Our March Member Mingle was a bumper event with a Destination Marketing Update presented beforehand with special guests from Tourism WA and Australia’s South West.
The Destination Marketing Update was held in the main theatre of Margaret River HEART with Carolyn Turnbull (Executive Director – Industry, Aviation & Markets, Tourism WA), Catrin Allsop (CEO, Australia’s South West) and Sharna Kearney (Joint CEO, MRBTA) providing an overview of the organisations’ consumer marketing activity over the next six months. The recording of the presentation can be viewed HERE.
The event moved into the expansive, architectural HEART foyer for the Mingle. The friendly HEART staff served drinks from Howard Park Wines and Colonial Brewing Co. Guests also enjoyed retro, American-style fare (done right!) from Normal Van throughout the evening.
Sharna Kearney provided an update on MRBTA’s partnership with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River to assist members in achieving ECO Certification as part of the Shire’s journey towards ECO Destination Certification. ECO Certification is a great way to appeal to consumers with an increased interest in sustainable travel in the wake of COVID-19.
Robert Webster from Normal Van spoke about his approach to traditional American cuisine using ingredients sourced locally.
Nicky Hansen, HEART’s General Manager, welcomed everyone to the HEART and mentioned that since it opened it has hosted 18,000 people and 202 events, averaging 5 events a week and with over 100 events booked for this year, including some interest in large conferences to be held in the region. The HEART is proud to support local businesses and artists. Members are invited to get in touch with the HEART team if they are interested in hosting events, supplying produce in the kiosk, advertising pre-cinema shows or utilising the kitchen space.
Carolyn Turnbull spoke about Tourism WA’s efforts and campaign which are starting to embark on retainment with the interstate market now the borders have stabilised and looking towards the return of international markets. She acknowledged that the Margeret River Region is at the forefront of Tourism WA’s marketing efforts as it is an iconic asset.
Thank you to all that attended and a huge thank you to the event’s sponsors:
Margaret River HEART, Howard Park Wines, and Colonial Brewing Co.
We hope to see you at our next Mingle on Thursday, 22nd April. Full details will be provided soon.
