Thank you so much for attending Open Mindset in Melbourne! We’re absolutely thrilled and so grateful you could join us.
Today’s very special get-together aims to challenge traditional thinking and inspire innovative solutions, forging a collaborative and purpose-filled path for all.
The Open Mindset question we’ll be discussing is: What will your role be in the travel industry’s sustainability transformation, and how can you make a difference?
But first, a huge thank you to our amazing partners, Intrepid Travel, Tourism New Zealand, Hurtigruten, and The Travel Corporation Tour Brands, for supporting our event.
These unique purpose-led businesses continue to show exemplary leadership and action in the sustainable and regenerative travel space and have many lessons to share.
Thank you for supporting Country Needs People
- $10 from your ticket has also been donated to “Country Needs People,” which supports community-based conservation efforts in Australia. We encourage all attendees to learn more about the foundation and consider contributing to its important work.
Here’s today’s agenda.
12:00: Arrival & Networking
Precious in-person time to catch up with friends old and new.
12:25: Event begins
Speaker: Dani Tuffield, General Manager, Karryon
12:30: Acknowledgement of Country
- Speaker: Ben Moodie: Ben is from the Gamillaroi people. He has been playing Yidaki since he was 10 and performing professionally since he was 16. Ben has been privileged to learn and play alongside phenomenal Yidaki/Didgeridoo players and other famous performers during this time. Please note: Ben performs Yidaki/Didgeridoo with permission received from the Traditional Owners of the area he is performing in and undertakes Smoking Ceremonies in his country only.
12:40: Welcome to Open Mindset
- Speaker: Matt Leedham, Founder & Head of Storytelling, Karryon: With a passion for the people of the world and a vision to foster a sense of community together in travel, Matt has evolved Karryon into a trusted, industry-leading media platform and brand for travel news and the stories that matter. With twenty-five years of travel storytelling under his belt, his commitment to regeneration and innovation makes him a driving force behind Karryon’s success.
Entrée Served: Grilled pumpkin & Grana Padano ravioli, Tuscan kale, sage cream, salted pecan & maple crumble [v].
Today’s drink list includes Wines: Lois Blanc De Blancs Sparkling NV, Adelaide Hills, South Australia; Rockburn Devil’s Staircase Pinot Gris, Central Otago, New Zealand; Josef Chromy Pepik Pinot Noir, Relbia, Tasmania; and Josef Chromy Sauvignon Blanc, Tasmania, Australia. Alcohol and alcohol-free beers and soft drinks: Carlton Draught, Asahi Super Dry (3.5%), Heineken Zero (0%), Sparkling water and juices, tea, and coffee.
12:50: Intrepid
Speaker: Brett Mitchell, Managing Director AU/NZ, Intrepid (Platinum Sponsor): With extensive experience in the travel industry, Brett has been instrumental in driving Intrepid’s growth and commitment to sustainable travel practices. His leadership and vision have helped shape Intrepid’s initiatives to promote responsible travel and support local communities.
13:00: Keynote – UPPARELL
- Speaker: Riley Aickin: Partnerships & UPtex Manager, UPPAREL: As UPPAREL’s Partnerships & UPtex Manager, Riley Aickin helps businesses, including The North Face and Lululemon, turn their textile and garment waste into valuable resources with limitless potential. Award-winning B Corp UPPARELL supports the circular economy by creating high-value recycled products that can be recycled indefinitely; Riley strives to reduce the use of virgin materials in his role and leave the world in a better place for future generations.
Lunch Served: Alternating Mains include pan-seared salmon fillet, edamame puree, charred broccolini, ginger-glazed kohlrabi and sweet potato hash, rice crisp, nori dust [gf nf], and Black Angus eye fillet, carrot bone marrow, caramelised orchard fruit, broccolini, and bordelaise sauce [gf nf].
13:35: Industry Panel – Finding your place on the transformation journey
- Michelle Degenhardt, Global Sustainability Officer, Flight Centre Travel Group: Michelle has been with FCTG for 20 years, with roles ranging from event management to people and culture, employee engagement, and corporate social responsibility, before becoming the sustainability lead for FCTG in 2021. Michelle is committed to FCTG’s sustainability journey and creating positive change, not just for FCTG but for the travel industry at large.
- Neil Rodgers: Managing Director, Adventure World: Neil has passionately evolved Adventure World’s commitment to sustainable travel for over twenty years. He says about the company’s vision, “Our 40+ years of sustainability credentials have always been at the forefront of our business, but now it is our mandate. We do not ‘Greenwash,’ we ‘Make Travel Matter’ and invest significant funding annually to support worldwide projects that make the world a better place,” says Rodgers.
- Matt Leedham: Founder & Head of Storytelling, Karryon: With a genuine passion for the travel industry and a vision to foster a sense of community together in travel, Matt has evolved Karryon into a trusted, industry-leading media platform for travel news and the stories that matter. With twenty-five years of travel storytelling under his belt, his commitment to sustainability, regeneration and innovation makes him a driving force behind Karryon’s success.
- Moderator: Yvette Thompson, Managing Director AU/NZ, Sales and Marketing: Yvette has spent 16 years in the travel industry, recently celebrating her tenth year at Intrepid Travel. Her roles have varied across sales, marketing, partnerships, contracting, and leadership, all focused on driving mutual success, fostering innovation, and advocating for sustainable travel and an inclusive future. She has contributed to Intrepid’s RAP committee, B Corp certification, sustainability practices, and policies on animal welfare, modern slavery, and child protection. As a female leader, Yvette is committed to mentorship, coaching, and fostering diversity in leadership.
The dessert platters served include Cannoli with salted pistachio cream and toasted pistachios; mini rhubarb and apple tart, Tahitian vanilla mousse, violas [gf nf]; chocolate tartlet, coconut and rosewater mousse, cranberry gel, and lemon balm [gf nf].
14:35: Prizes Drawn
We’re all winners today.
14:45: Closing & Networking
Time to connect again before we say farewell for now.
15:00: Event Concludes
Got feedback for the event? We’d love to hear from you! Please email Karryon’s Events Manager, Simran Mediratta, at simran@karryon.com.au
