Maximum Occupancy
After the success of Maximum Occupancy West Coast in 2025, the conference will be returning to Perth in June 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the thought leaders from WA market and abroad providing you with invaluable insights. Network with key players in the industry, and take your business to new heights.
Returning to Perth on 12 June 2025, Maximum Occupancy West Coast will once again be the preeminent hotel and accommodation industry conference for the West Coast of Australia and surrounds.
Pacific STR — Sales
Experienced digital marketing and revenue professional with a demonstrated history of working in the hospitality industry. Specializing in revenue management, digital marketing, and market intelligence. Currently supporting the hospitality sector at STR and CoStar, providing data-driven insights that help hotels, investors, and industry stakeholders optimize performance and strategic decision-making.
Expertise includes yield management, revenue analysis and hotel management, with a focus on leveraging benchmarking data, market trends, and competitive intelligence to drive revenue growth. Committed to helping independent and chain hotels develop effective pricing, distribution, and marketing strategies that maximize profitability and market positioning.
A passionate advocate for tourism, destinations, and immersive travel experiences, with a deep understanding of hospitality analytics and industry dynamics. Dedicated to empowering hoteliers with actionable insights, helping businesses enhance visibility, optimize channel distribution, and capitalize on market opportunities in an evolving landscape.
Horwath HTL — Manager, Perth
Martyna is a seasoned hospitality industry professional with over 15 years of experience spanning across Poland and Australia. As a Manager at Horwath HTL in the Perth office, she represents the company in Western Australia while undertaking assignments and conducting market research across Australia, New Zealand, and the North Pacific region. Specializing in feasibility assessment, branding and positioning strategy, operator selection processes, and expert witness assistance, Martyna ensures projects are strategically aligned with market conditions to maximize their future potential.
With a focus on in-market research, supply and demand analysis, and concept development, Martyna collaborates directly with investors and owners to drive project success. Her expertise extends to conducting operator search and selection processes, further enhancing project viability.
Martyna's journey includes diverse roles encompassing event management, sales and revenue management, business development, and client relations within independent hotels and global hotel brand companies before joining Horwath HTL. Over the last five years with Horwath HTL, initially based in Sydney and later relocating to Perth, Martyna has continuously demonstrated her dedication to the sustainable hotel market development.
Beyond her professional commitments, Martyna contributes to academia as a casual lecturer at Torrens University and Kaplan Business School, where she lectures subjects, such as hotel investment and destination and visitor management. Martyna holds a Masters in International Hotel Management from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School and is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy at Torrens University, focusing on destination competitiveness models.
Ananas Consulting — Managing Director
Michael Smith, Managing Director of Ananas Consulting, brings over 25 years of experience in management and leadership within global hotel companies. Known for his entrepreneurial flair and financial acumen, Michael excels in building strong relationships with clients, employees, and industry leaders. His passion for creating unparalleled experiences for all stakeholders is evident in his commitment to excellence and delivering exceptional results. At Ananas Consulting, Michael leverages his extensive expertise to oversee projects meticulously, driving success and growth in the hospitality industry.
Hospitality Strategist | Commercial Leader | APAC Expert
Mel Gan is an accomplished hospitality executive with over 30 years of global experience
leading commercial strategy, operations, and asset optimization across Asia Pacific and
beyond. A trusted advisor to hotel owners, investors, and executive boards, Mel has held
senior leadership roles at Hilton and WorldHotels, where she most recently served as
Chief Commercial Officer with oversight of multi-property portfolios spanning more than
25 countries.
Mel specializes in aligning commercial, operational, and asset strategies to unlock
growth and long-term value. With a strong foundation in on-property operations and a
deep understanding of luxury, boutique, and lifestyle hospitality, she is known for her
pragmatic leadership, driving cross-functional collaboration, and ability to build highperforming
teams.
Her expertise lies in aligning commercial performance with owner objectives—leading
hotel openings, repositioning assets, identifying new assets, and driving consistent
revenue and market share growth across diverse markets and ownership models.
She holds education credentials from Harvard Business School and Cornell University’s
School of Hotel Administration, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and
leadership development. Mel currently advises hospitality ventures and serves on
commercial advisory boards, driving strategic transformation and next-generation
hospitality performance.
Mel is also a Commercial Advisory Board Member for HSMAI Asia Pacific and a former
Special Advisor to the CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), where she
contributed to the continued development of the tourism industry and strategic
collaboration across the region. A passionate advocate for innovation, leadership
development, and customer-centric transformation, she frequently speaks on topics
such as performance turnaround, future trends and strategic growth in hospitality.
Mel brings a rare blend of strategic insight and operational depth to every conversation—
making her a trusted advisor, mentor, and thought leader.
Salter Brothers Hospitality — Chief Development Officer
Aussie Holidays Stays — Owner
Lylo — Managing Director
Pan Pacific Perth — General Manager
Rens Breur is a distinguished figure in the global hospitality industry, bringing over three decades of leadership and innovation to his current role as General Manager of Pan Pacific Perth. Appointed in March 2025, his tenure coincides with a transformative $50 million refurbishment of the hotel, marking a significant new chapter for one of Perth’s most iconic properties.
Rens’s career is marked by a series of prominent leadership roles across renowned hotel brands worldwide. His experience spans continents, having held senior positions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Notably, he has served with esteemed establishments such as Relais & Châteaux, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Langham Hotels, and the Accor/Sofitel Group. In Australia, he has been a key figure in the hospitality landscape, with leadership roles at The Langham Melbourne, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, and as part of the launch team for Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour in 2017.
Prior to his current appointment, Rens was the Managing Director of Hotel Operations & Development at Fine Hotels in The Netherlands, overseeing a portfolio of six properties with extensive food and beverage and MICE operations.
At Pan Pacific Perth, Breur’s leadership is pivotal as the hotel unveils its comprehensive transformation, which includes reimagined guestrooms, the city’s largest hotel event space, and a commitment to sustainable luxury. His vision emphasizes delivering meaningful hospitality and service excellence, aligning with contemporary guest expectations.
Beyond his professional achievements, Breur is known for his dynamic and human-centric approach to hotel management, reflecting a deep commitment to excellence, authenticity, and the transformative power of thoughtful service.
Under his guidance, Pan Pacific Perth is poised to set new standards in luxury hospitality, blending innovative design with heartfelt service to create memorable experiences for guests.
Fastrack Digital — Group Managing Director
Adrian is the founder and Group Managing Director of Australasia's leading travel, tourism and lifestyle full-service digital marketing and media agency, Fastrack Digital in APAC. Adrian is considered a leader in direct booking strategy and digital growth. He has worked with some of Australia, New Zealand and Asia's leading hotel and travel brands on improving their direct bookings. He has been responsible in some cases of doubling their direct bookings and revenue.
Optus Stadium Perth — Chief Executive Officer
Mike McKenna joined VenuesLive in November 2016 as Chief Executive Officer of Optus Stadium in Perth. As Chief Executive Officer, Mike leads a team of professionals who are responsible for operating the venue, on behalf of the Western Australian State Government, attracting and delivering world class sport and entertainment experiences for a local, national and international audience.
Optus Stadium has been a multi-award winner in its first years of operations including for catering, tourism and business events. Optus Stadium was awarded the Prix Versailles as the Most Beautiful Sports Venue in the World by UNESCO in a marketing coup that has increased the profile of the venue.
Over the first four years of operations the venue has received Customer Satisfaction scores averaging 94.5% in surveys conducted by the Western Australian State Government.
Prior to joining VenuesLive Mike spent more than eleven years on the Executive Leadership Team with Cricket Australia. In this role, Mike was responsible for helping turn Cricket Australia from an operationally focused business to a fan focused organisation with the growth of the game as the goal.
During this time, in various roles, Mike had responsibility for Commercial Revenue Generation, Marketing and Brand, Digital Communications, International Cricket Event Management, Venue Operations, Domestic Cricket competitions and Integrity. Mike was responsible for the development of the Big Bash League competitions for men and women and the first six years of operations.
Mike previously held roles as General Manager Commercial Operations with the Essendon Football Club, National Marketing Manager for professional services firm Arthur Andersen and a variety of Sales and Marketing roles with Black and Decker and Carter Holt Harvey.
Mike is also a Board Member of the Tourism Council of Western Australia, the peak body representing tourism businesses, industries and regions in the state.
Rev Star Group — Manager of Sales & Customer Growth
Sarah Casey is the Manager of Sales & Customer Growth at Revstar Group, with over 20 years of expertise in the hospitality and business events industries across Perth and Melbourne.
Her experience includes leadership roles such as Director of Business Development at Business Events Perth, Director of Sales at The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges and Regional Sales Manager at RACV Resorts.
Sarah is a firm advocate for the significant role that events play in driving the success of hotels.
Event & Conference Co. — Director
Minister for Tourism, Western Australia
Hon. Reece Whitby MLA is the Western Australian Minister for Police; Road Safety; Tourism; Great Southern and Member for Baldivis.
He has overseen government departments responsible for protecting Western Australia’s environment between December 2021 and March 2025, as well as overseeing the State’s energy transition as Energy Minister between December 2024 and March 2025. In this time, Reece was also responsible as Climate Action Minister for coordinating the State’s response to climate change while establishing a whole-of-government approach to reduce emissions.
He was Western Australia’s first Minister to attend a United Nations Climate Change Conference, addressing audiences at COP27 and meeting Ministerial counterparts from across the globe.
As the Minister for Environment, was responsible for delivering Plan for Our Parks. Six-and-a-half million hectares of national and marine parks and reserves were created under the plan, increasing the State’s conservation estate by 28 per cent. Reece also Reece is tasked with implementing WA’s nation-leading Plan for Plastics and the McGowan Government’s historic decision to end native logging from 2024.
He also oversaw reforms in response to the Perth Casino Royal Commission and the review of WA’s liquor laws as Racing and Gaming Minister
Reece was first appointed to Cabinet in the McGowan Labor Government in 2021, as the Minister for Emergency Services; Racing and Gaming; Small Business; and Volunteering.
He became the first local member for the new electorate of Baldivis in March 2017.
Prior to his election, Reece had a long-standing career in journalism, working at Seven News for two decades. He started as a cadet reporter at a country newspaper before joining the ABC, followed by a stint at Channel Nine. He often reported on battlers standing up for a fair go, which sparked his interest in politics.
Reece grew up on the outskirts of Perth, working in the family business from a young age. He has a passion for creating better, fairer communities and understands the importance of quality schools, transport, hospitals, and facilities for all Western Australians.
Reece and wife Natalie have four children – Faith, Sam, Luke and Hope.
Accor — Talent & Culture Manager
A seasoned HR professional with over 19 years of experience, 16 of those in hospitality, Jai McNaughton has dedicated her career to shaping workplace culture and driving people-focused initiatives.
She began her hospitality journey with Mirvac in 2008, supporting all Mirvac hotels in Western Australia. Over four years, Jai provided strategic HR support, leadership coaching, policy implementation, health and safety compliance, recruitment, and training coordination across multiple hotels. Her ability to drive cultural transformation and foster engaged teams became a hallmark of her career.
Jai then took on the role of pre-opening HR Manager for Fraser Suites Perth, where she played a key role in building a strong workplace culture from the ground up. For the past 7.5 years, she has been a key Senior Talent & Culture leader within Accor WA, contributing to one of the world’s largest hospitality groups and continuing her mission of creating exceptional workplaces.
A specialist in culture transformation, strategic business planning, leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational behaviour, Jai is highly regarded for fostering high-performing teams and driving meaningful workplace change.
A passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity, Jai sits on the boards of Hospitality Disability Network WA and Women in Tourism and Hospitality WA, championing equity and accessibility in the industry. She is also deeply committed to eliminating family and domestic violence, embedding advocacy into her work to create safer, more supportive workplaces.
Jai’s leadership extends beyond HR—mentoring future leaders, implementing innovative workplace initiatives, and spearheading progressive policies. Through initiatives like partnering with Share the Dignity, she ensures tangible support for team members and guests alike.
When not shaping workplace culture, Jai is a single mum to an 8-year-old daughter, and a firm believer in the power of hospitality to transform lives and careers.
Hospitality Disability Network WA — Disability Employment Manager
ACI HR Solutions — Founder & CEO
Andrew Chan, MBA is the Founder and CEO of ACI HR Solutions ( Asia Pacific's largest recruitment agency dedicated to the travel and hospitality sector He is responsible for the company's overall operations and strategic direction. He has worked in many facets of the industry, commencing his career as a Travel Agent in
Australia and subsequently joining the airline industry, working with Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines in customer service and business development roles.
Andrew furthered his experience by entering the hospitality sector, working for brands such as Stamford Hotels Resorts and the Carlton Hotel Group, and later joining Hospitality Marketing Concepts ( as their Director of Business Development, overseeing all sales and marketing activities in Australia, New Zealand and Asia In 2005 Andrew took his wealth of industry experience into the world of Executive Search and was appointed CEO of a major recruitment firm before founding ACI in October 2012. He has since established himself as one of the leading human capital experts in the travel, tourism and hospitality sector.
State of Social | Coffee & Tea — Managiing Director
Meg Coffey is an internationally recognised social media and digital marketing strategist, hailing from Texas and now proudly based in Australia. Known as the 'Texstralian,' Meg combines her exceptional work ethic, calculated risk-taking, and remarkable communication skills to lead the way in digital empowerment.
With a deep understanding of how digital marketing works in today's business landscape, Meg's expertise extends far beyond the hospitality and tourism sectors she works with thru her agency Coffey & Tea. She specializes in transforming the fear of social media into confidence and excitement about leveraging technology for tangible results.
Starting with SMPerth in 2013, Meg established WA’s first social media resource and community. It’s where marketing novices and experts alike came for digital and social marketing news, workshops, masterclasses and get-togethers. And in 2018 it became the launch pad for State of Social.
Meg actively contributes to the digital marketing community as a sought-after speaker, lecturer, and panellist. Her thought leadership has led to judging industry awards and being recognized as one of Australia's Top 50 Small Business Leaders in 2017. Notably, Meg is also a finalist for Campaign Brief's prestigious Ad Person of the Year award multiple times.
Tourism Western Australia — Managing Director
Anneke Brown is a passionate tourism industry professional, having spent the past 25 years in the hospitality and tourism industry, both in Australia and overseas. Calling Western Australia home, Anneke has a strong desire to see the State takes it’s deserved place on the global stage for tourism excellence.
Whilst completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree, Anneke worked in hospitality at the Subiaco Hotel. With her love of travel, Anneke joined Flight Centre as a Travel Agent in Sydney during the 2000 Olympics. From there, Anneke moved to Bali and became the Reservation Manager of the central reservations office supporting 5 resorts across Aman resorts Indonesia.
In 2001 Anneke took on the role of global Director of Training with Aman Resorts, and was part of the project team for 8 resort openings in Cambodia, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. In Australia Anneke has held management roles in Margaret River, and in central Australia as the Resort Manager of Longitude 131 at Uluru. In 2010 Anneke moved back to Perth and became the WA General Manager of an Australian Registered Training Organisation, delivering hospitality training across the Pilbara. In 2014 Anneke joined the Old Treasury Buildings refurbishment project and took on the role of General Manager of the award-winning COMO The Treasury hotel from 2015 - 2020.
Anneke’s passion for Western Australia and the tourism industry led her to forming Anneke Brown Consulting in 2020, specialising in hospitality and tourism projects. Bringing international standards to hotel design and operations, along with excellence in training and education, the business provides solutions to local and international organisations with the desire to elevate their offering.
Anneke holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a founding member and former Chair of Women in Tourism and Hospitality WA, Board Member of the Rottnest Island Authority and a former Commissioner on the Board of Tourism WA.
Quay Perth Hotel — Director of Sales
With over 19 years of experience in hospitality sales and marketing, Paula Navarro is a dynamic leader known for her ability to drive growth, lead high-performing teams, and deliver outstanding guest and client experiences.
As Director of Sales at Quay Perth Hotel, Paula oversees both sales and marketing strategy—bringing a hands-on, people-focused approach to every facet of the business.
She is extremely passionate about customer service and building lasting client relationships, with a track record of success in hotel pre-openings, business development, public relations, and marketing. Paula is committed to elevating brand presence while staying focused on measurable, results-driven outcomes.
Corporate Traveller — General Manager
Quest East Perth — Director of Sales
Vermilion Oil and Gas — Aviation Coordinator
Hi, I’m Deanna, and I’m proud to serve as the Aviation Coordinator for Vermilion Oil and Gas. In this dynamic role, I manage the onboarding and travel logistics for our crew and contractors heading to our offshore platform on the North West Shelf of Western Australia. It’s a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same—especially when juggling cyclones, medivacs, and last-minute demobilisations.
My journey into aviation and oil & gas began in a very different world: hospitality. Like many of you, I started at the front lines—working in reservations, front desk reception, and even dabbling in corporate sales. My early days were with the Hospitality Inns chain at the Town House Hotel, under the mentorship of Rod and Gloria Walsh, back when we operated under the Flag Inns banner.
After stepping away from the workforce to raise four children under the age of four (yes, really!), I re-entered through a familiar door—travel. I joined Flight Centre as a travel agent, eventually transitioning into corporate travel. That path led me to Bristow Helicopters, where I supported oil and gas clients and helped establish their in-house travel agency.
During my time at Bristow, I was seconded to several major players in the industry—BHP, Santos, Apache, Jadestone, and eventually Vermilion. When Vermilion changed helicopter providers four years ago, I made the move with them and have been part of their team ever since.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum of four and a brand-new grandmother. I’m also a devoted dog lover and an enthusiastic collector of bromeliads—my little slice of nature at home.
What keeps me passionate about this industry is its ever-evolving nature. While technology and AI continue to reshape how we book and manage travel, I firmly believe the human touch will always be essential—especially in hospitality. After all, it’s people who turn a place into a home away from home.
And who knows—if I’d been born in a different era, maybe I’d be an influencer, jet-setting to exotic hotels and sharing reviews from the far corners of the world!
Warders Hotel — Director of Hospitality- Warders / Emily Taylor / Garde Hotel Group.
Bright Black Marketing — Owner
Pan Pacific Perth — Executive Chef
Expedia — Market Manager - WA
Xavier Sala is Expedia Group’s Market Manager for Perth. Xavier has over 15 Years’ experience in Hotel across Barcelona and Perth. From operations to specializing in Revenue Management.
In his current role with the Expedia Group, Xavier works alongside Expedia Group Brands and external stakeholders, including Accommodation Partners, and tourism organizations to optimize market opportunities.
With over 10 Years’ experience in the Perth Market, and 10 years with Expedia Group in Western Australia, Xavier has a wealth of knowledge on both sides of the game with experience and insights on the various markets across the state and Australia as well as their supply and demand trends.
TikTok — Client Partner
Fraser Marketing International — Director
AMADEUS — Senior Director of Sales, Enterprise - Australia
Mike is a hotelier at heart, and this helps develop and deliver successful technology, business intelligence and digital marketing strategies for hotel clients. Being in the hospitality industry for over 30 years and held senior sales and operational positions for independent and international hotel chains, Mike specializes in the hospitality industry which allows Mike to combine this background with the digital advancements that influence how business is done today. Mike’s depth of experience includes launching over 250+ hotel websites, 800+ hotel brand distribution strategies, 150+ digital marketing strategies.
Mike is responsible for the enterprise sales activity between Amadeus Hospitality and our key ANZ Corporate Accounts. Responsible for prospecting, driving revenue and overall client satisfaction by managing key relationships and ensuring the client derives value from Amadeus Hospitality solutions.
RoomPriceGenie — Senior Business Development Manager - APAC
Andy Collins is the Senior Business Development Manager for APAC at RoomPriceGenie, helping hotels boost revenue with smart, automated pricing tools. Based in Sydney, he brings years of hospitality experience, having worked in hotels as well as hotel technology and OTA's. Andy’s all about making pricing simple and effective for accommodation providers across the region.
Novotel Perth Langley East Perth — Director of Revenue
Luke Kotai brings 16 years of Revenue Management experience with Accor, combining strategic insight with hands-on operational expertise. He is currently the Director of Revenue at Novotel Perth Langley, a role he’s held since July 2023. Previously, Luke was Portfolio Director of Revenue based in North Queensland, overseeing a diverse mix of properties for the Accor in Queensland and Victoria. Known for his practical approach and deep industry knowledge, Luke is passionate about driving hotel performance and developing a high-performing team.
Mews — Commercial Director - APAC
Hayden is the Commercial Director for APAC at Mews, a cloud-native, innovative hospitality management system. Hayden’s expertise in hospitality management, hotel technology, and corporate travel technology spans across the past 15 years, with a focus in commercial strategy and customer engagement. His passion for innovation has driven him to explore leading hotel technology solutions and partnerships, with an emphasis on AI and automation, to improve processes and enhance the customer journey. A passionate traveller, foodie and adventure seeker, searching for the world’s best hospitality experiences.
$599 +GST
$2246 +GST
$4500 +GST