CAUTHE 2025 brought together prominent industry leaders, researchers, and professionals to discuss the notion of generational transformation. Through presentations, panels, and interactive discussions, key insights were provided on how the sector can actively leverage opportunities to create a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Conference Committee

• Professor Lisa Ruhanen – CAUTHE 2025 Conference Co-Convenor
• A/Professor Sheranne Fairley – CAUTHE 2025 Conference Co-Convenor
• Dr Aaron Tkaczynski – Chair, Scientific Committee
• Assoc Prof Gabby Walters – Chair, PhD/ECR Workshop
• Assoc Prof Jie Wang
• Dr Rick Buning
• Dr Mucha Mkono

Keynotes and panels

1. Keynote Address – Professor Daniel Scott, University of Waterloo, Canada

• Daniel Scott, Professor & Research Chair, Department of Geography & Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Canada
• Chair: Assoc Prof Ya-Yen Sun, The University of Queensland

2. Keynote Panel: Climate change and the transformation of the tourism, hospitality and event sectors

• Daniel Scott, Professor, University of Waterloo, Canada
• Susanne Becken, Professor, Griffith University
• Michelle Degenhardt, Global Sustainability Office, Flight Centre Travel Group
• Daniel Walsh, Founder, Reforest Australia
• David Simmons, Chair, EarthCheck Research Institute
• Chair: Assoc Prof Ya-Yen Sun, The University of Queensland

3. Keynote Panel: Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Transformation and legacy

• Cameron Costello, The University of Queensland
• Professor Heather Gibson, University of Florida
• Professor Sarah Kelly, Queensland University of Technology
• Chair: Assoc Prof Sheranne Fairley, The University of Queensland

4. Keynote Panel: Transforming tourism through equity, diversity and inclusion 

• Dane Cross, COO, Sporting Wheelies
• Christine Bagnall, Lead Occupational Therapist, Senior Community Inclusion Consultant, Autism Queensland
• Sandra McLean, Director Partnerships and Engagement, QLD Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
• Chair: Assoc Prof Jie Wang, The University of Queensland

Download CAUTHE 2025 Conference program