The excitement is building as we countdown to our next Open Mindset event in Melbourne on June 26. This unique gathering aims to challenge traditional thinking and inspire innovative solutions to forge a collaborative path for all in the travel industry’s sustainability transformation.
As we countdown to Karryon’s next Open Mindset event on June 26 in Melbourne, we are thrilled to introduce you to our lineup of inspiring speakers who will share their passion, experience and expertise on the day.
The open-ended 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?
Read on to find out who’s speaking on the day.
Riley Aickin: Partnerships & UPtex Manager, UPPAREL
Award-winning B Corp, 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. Supporting 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.
Brett Mitchell: Managing Director AU/NZ, Intrepid
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.
Michelle Degenhardt: Global Sustainability Officer, Flight Centre Travel Group
Michelle has been with FCTG for 20 years, with roles ranging from event management, people and culture, employee engagement, and corporate social responsibility, before becoming the sustainability lead for FCTG in 2021. Michelle is committed to the sustainability journey FCTG is on 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 built 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.
Yvette Thompson: General Manager, Sales and Marketing AU/NZ, Intrepid
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.
Thank you to our amazing event partners
Karryon is honoured to partner with Intrepid Travel, Tourism New Zealand, Hurtigruten, and The Travel Corporation Tour Brands for this Open Mindset event. These unique purpose-led businesses create incredible action in the sustainable and regenerative travel space and have many learnings to share.
Hurry! Last tickets available
Don’t miss out on this transformative event! Tickets are limited to ensure a quality experience for everyone.
Join your industry peers and secure your tickets now through Humanitix, our partner ticketing platform. With lower booking fees and all proceeds directed to charity, this ticket purchase truly matters.
Plus, by attending, you’ll be supporting Country Needs People
By attending the event, a $10 donation from each ticket goes to “Country Needs People,” which supports community-based conservation efforts in Australia. The Open Mindset event will contribute to their cause by raising awareness and funds through ticket sales. We encourage all attendees to learn more about the foundation and consider contributing to its important work.
Read: Now More Than Ever: Support Indigenous rangers for the good of Australia
For more information on the event or sponsorship opportunities, please email Karryon’s Events Manager, Simran Mediratta, at simran@karryon.com.au
