Haydn has a wealth of experience working in Tourism, Sales and Marketing for the past 20 years. He is passionate about the youth and adventure sector, with a strong commitment to see values driven tourism thrive here in Aotearoa. Haydn currently works for Tourism Bay of Plenty and is based in Rotorua. 

Brian is a long serving BYATA member. Chairperson from 2014 to 2017, and currently President. His experience spans 30yrs working in RTOs, digital marketing and was GM Marketing and Sales for YHA.

An advocate for youth tourism he is a strong believer in the people behind the success of our tourism industry.

Mary brings over 25 years of tourism experience, having worked across multiple sectors and roles from frontline to senior management. Her background spans domestic and international markets, multiple sectors including youth, education, cruise, business events, international trade, and visitor services. She specialises in project leadership, relationship management, product development, marketing, sales and operations.

Having backpacked her way around the world and worked with many of you in the room over the years she understands the value of the sector and the benefits it can bring to a destination.

Rebecca Ingram leads Tourism Industry Aotearoa, the organisation that represents New Zealand's tourism sector - 1,200 businesses, every corner of the country, every part of the visitor journey.

Her job is to make sure tourism gets the policy settings, investment, and long-term thinking it deserves as one of New Zealand's most significant export industries.

She came to TIA after seven years at Tourism New Zealand on the Executive team. Before that, she held senior leadership roles at Spark and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. She believes tourism is one of New Zealand's greatest strategic assets.

Charlene Gong is an Engagement Partner at Immigration New Zealand. Within the Specialist Engagement Team, she works closely with immigration professionals and tourism sector stakeholders to support effective engagement on immigration settings and processes.

She has worked at INZ for several years, previously focusing on the Investor Programme.

Lauren Burton is an Engagement Partner at Immigration New Zealand. Within the Specialist Engagement Team, she is responsible for engaging with key stakeholders and users of INZ systems.

Since joining INZ in 2013, Lauren has held a range of leadership, technical, and engagement roles.

Samantha Howarth is Chief Revenue Officer at Angus & Associates, leading growth for their suite of insight solutions and programmes.

In this session, Samantha will facilitate their Blind Spot Game, helping identify gaps in understanding of customers, teams, and stakeholders.

Cristine Angus is the Founder and Chief Executive of Angus & Associates, a specialist research and strategy firm supporting evidence-based decision making across tourism and recreation sectors. With more than 30 years’ experience, she has advised organisations and government agencies in New Zealand and internationally.

Her session explores the value of sector-specific data and insights in strengthening planning, investment decisions, and advocacy across the sector. Drawing on their experience with Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, she will also present a model designed to deliver critical insights for youth sector operators.

Paul is part of the New Zealand and Business Events team for Tourism New Zealand and works at Tourism NZ’s Auckland office and occasionally from home near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty.

This team is responsible for industry and product marketing, Business Events, the national Qualmark accreditation programme and VIN Inc, which operates the isite Visitor Information Network.

Paul is the Executive Manager for the isite Network, that has almost 50 locations across New Zealand but also undertakes additional project work for Tourism NZ.

Paul was previously Chief Executive of the Inbound Tour Operators Council (nowknown as the Tourism Export Council)  and the Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand and has also led Regional Tourism Organisations in Marlborough and Lake Taupo.

Before that he worked with Tourism NZ’s predecessor organisation in marketing, regional development, IT and sales roles in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and various New Zealand locations including a stint in Parliament as a Ministerial advisor.

Ben Boyce is a New Zealand radio and television personality, best known for co-hosting Jono and Ben.

Together with his daughter Sienna, they host the podcast When I Grow Up and create highly engaging social media content that has reached millions globally.

Their content blends humour, authenticity, and family dynamics, resonating across generations.

Tim Alpe is the Managing Director of LyLo, a fast‑growing lifestyle budget accommodation brand within the EVT Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

LyLo delivers an innovative social travel experience through design‑led pod and private room accommodation, blending community spaces with affordability and comfort for modern travellers.

Since its launch in 2022, the brand has established successful properties in Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch (New Zealand) and Brisbane (Australia), with additional sites planned in Gold Coast, Fremantle and beyond.

Under Tim’s leadership, LyLo has redefined the budget hospitality segment by focusing on vibrant communal environments, flexible sleeping formats and a strong sense of community that appeals to a diverse mix of travellers including young adventurers, digital nomads, sports groups and families. His strategic vision has guided the brand’s expansion across Australasia and positioned LyLo for continued growth in key urban and lifestyle markets.

Before leading LyLo, Tim co‑founded JUCY, a diversified travel company known for its campervan rental business and innovative approach to value travel. His experience in hospitality and travel underscores a passion for creating accessible, memorable experiences that resonate with today’s global traveller.

Andrew is an employment law barrister. He has over 34 years’ experience and is recognised as one of New Zealand's top employment, ACC and health & safety law practitioners.

Andrew is currently on the New Zealand Law Society Health and Disability Committee, having previously been on the New Zealand Law Society Employment Law Committee (for six years), where he assists in providing guidance on proposed legislation.

He is recognised in international legal directories; Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, Doyles and Best Lawyer. He has also provided employment law advice to government entities under the All of Government procurement panel. He is often called upon to provide commentary on radio and speak at conferences.

Andrew is an experienced litigator, and he has appeared in the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court and ordinary Courts, including the Court of Appeal and advising on a Supreme Court appeal. Andrew also regularly participates in private and MBIE mediations.