MILE Tourism Event
The purpose of MILE is to provide students with the opportunity to meet and speak with representatives from the Tourism, Events & Hospitality Industry to gain a greater understanding of the industries' expectations and potential career paths and opportunities. The main purpose of the event is to create a networking environment and encourage a meaningful two-way exchange between graduating students and exhibitors.
MILE Program:
5:30pm - MILE Pre-event Industry Networking Function (UQ Staff & Exhibitors)
6:00pm - MILE Commences (UQ Students)
6:15pm - Welcome from Associate Professor Judith Mair
6:20pm - Keynote address from Geoff Hogg, Group Executive Operations for The Star Entertainment Group
6.35pm - MILE Exhibition & Networking (UQ Students)
8:00pm - MILE to Conclude
MILE 2019 Floor Plan:
MILE 2019 Exhibitors:
AccorHotels
AccorHotels is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,600 hotels, resorts and residences across 100 different countries.
With an unrivaled portfolio of internationally renowned hotel brands encompassing the entire range from luxury to economy, from upscale to lifestyle and midscale brands, AccorHotels has been providing savoir-faire and expertise for more than 50 years.
In addition to its core hospitality business, AccorHotels has successfully expanded its range of services, becoming the world leader in luxury private residence rental with more than 10,000 stunning properties around the world. Relying on its global team of more than 250,000 dedicated staff, AccorHotels is committed to fulfilling its primary mission: to make every guest Feel Welcome. Guests have access to one of the world’s most attractive hotel loyalty programs - Le Club AccorHotels.
Represented by: 
- Julia Devita
- Silvia Blumenthaler
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), named the World’s Best Convention Centre 2016-2018 is Australia’s most flexible and most awarded meetings venue. BCEC’s 24 years of industry knowledge and world class capabilities deliver clients a Next Level experience.
Considered Australia’s most flexible meetings and events venue, BCEC provides unprecedented choice for events of every size, with three stand-alone tiered auditoria able to accommodate from 400 to 4000 and more than 40 meetings and event spaces.
BCEC is the only convention centre in Australia with a dedicated boutique meetings hub with speakers’ facilities and private boardrooms allowing delegates to ‘own ‘an entire level.
Represented by: 
- Shaun Mitchell
- Kym Guesdon
- Demi Pressler-McHugh
- Ella Heather
Find out more about Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Brisbane Marketing
As Brisbane’s economic development board and regional tourism organisation, Brisbane Marketing leads the development of Brisbane as a compelling tourism destination through delivery of a range of activities. These include provision of market intelligence, insights and product updates for the Greater Brisbane region, experience development and industry capacity building programs for the region’s tourism industry, partnership initiatives that drive the regions’ aviation growth and delivering activities that increase global awareness of the destination.
Represented by:
- Anne-Maree Moon
- Cathie Johnston
- Stephanie Heyneke
- Carmel Akhavari
Cuisine on Cue
As a leader in the industry, our Brisbane catering company provides professional staff who are committed to delivering the freshest local and seasonal cuisine to your event. Our team of experts have experience providing catering for offices, weddings, private events and more.
We are renowned for our consistency in unsurpassed customer service and the attention to detail we bring to every event, regardless of the size, catering style or budget.
Leave the details to us; Cuisine on Cue offers full event planning including organising event equipment, staffing, event theming and venue hire, for events & catering in Brisbane and wider South-East Queensland. Pay your guests the ultimate compliment and let Cuisine On Cue manage all your catering needs.
Represented by:
- Caitlin Crosbie
DITID - Young Tourism Leaders
The Young Tourism Leaders Program provides influential and inspiring role models to encourage young people to consider a career in tourism. Young Tourism Leaders are inspiring young people who've found success in the industry, have a wealth of knowledge, advice and experience and are keen to share the stories of their career journey. They assist students in gaining an understanding of diversity of careers in tourism and the various pathways young people can follow to build a successful, exciting and long-term career.
The Young Tourism Leaders Program is an initiative of the Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development (DITID) and the Commonwealth Games.
Represented by:
- Elizabeth Shannon
- Nick Ellis
- Chris Stokoe
- Sean Hodges-Colavitto
Emporium Hotels South Bank
Emporium Hotels first launched in July 2007 with Emporium Hotel Fortitude Valley, the vision of two passionate, design-driven individuals, Anthony and Francine John, of the Anthony John Group. Together they crafted an offering, without equal, in Brisbane’s boutique luxury hotel market. Emporium Hotel Fortitude Valley went on to win an extensive array of National and International accolades before being sold in 2017.
In 2014, Emporium Hotel Fortitude Valley was inducted into Queensland Tourism's Hall of Fame. At the 2018 World Travel Awards, Emporium Hotels was named ‘Australia's Leading Boutique Hotel’ for the fourth consecutive year and Emporium Hotel South Bank was named ‘Australia’s Leading Hotel Residences’.
Represented by:
- Anita Cavanough
- Rachel Litzow
- Maureen Sloane
Expedia Group
Our purpose is to bring the world within reach. We are among the largest technology companies in the world, and our work is solely dedicated to one of the most socially and economically important activities on the planet – travel. Our travel brands represent the world's most comprehensive selection of travel offerings. From personal to business, last minute to expenses, we’ve got it. These options are backed by industry leading technology and a worldwide team of passionate employees whose focus is creating the best travel experience.
At Expedia Group, careers have no borders. We offer the unique opportunity to work across multiple, global travel brands, all while building the most advanced technology in the industry. To learn more about our career opportunities, please visit www.lifeatexpedia.com.
Represented by
- Shannon Saines
- Kim Sellwood
- Yasmine Everstets
Hilton Brisbane
With unparalleled location in the heart of the city, on the vibrant Queen Street Mall, Hilton Brisbane features engaging public areas, modern accommodation, world-class produce and culinary expertise in Vintaged Bar & Grill, and 2500sqm of purpose-designed meetings and event spaces. Whether for business or pleasure, Hilton Brisbane offers timeless architectural design that fulfils comfort and style, outstanding fac
ilities and exceptional service for both the domestic and international traveller.
Represented by:
- Chris Partridge
- Selin Erginbas
- Alicia Albury
- Rosie Hanlon
Howard Smith Wharves
Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) riverfront precinct has transformed one of Brisbane's last working wharf precincts into a sustainable, dynamic world class tourism, recreation, entertainment and events destination where everyone can engage with the past, present and future of Brisbane city. Boasting stunning uninterrupted views of the iconic Story Bridge and city skyline, the location features several riverfront event spaces, The Fantauzzo Art 
Series Hotel, Felons Brewing Co. and an array of chic restaurants and bars – Mr Percivals, Felons Brew Pub and Arc Dining.
Represented by:
- Lauren Hutchings
- Rachael Ledingham
Loud Events
From intimate to epic, LOUD events are constantly reinventing ways for people to learn, develop, network, honour, reward, unite, engage, collaborate, showcase, reflect and make a difference.
We build enduring partnerships and harness the best talent to deliver unforgettable events and engaging conferences in Australia as well as internationally. As one of the country’s driving forces in event and conference management, we deliver over 100 events/conferences a year and offer complete solutions for our partners.
With our unique brand of creativity, quality and value, we are constantly strengthening our reputation for exceeding expectations and we thrive in the challenges our clients set for us.
We are proud of our respected position in the event industry. Our company Directors along with senior event staff have well established and respected reputations in the industry for producing some of the most sensational conferences all over the world.
We live in Brisbane, Australia. We work and play around the world.
Represented by:
- Marianne Edmonds
Marriott International
TO A NEW ADVENTURE
As the world’s largest hotel company, Marriott International has 30 renowned hotel brands in 122 countries around the world. We offer unmatched career opportunities and a culture that empowers you to LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE. The next step in your career could lead you to your greatest adventure.
AT MARRIOTT, WE BELIEVE
The foundation for our success depends on your wellbeing. Our workplace is an environment where your emotional, physical and financial needs matter. An environment where each one of us fells like a valued member of a team. A place where we are motivated to make a difference in our communities – we call it TakeCare.
Represented by:
- Marion Garrigues (W Brisbane)
- Arelle Fowke (Brisbane Marriott Hotel)
- Bianca Sidoti (Surfers Paradise Marriott)
- Michelle Phillips (Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast)
Ovolo Hotels
Ovolo Hotels is an independent hospitality company that own a collection of individually designed lifestyle hotels. The company keeps in touch with modern travellers through award-winning interiors, detail-driven comforts, focused all-inclusive services and cutting-edge en-suite technology, all done in our Ovolo signature style. Ovolo now runs six hotels in Australia. With upcoming projects, Ovolo is taking the brand to a larger, international audience and giving more shiny happy people a chance to enjoy their bright rooms and bright ideas. Join us, we are cool. Get to be yourself. Not like 'ordinary' hotels. We are something different. There's something happening here! 
Represented by:
- Molly Tait
- Emily Kawson
- Clara Tang
Queensland Tourism Industry Council
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is a not-for-profit, private sector, membership-based organisation representing the interests of Queensland’s tourism and hospitality industry.
QTIC works in partnership with government agencies and industry bodies at a local, state and national level. QTIC’s membership comprises more than 3000 regional members (individual and corporate) alongside 13 Regional Tourism Organisation and 18 industry sector associations. QTIC’s efforts are aimed at helping the strong tourism industry drive sustainable business and product development, stimulate business attraction and investment, develop workforce skills and support tourism jobs and business.
QTIC also operates and hosts the annual Queensland Tourism Awards.
Represented by:
- Natasha Montesalvo
- Ruqaiyah Buksh
Riverlife
Located at the base of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Riverlife has over 13 years of experience delivering fun things to do in our river city! Test your skills on the Brisbane River with Riverlife’s kayaking tours or keep your feet dry with our abseiling and rock climbing adventures on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
Riverlife is also a top-notch functions & events centre! From Public Events such as NYE and Cinco De Mayo, to corporate team building and weddings, Riverlife has it all!
Represented by:
- Mark Newman
Select Audiovisual
From conferences to product launches, gala awards to special events and everything in between, we have a solution for all shapes and sizes.
Our passionate and talented team are committed to a winning-edge and your event success.
Providing the latest audio, vision and lighting equipment and technical production management, we have a solution for all shapes and sizes.
Visit our website and find out why we are Brisbane’s leading event staging AV company.
Represented by: 
- Susan Hamilton
- Pete Coorey
Spicers Retreats
Spicers Retreats boasts a collection of spectacular, award winning properties set in multiple locations throughout South East Queensland and New South Wales.
Our luxury retreats are notorious for providing an unforgettable experience complete with gourmet cuisine, attentive service and refined comfort.
Represented by:
- Kimberly Chandler
- Leanne Roberston
The Star
The Star Entertainment Group (formerly known as Echo Entertainment Group) is an ASX 100 listed company that owns and operates The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane. The Star Entertainment Group is committed to optimising its properties, supporting the communities in which we operate, and capitalising on the opportunities presented by our world-class locations in Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
The Star Entertainment Group and its joint venture partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium reached contractual close with the Queensland Government on a $3 billion redevelopment of Queen's Wharf in Brisbane. Expected to open in 2022, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will deliver transformational impacts on Queensland jobs, training and tourism, both domestic and international.
Represented by:
- Maggie Kuok
Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ)
Tourism and Events Queensland is a statutory body of the Queensland Government and the state's lead marketing, destination and experience development and major events agency. In partnership with government, regional tourism organisations, industry and commercial stakeholders, we aim to build Queensland's tourism and events industry to foster innovation, drive industry growth and boost visitor expenditure.
With our vision of ‘inspiring the world to experience the best address on Earth’, Queensland, we are a consumer-led experience-focused and destination-delivered organisation that connects people and places like never before through innovation and collaboration with the tourism and events industry.
Represented by:
- Liana Jones
- Teagan Thompson
- Isabella Quaid
UQ Student Affairs
The Student Affairs, Student Experience Team commenced in October 2018 with a mission to make the campus come to life. The team has delivered Welcome and Induction , Market Day , UQ theatre Fest , UQ NAIDOC Festival and arrange of other curated experiences across campus. The team has a strong partnership approach and works in collaboration with all areas of the university including clubs and societies, UQ Sport, UQ Art Museum and external partners.
We are a team of 6 with a range of experiences including education in tourism, hospitality, marketing and communications, design and a range of experiences in large scale event design, delivery and review as well as organic- grass roots campaigns that build community.
The team focused on activations and experiences that support UQ students to feel connected, celebrated, supported and most importantly happy as they follow their academic passions.
Represented by: 
- Ashleigh Huddy
- Nina Moore
- Sybilla Wilson
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is part of a big family, the Virgin Group. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Group has become one of the most highly respected global brand names.
Since the establishment of its first company, Virgin has created more than 300 branded companies worldwide, employing approximately 50,000 people, in 30 countries.
The Virgin Group believes in making a difference and stands for the principles of value for money, quality, innovation, fun and a sense of competitive challenge.
Virgin Australia shares these values and are determined to become the airline of choice for corporate and leisure travellers alike.
Represented by:
- Anthony Wong
- Paul Wong
- Karen Balfe