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DSSS VE Symposium | Full Program

May 18th, 2023

Visitor Economy Symposium 2023 –
just one week to go!

Have you registered to attend the Visitor Economy Symposium next Thursday in Kiama?

With the theme ‘Better Together’ there will be great discussion about leveraging your networks, learn about programs and initiatives you can be a part of and of course lots of opportunities to chat with like-minded business owners and industry stakeholder from across the region.

We are delighted to have Lori Modde from Visitor Economy Development presenting on ‘Collaboration – your key to business success’, along with key updates from Destination NSW and Tourism Australia.

To celebrate World Agritourism Day earlier this week, we announced a session with the wonderful Giovanna Lever from Sparrowly Group on ‘Navigating the Agritourism Journey’, read more about this exciting session in the spotlight below!

A feature of the day will be Aboriginal Education Workshops with Gumaraa. Gumaraa is an Aboriginal cultural experience and education company that delivers authentic Indigenous experiences for all, based on the traditions of the Dharawal and Yuin Nation.

Deep dive in to key sector topics, including EVs & destination charging, skills & training and being export ready!

Download the full event program

We encourage you to stay on for the networking event from 4.30pm until 6pm to continue the conversation, enjoy some amazing local produce and beverages, and be entertained by very talented local musician Blessie Pica!

Registrations are essential by Monday 22nd May 2023, for this free event.
 
Register now

SESSION SPOTLIGHT | Agritourism

‘Navigating the Agritourism Journey – your guide to maximising the opportunities for your business’

Are you interested in developing and agritourism offering on your farm or expanding your current offering? This workshop is for YOU!

In this workshop, business and agritourism expert, Giovanna Lever from Sparrowly Group will facilitate a hands on session giving you the space to work “on” your business and give you the framework to run a successful agritourism business. 

Under Giovanna’s guidance, you will undertake a high level analysis of the key components of your agritourism offering (and where relevant where it sits within your broader agribusiness) to ensure that your product or experience offering has desirability, feasibility and viability – the core elements to business success. 

The workshop will give you new skills, confidence on navigating regulation and a plan to put into place and ensure your business success.

SPEAKER PROFILES

Lori Modde

Lori has had a diverse career in community and economic development of over 25 years.

From Regional Marketing Manager at Tourism NSW, Community and Economic Development Manager at a Local Government Authority through to Senior Manager of Place Activation and Strategy at Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
In the past 15 years through her business, Lorick Management, she has held roles such as Event Manager of the NSW Tourism Awards, Marketing Manager of New England North West Tourism and CEO of Outback NSW Tourism, Hills Hawkesbury Tourism and South Coast Tourism.

Through her business she now holds the role of Project Manager for Sturt’s Steps in Outback NSW, CEO of Outdoors NSW and General Manager of Visitor Economy Development.

She maintains a strong position for her community and industry through several volunteer positions and also is a passionate mentor for younger people in the industry.

. . .

Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience

Who are we? We are an Aboriginal tour group and education company based in the Illawarra region of NSW. We deliver authentic Indigenous experiences for all, based on the traditions of the Dharawal and Yuin Nation.

We offer our experiences in 3 parts – programs, workshops and experiences.
We have some programs and workshops designed for anyone in the community who is eager to learn more about our culture in the local area, like through our canoeing programs and school programs.

We have other workshops and programs that are tailored for people of Indigenous heritage to learn cultural competency and to reconnect with culture through learning their native language, mentoring programs, and much more.

We perform at corporate functions and openings, community events, schools, and more. We are able to do a Welcome to Country, traditional smoking ceremony, and traditional Aboriginal dance troupe performances. Visit the Gumaraa website.

. . .


Giovanna Lever

Giovanna’s first experience of business was growing up and working on her family’s large-scale horticulture farm in Bundaberg.

Mentored by her father, she supported the operations of the family agribusiness. So business became a way of life for her – as natural as sleeping and breathing.

Giovanna is the owner of Sparrowly Group – an organisation with deep cross-disciplinary experience, industry knowledge, network and resourcefulness to help grow organisations and communities sustainably. They create opportunities and solve problems in ways that are lateral, evidence driven and customer centric.

She has worked with approximately 100 businesses on their agritourism journey across Australia – from micro, garden farms and regenerative farms through to large scale agribusinesses. 

Giovanna’s ability to build and transform organisations into sustainable business models is built on the back of her business acumen acquired from over 20 years commercial experience across a number of industries including agriculture and tourism. She is known as a problem solver, opportunity creator.

. . .
Download the full program
Please feel free to share this invitation to your industry networks, attendees are welcome from within and beyond the DSSS region.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Speak soon,
Shannan, Aaron and Tash