Maximum Occupancy

📣 Session Spotlight: The New Marketing Mix

At Maximum Occupancy New Zealand, this session explored how the modern marketing landscape has evolved - and what hospitality brands need to prioritise to stay competitive.

From digital strategies and data-driven decision-making, to guest expectations and channel optimisation, the new marketing mix is about reaching the right guests, at the right time, with the right message.

Thanks to our panellists Danelle Ayers - Moda, Sarah May - Fastrack Digital, Ginni Post - GP Communication and Laurean Sahilices - The Hotel Marketing Lady. This session was facilitated by Adrian Caruso - Fastrack Digital.

Fastrack Digital.

🤖 Session Spotlight: Where Do I Begin with AI - And Can It Really Help in Hospitality?

AI is everywhere. But where should hoteliers actually start?

This session tackled the practical side of artificial intelligence in hospitality - cutting through the hype to focus on real-world application and measurable impact.

Facilitated by Jackie Leat - Fr@nk, this panel included Gavin Sharkey - Kōwhai AI Ltd and Barry White - Softsource vBridge.

Fastrack Digital

📈 Session Spotlight: Smarter Revenue Management & Distribution

Brought to you by ARMA, this session explored how accommodation operators can combine data, technology, human judgment, and smarter distribution - including GDS - to optimise revenue, expand reach, and protect profitability.

The panellists for this session included Laurel Liddle - SkyCity Entertainment Group, Jass Sidhu - Hind Management, Andy C. - RoomPriceGenie, Anthony Stevens - Shiji Group, Amit Peshawaria - Duetto and was facilitated by Adrian Caruso - Fastrack Digital.

Fastrack Digital

Drawing on millions of guest reviews, this session unpacked the real experience and sentiment trends shaping hotels across New Zealand - benchmarked against leading destinations across Oceania.

From leveraging data and AI to improve reputation, to driving more direct bookings and strengthening long-term brand value - thank you Will Howes from TrustYou for showing us how to turn insight into action.

Fastrack Digital

💡 Session Spotlight: What Industry Leaders See Coming Next

At Maximum Occupancy New Zealand 2026, this panel looked ahead to the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of hotel and accommodation industry.

Thank you to the facilitator, James Doolan - Hotel Council Aotearoa and the panellists, Karl Luxon - Scenic Hotel Group, Paul Wilson - Amadeus, Rod Munro - BWH Hotels, Tim Alpe - LyLo, Emily Byrne - Holiday Accommodation Parks Association.

Fastrack Digital

Session Spotlight: Elevating the Plateful 🍽️ – Future-Forward F&B Trends in Hospitality

This session explored the next wave of food and beverage innovation for hotels and accommodation providers.

The panelists included Michael Stamboulidis - QT Hotels & Resorts, Gareth Stewart - InterContinental Auckland, Matt Simister - Hotel Indigo, Dave Oliveri - JW Marriott and was facilitated by Adrian Caruso - Fastrack Digital.

Fastrack Digital

A practical, insight-packed session for hoteliers and accommodation providers looking to expand their corporate business pipeline. 🚀

Facilitated by Malcolm Hazelton, Amadeus, with expert panellists Leigh Higgins - Sudima Hotels and Andrea Stowers - Orbit World Travel (NZ) this session focused on strategies to capture and grow corporate bookings in a competitive market.

Fastrack Digital

📊 Panel Spotlight: The Demand Mix – Where Tomorrow’s Room Nights Come From

Facilitated by Lisa Hopkins - Business Events Industry Aotearoa, this panel explored the key sources of future bookings and how accommodation providers can stay ahead of demand.

The panelists included Prue Daly - New Zealand International Convention Centre, Clinton Farley - The Hotel Britomart, Debbie Summers - ID Tours Limited and Kristy Phillips - Hospitality New Zealand.

Fastrack Digital

A couple more supplier presentations during our Power-Up Trend Talks sessions featuring our exhibitors - RoomPriceGenie and Duetto.

Visit them to find out more on how they can assist you.


Fastrack Digital

Nick Ellis from Revinate brought the audience into an interactive, live experience demonstrating how to boost direct bookings and maximise revenue. 🏨💻

A fun, insightful session that left everyone energised and ready to play the Book Direct Game back at their properties! 🙌

Fastrack Digital