The man in charge of selling Australia to the world - Tourism Australia managing director John O'Sullivan - will lead the first Bond Business Leaders Forum for 2016 on May 19 at Bond University.
Mr O'Sullivan will discuss how the developing economies of Australia's Asian neighbours will significantly impact the nation's 'new' economy, and the future potential this poses for service exports such as tourism, leisure, sport and media services.
Mr O'Sullivan took the helm of Tourism Australia in 2014 after previously working as chief operating officer of Fox Sports, prior to which he held executive positions with Events Queensland, Football Federation Australia and the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee.
Executive Dean of the Bond Business School, Professor Mark Hirst, said Mr O'Sullivan's presentation would be particularly pertinent to Gold Coasters given the region's reputation as a tourism mecca.
"As managing director of our nation’s tourism marketing agency, John is responsible for driving global strategies to help grow the Australian tourism sector to an expected $115 billion by 2020," said Professor Hirst.
"Just this month Tourism Australia, under John's leadership, launched a $40 million campaign in the Chinese market in an effort to further boost arrivals from Australia's most lucrative inbound market.
"Given the Gold Coast's position as one of the leading tourism destinations in the country with 10.5 million visitors flocking to the area yearly, we have much to learn from John's more than 20 years experience in sports marketing, event management and media across Australia, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
"His presentation at the first Bond Business Leaders Forum of the year will be a valuable opportunity for business heavyweights from across Queensland to come together to hear from one of Australia's top executives."
Hosted by the Bond Business School, the leaders forums are an exclusive series of presentations from Australian and international business identities, providing valuable insight and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
Previous guest speakers include Aurizon managing director and chief executive officer, Lance Hockridge and Stockland managing director and chief executive officer, Mark Steinert.
The Bond Business Leaders Forum with John O'Sullivan will be held in the Princeton Room at Bond University on Thursday, May 19.
Tickets to the event are $70 per person or $600 for a table of 10, which includes a two course lunch and beverages.
For more information and to register for the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bond-business-leaders-forum-presents-john-osullivan-tourism-australia-registration-24584216052.