Keynote Speakers

SIMON HICKEY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER /
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT

As a senior executive of more than 30 years across aviation, construction and retail, Simon Hickey leads the team developing the business and infrastructure for Sydney’s new airport, Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

PETER REGAN

PSM / SYDNEY METRO CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Peter is leading the procurement, construction and delivery of Sydney Metro, Australia’s biggest public transport project. Peter joined Sydney Metro in 2021, following more than 20 years’ experience in transport and infrastructure project development, financing and delivery in Australia and the UK.

Lyn Lewis-Smith

CEO of BESydney

Lyn Lewis-Smith is CEO of BESydney and leads a global team of professionals spanning Europe, North America and Asia who are charged with securing global meetings of strategic, economic and social benefit to Sydney, Australia.

Steve Cox

CEO Destination NSW

Steve Cox is the Chief Executive Officer of Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.

Steve is a passionate and energetic champion for Sydney and regional NSW. He drives the strategic direction of Destination NSW, including the delivery of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 to ensure NSW is the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.

Anthea hammon

MANAGING DIRECTOR / SCENIC WORLD
BLUE MOUNTAINS

Anthea Hammon is the Managing Director of Scenic World, a third-generation family business which has been operating in the Blue Mountains since 1945 and is Australia’s most visited privately owned attraction. Anthea has played a leading role in the company’s evolution with a strong focus on investment and sustainable tourism.

JACQUELINE VOZZO

BOARD DIRECTOR / WESTERN SYDNEY LAKES
PRESIDENT / UDIA NSW

Jacqui is the UDIA NSW President as well as being a Board Director and the former CEO of Western Sydney Lakes. A passionate advocate for Western Sydney, she has been responsible for developing and leading the transformational vision for the Lakes precinct and instrumental in building its profile and the recent Penrith Beach opening.

MICHAEL RODRIGUES

24 HOUR ECONOMY COMMISSIONER

Michael Rodrigues is NSW’s first ever 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, having been appointed in April 2021. In the role he leads the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner in NSW Government and is responsible for delivering the NSW 24-Hour Economy Strategy.

Brian Fletcher

CEO Penrith Panthers

Charged with running one of the community’s largest employers, with over 950 employees across the Group, and from his early working days with Coonamble Shire Council, and then 28 years at Hawkesbury Race Club, Brian understands the importance of ensuring strong connections to the local community. Growing Group Revenue, despite two Covid lockdowns, from $127m in 2015 to a forecasted 2024 revenue of $168m, Brian continues to build pathways for future growth in both the sporting and hospitality fields.

Scott Hudson

CEO Western Sydney Wanderers FC

A Western Sydney local, Hudson has been part of the Wanderers since 2013 taking over as Commercial Manager in 2015 with responsibility across all commercial areas.

In more recent years, Hudson has helped oversee the development of Wanderers Football Park, the launch of the Wanderers Foundation, and built an impressive portfolio of Corporate Partners – many which have supported the club for close to a decade.

Mark Webster

Managing Director of the INGLIS GROUP

Mark Webster has more than 20 years of CEO and Board level experience across a range of public, ASX and private companies in the media, tech, agriculture and hospitality sectors.

As a Western Sydney native and the current Managing Director of the INGLIS GROUP. Mark has significant experience in the visitor economy and a passion for everything west of the Harbour Bridge. Mark Webster is also the Chairman of Ardex Technology.

JAKE BURGESS

Managing Director, SYDNEY ZOO

Jake is the concept designer of the Sydney Zoo project. It has been his passion over the past 5 years to develop and operate a world class zoo to accommodate the demands of Western Sydney. The zoo will deliver unforgettable experiences between people and animals, using technology to enhance interactive learning and engagement.

RICHARD ERRINGTON

Chief Executive Officer at West HQ Ltd

Taking West HQ into the future with a unique and ambitious vision to re-shape Sydney’s perception of what is available in western Sydney, Richard Errington has transformed the former RSL into a multifaceted venue which includes world-class sporting, health and recreational facilities, hotel accommodation, gaming, entertainment, and hospitality experiences.

Scott Boyes

Chief Executive Officer – Trilogy Hotels

One of the most respected and accomplished Hoteliers in the Australian market. A 30-year journey commencing with graduating from the Blue Mountains Hotel School through to his most recent role as Senior VP Operations, Pacific North at Accor overseeing a portfolio of 85 Hotels.

Well-versed in all segments from Luxury to Economy and all facets of F&B from large-scale events to bespoke concepts.

A builder of strong and capable teams, and a creator of strong and lasting partnerships.

CHRISTOPHER BROWN AM

Chairman of Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue

Christopher Brown is Honorary Chair of regional not-for-profit think-thank, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue.

For twenty years Christopher led two of the nation’s most powerful industry peak bodies, Infrastructure Partnerships Australia and Tourism & Transport Forum – comprising CEOs from across the upper echelons of Australia’s public and private sector leadership cohort and helped build a national constituency in favour of sustainable development of aviation, transport, tourism and infrastructure.

Kylie Powell

Director City Futures, Penrith City Council

Penrith is the leading centre of opportunity in Western Sydney and Kylie Powell is spearheading efforts to ensure the region reaches its potential. With an extensive career in strategic planning and economic development, and a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Kylie is well placed to lead Penrith through this exciting period of growth.

The teams led by Kylie support Council’s long-term vision by driving the City Deal, fostering economic development and employment growth, planning for our current and future populations and creating robust policy and contribution frameworks.

William schrumpf

DIRECTOR, ASTINA GROUP

William Schrumpf is the director of leading property group, Astina Group.

Astina is known for pioneering positive change through development, construction, accommodation and wellness in Western Sydney.

William’s progressive ethos spans across all aspects of the company, striving to break the mold and establishing a unique culture that supports a 360 degree approach to living.

Recently completed, the Astina Suites apartment hotel delivered Penrith’s first rooftop pool and bar.

Charles Young

General Manager at Fairmont Resort & Spa – Blue Mountains

With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and hotel industry Charlie has a proven track record of delivering memorable, caring, and unique guest and employee experiences.

Adam Berry

Executive Director – Centres, Venues and Regions, NSW Office of Sport.

Currently serving as the Executive Director – Centres, Venues and Regions at the Office of Sport, he oversees and ensures the successful operation of ten sport and recreation centres across NSW, 6 Olympic sporting venues in Greater Sydney as well as regionally based teams that deliver targeted programs helping communities be more active.

JESSICA JENKINS

HOSPITALITY PROVIDER, PENRITH

Jessica is a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry, boasting two decades of experience across Australia and the UK. With a strong foundation in hospitality, she has successfully established herself as the proud owner of three hospitality businesses in Penrith.

JENNIFER BRUCE

NSW Regional Manager for ATEC

Jennifer is a partnerships and distribution specialist with over 15 years’ experience in inbound, outbound and domestic trade partnerships in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Through her rewarding roles with the Australian Tourism Export Council, Jennifer has assisted many Australian tourism products and regions in developing their offering for suitability to international markets.

Peter Magnisalis

Managing Director, Winter Sports World

Life-long Penrith resident and contributor Peter Magnisalis is the Founder and Managing Director of Winter Sports World.

He has 27 years’ experience and qualifications in large scale property development and construction, with groups such as Anglicare, MJH Group, PBS Property Group, John Hollands and Abi Group.