Visitor advocacy group Destination Byron have announced the return of their 2026 symposium, to be held on Thursday, 25 June, at the Byron Theatre.
They say the event brings together leaders and industry
Organisers say, “The symposium will serve as an important platform for discussion, collaboration and strategic alignment, exploring how the region can balance growth with its unique environmental, cultural and community values. Through a full-day program of keynote presentations, expert panels and interactive sessions, attendees will gain practical insights and contribute to the next phase of Byron’s visitor economy”.
Destination Byron president Jeanie Wylie says the symposium
“Everyone in the Byron Shire is affected by the
“The symposium also provides practical tips for businesses on how to benefit from upcoming events including Byron Fest 2027 and the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.”
Destination Byron has secured its strongest ever lineup of keynote speakers and contributors, bringing together global expertise and local relevance to spark ideas and drive collaboration.
Keynote speakers
Simon Kuestenmacher, Leading Data & Trends Commentator at The Demographics Group
Returning to the symposium for 2026, Kuestenmacher will present the latest demographic, consumer and tourism data impacting Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading data and trend commentators, he will explore the impacts of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on infrastructure, visitation growth and long-term regional opportunities.
Returning to the symposium for 2026, Kuestenmacher will present the latest demographic, consumer and tourism data impacting Byron Shire and the Northern Rivers. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading data and trend commentators, he will explore the impacts of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on infrastructure, visitation growth and long-term regional opportunities.
Rebecca Masci, Director of Marketing at Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic
Games Organising Committee
Games Organising Committee
With more than 20 years’ experience across mega-events, infrastructure
Paul Hammond, STR a CoStar Group Company
With over three decades of global tourism and hospitality experience, Hammond will deliver an in-depth update on Byron Shire’s tourism and accommodation performance. His session will translate complex benchmarking data into clear insights on visitation trends, market performance and opportunities for the region’s visitor economy.
Nick Baker, Chief Executive Officer at Reflections Holidays
From global tourism leadership to nature-driven experiences closer to home, Baker will explore how one of Australia’s leading nature-based tourism organisations balances sustainability, community and corporate responsibility, while continuing to inspire the romance of adventure travel. With leadership experience spanning Tourism Australia, RedBalloon and
Tickets on sale for $99 and include morning tea and lunch. To secure your place, please visit: byron.sales.ticketsearch.com/
Event details:
Thursday 25 June, 2026
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Byron Theatre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481

Program:
Program:
9:00 AM – Morning Momentum
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Welcome to Country
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Strategic overview of Destination Byron
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Panel – Delivering Luxury Travel Experiences
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Fresh insights from regional tourism data
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Keynote – Juggling community, sustainability and corporate citizenship
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Brisbane 2032 Olympics opportunity & overview
Lunch & Local Connections
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Working-style lunch designed to foster networking and idea-sharing
Afternoon – Tools for Impact
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Keynote – What does the future look like for Byron
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$200k Regional Night-Time Economy Grant & Winter 2027 festival overview
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Live feedback and Q&A to shape Byron’s next steps
2.50 PM – Symposium concludes
3:00 PM – Networking Drinks
4:30 PM – Event ends
Sponsors for this year’s event include Byron Community Centre, Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, BASQ House, Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Shire Council, Business NSW, Byron Bay Taxis, Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, Elements of Byron, Merivale, Reflections Holidays, Roca Cabana, Treehouse Byron Bay, Wake Up and YHA.
For more information, please visit byroncentre.com.au/theatre-
To learn more about Destination Byron, visit destinationbyron.com.au/
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