Tourism’s finest gathered to share knowledge and expertise with colleagues in the property management sector at Resly’s AccomCon. conference on October 8th and 9th. Attendees travelled from as far afield as Wagga Wagga, Tasmania, Northern Queensland, New Zealand and Manilla to learn, meet like minded business owners, and celebrate the best that Australaisan tourism has to offer.
Held at the beautiful Star Gold Coast, the two-day conference and The Best of Tourism Awards (held after the close of Day 1) was a much-needed opportunity for those working in the often solitary fields of management rights and short term rentals to come together to upskill and to acknowledge the best in their fields.
Sales manager and co-founder of Resly, Sam Steel, says the company created the conference (in its second year) to be “relevant and valuable” to businesses.
“It’s not a sales seminar,” he explains. “This is experts sharing on topics such as compliance and auditing; topics that are of significant interest to the industry.”
Day 1 of the conference kicked off with a look at the Gold Coast’s upcoming major developments by the City of Gold Coast, followed by the talented celebrity keynote speaker, Shaynna Blaze.
Interior Designer, judge on television’s ‘The Block’, singer, and advocate for women’s rights, Blaze shared from the heart and was a highlight of the day.
Individual guest speaker presentations and expert panels followed back to back, with every conceivable element of property management being touched upon.
Steel says the conference is a wonderful opportunity to build community and network with peers, and that many attendees opted to bring their laptops and work throughout the event, in order to keep on top of things back in the office.
“Everyone in hospitality is always hard at work,” says the Sydney-based Steel. “The Best of Tourism Awards give us a great reason to dress up and celebrate success.”
Now in their third year, the awards acknowledged industry leaders in seven categories - Business of the Year, Community Spirit, Industry Ally, Female Leader, Manager of the Year, The One to Watch, and the Innovation Award.
This year's ceremony and dinner embraced the enchanting theme of "The Secret Garden," brought to life with whimsical touches. Hundreds of vibrant, Alice in Wonderland-inspired paper flowers adorned the space, while a life-size tree wrapped in twinkling fairy lights stood as a stunning centrepiece. Guests were welcomed by a ballgown-clad woman, beautifully decorated with flowers, offering champagne as they arrived, setting the tone for a magical evening for all 300 attendees.
The evening also presented the opportunity for Resly, guests, and the event's sponsors to give back to two special beneficiaries - The Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, and the Tara Brown Foundation.
Throughout the evening, guests were entertained by a silk-aerial display, a magician, and danced the night away to the Baker Boys Band.
“Every year we try to top the last year,” says Steel. If this is the case, then we can only imagine what 2025’s AccomCon. and The Best of Tourism Awards will look like!
