explore how alpine resorts interact with surrounding communities, where value is created and shared, and how industry, government and local stakeholders can work more effectively together to support stronger regional outcomes.  The conversation will examine both the opportunities and the tensions that come with being a major driver of regional activity.

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Moderated by Richard Everson, GM Destination Southern NSW.

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Panel Discussion

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• Kirsten Alexander - CEO, Mansfield Council

• Olivia West - CEO, Regional Development Australia Southern NSW & ACT

• Michelle Lovell - President, Falls Creek Chamber

The Year-Round Question: What Actually Drives Value Beyond Winter?

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A pragmatic examination of year-round and 'green season' strategies in alpine destinations, focused on what has delivered genuine commercial, community and visitation value (and what hasn't!).  Drawing on real-world experience, the session will explore where investment in non-winter experiences creates meaningful return, where it falls short, and how resorts are making more disciplined decisions about year-round activation.

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Presentation by Stuart Diver (GM, Thredbo) and Noel Landry (GM, Buller Ski Lifts)​​

How Guests Choose Snow: The New Decision Journey

Ashley Fell - Social Researcher & Futurist

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​An examination of how guests discover, evaluate and book snow experiences, and how that decision journey is being reshaped by AI, search, social platforms and the balance between direct and third-party channels.  The session will explore what this means for how resorts influence choice and conversion, and the role of technology as an enabler rather than a silver bullet - distinguishing what is genuinely improving guest value and operational efficiency from what is adding complexity without return.

Alpine bbq lunch, hotel terrace

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Behind the Podiums: From First Turns to the World Stage

 

​​​This fireside conversation brings together Australian Winter Olympic athletes to reflect on the journeys that began on home snow. From early days in Interschools to competing on the world stage, the discussion will explore what it means to come through the Australian system, the role alpine resorts play in enabling participation and progression, and how those formative experiences shape elite performance.

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Moderated by Britt Cox OLY.

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Panel Discussion

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• Cooper Woods, Mogul Skiing Olympic Champion 

• Adam Lambert, Snowboard Cross World #2 ​

World-Leading Snow Management: How Australian Resorts Set the Standard

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A discussion with leading experts on why Australian resorts are recognised as world leaders in snow management, exploring how data, technology and operational discipline (from LiDAR and SnowSat to weather modelling, vegetation management and snow factories) are shaping the future of snowmaking and mountain operations.

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• Tim Meier - Manager - Assets & Operations, Buller Ski Lifts

• Ben Quane - CEO, Ski Industries

• Samuel Ventura - Area Manager, TechnoAlpin Australia 

Delegates will choose between two concurrent sessions, each focused on a different aspect of the industry.

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Stream a (Kosciuszko room)

Pricing, Perception and Participation: Barriers To Growth

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An applied discussion on how pricing, cost pressures, value perception and overall experience shape participation in snow (and where the wider industry may be getting it wrong).  The session will explore how guests perceive value beyond the slopes, from accommodation to food, lessons and experiences, and how this compares to other destinations.  It will examine how pricing decisions, experience design and operational realities interact, where they are misaligned, and what this means for demand and growth.

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Presented by Richard Phillips (Vice-President & GM, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham) and Noel Landry (GM, Buller Ski Lifts)​​

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Stream b (townsend room)

Building the Future Workforce: Pathways, Careers and Capability in the Snow Industry

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A forward-looking discussion on how the Australian snow industry can build a more sustainable, skilled and diverse workforce for the future. The session will explore how to attract, retain and develop the next generation of talent, moving beyond seasonal roles to clearer career pathways, leadership development and long-term capability across alpine destinations. It will also examine the participation and progression opportunities for women across the industry.

Afternoon tea

Powered by Snow Australia​​​​

Snow Resorts Australia’s Strategic Priorities

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​A Snow Resorts Australia session outlining the industry’s strategic direction and key initiatives for the year ahead. Anchored by the launch of the 'Know Before You Go' campaign, the session will highlight a coordinated, national approach to safety, education and shared responsibility, alongside broader efforts to strengthen alignment, participation and industry capability across the Australian snow sector.

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Presented by Josh Elliott, CEO Snow Resorts Australia.

Ask Me Anything: The Future of the Australian Snow Industry

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Key voices from across Australia’s alpine sector reflect on the insights, tensions and opportunities raised, and look ahead to what comes next for the Australian snow industry. The discussion will focus on where greater alignment and collaboration can strengthen the industry’s collective impact, influence and long-term success.

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Moderated by Britt Cox OLY.

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Panel Discussion

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• Nick Whitby - Chairman, Buller Ski Lifts

• Amber Gardner - CEO, Alpine Resorts Victoria

• Shane Carter - President, Snowsports Industries of Australia

• Lucy Blyton-Gray - Owner, Blyton Group

• Richard Phillips - Vice-President & GM, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham

day 1 closing remarks

Noel Landry, Chair Snow Resorts Australia​​​

Industry networking dinner

A relaxed evening of connection and celebration for the Australian snow industry. An opportunity to build relationships, reflect on the day and recognise contributions across the sector.​​​​