me&u — Senior Account Manager | WA

A ‘hospo lifer’, Ben Kershaw spent the first 20 years of his career working in 5-star hotels across operations and F&B. His search for tech that could enhance the guest experience while supporting profitability led him to jump ship and join me&u in 2022. Ben now works with 150 venues across WA and QLD, leveraging data and tech to create thriving hospitality businesses.

Warders Hotel — Director of Hospitality- Warders / Emily Taylor / Garde Hotel Group.

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.

Margaret River Holiday Cottages — Hotel Owner

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.

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.

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.

Quay Perth — 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.

Quay Perth — Events Sales Executive

Kezia Purnomo is a highly experienced Events Sales Executive at Quay Perth, specialising in corporate functions and private events. With over four years at Quay Perth, she has honed her expertise in event planning, sales, and marketing, delivering seamless and memorable experiences for clients, including the City of Perth’s City of Light launch and events for McDermott, BHP, Rio Tinto, and Chevron.

Her background includes extensive social media marketing experience from her time at Pan Pacific Perth and as a freelancer, where she managed content creation, brand promotion, and digital marketing strategies. She leverages this expertise to enhance event visibility and engagement.

Passionate about hospitality, Kezia combines strategic thinking, creativity, and a client-first approach to curate exceptional events. With a strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, she ensures every event she manages is both impactful and seamlessly executed.

Hospitality Disability Network WA — Disability Employment Manager

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.

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.

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.

Olimpia Twiggs — Business Development Manager WA/NT

Salter Brothers Hospitality — Chief Development Officer

Quay Perth — Events Sales Executive

Kezia Purnomo is a highly experienced Events Sales Executive at Quay Perth, specialising in corporate functions and private events. With over four years at Quay Perth, she has honed her expertise in event planning, sales, and marketing, delivering seamless and memorable experiences for clients, including the City of Perth’s City of Light launch and events for McDermott, BHP, Rio Tinto, and Chevron.

Her background includes extensive social media marketing experience from her time at Pan Pacific Perth and as a freelancer, where she managed content creation, brand promotion, and digital marketing strategies. She leverages this expertise to enhance event visibility and engagement.

Passionate about hospitality, Kezia combines strategic thinking, creativity, and a client-first approach to curate exceptional events. With a strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, she ensures every event she manages is both impactful and seamlessly executed.

Corporate Traveller — General Manager

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.

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.

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.

Quest East Perth — Director of Sales

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.

Event & Conference Co. — Director

Fraser Marketing International — Director