Luxperience, the exclusive new three-day business exchange for the high end experiential travel industry, got under way today, after a pre-opening Thought Leaders session and an elaborate opening event on Sunday evening, complete with a dazzling private fireworks display over the iconic Sydney Opera House.
SIDNEY – The event was officially opened by Roza Sage, MP, representing the Premier of New South Wales, and Rosemarie Sama, founder of Luxperience.
This was followed by an impressive line-up of short, sharp “TED Talks” style presentations from inspirational speakers, some from the travel industry, some not, whose theme was the power of unique experiences to shape and change lives. Delegates were also offered the opportunity to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Over 100 suppliers and 300 buyers attending the show will now have three days of highly targeted appointments as well as spectacular and memorable events which showcase the best of what Sydney has to offer.
Feedback for the show held at Sydney’s Overseas Passengers Terminal with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House as a backdrop has been overwhelmingly positive.
“This is an excellent new show the quality of the buyer appointments has been great. I love the beautiful setting and how easy it is to get around the event,” said Penny Rafferty, Executive Officer of Luxury Lodges of Australia.
“The show has been very enjoyable and informative, and I’ve made some very good new contacts. The setting really spectacular,” said Lorrenzo Urra of Hong Kong-based experiential travel specialist Global Nomad.
“We are delighted to partner with Luxperience, a show which fits very well with our mission to position our airline as a great international luxury carrier,” said Alexandra O’Connor, Head of Industry Sales for Virgin Australia.
The unique “poken” devices through which delegates “poke” each other to exchange contact details and information has also proved a great hit, and a novel way for people to meet each other.
Rosemarie Sama, CEO and Co-Founder of Luxperience said, “We are delighted by the feedback we’ve been getting, everyone seems very happy with the quality of the appointments they are having, the spectacular venue and the great networking events,” said Rosemarie Sama. “Even the press briefing centre has the most incredible views of the Harbour.”
Thanks to the pre-arranged appointments system, as well as the opportunity for buyers and suppliers to reach out to each other via the LuxConnect online networking facility, 75% of the exhibitors have entirely full pre-scheduled meeting itineraries
Commenting on the show’s mission, Rosemarie added: “Flat screen TVs in the rooms and several hundred thread count Egyptian cotton bed linen is no longer a luxury, it’s a given. Luxury now is all about bespoke, unique adventures and experiences, the opportunity to see places and experience things that few others have – in a way that is not only comfortable and well yes “luxurious” but also authentic, inspiring and potentially life changing.”
Catering to an increasingly important niche within the travel industry addressing individuals looking for unique, bespoke and authentic once-in-a lifetime travel experiences, Luxperience sees industry thought leaders and experts congregate to share and exchange ideas and source for opportunities. With an increase in high net-worth experiential travellers from emerging markets in Asia and the rest of the world, the event promises to provide a unique platform for luxury and experiential travel providers to exchange ideas, share insights and establish meaningful connections.
“Our vision with the show was not just to put together an event, however fabulous – it was to create a community. One that will continue well after the last champagne corks are popped on Wednesday evening,” said Rosemarie Sama.
“Some of our innovations such as the LuxConnect online community have helped to facilitate this. We hope to stimulate the creation of a new community of leaders within our industry who will continue to connect, engage and influence each other long after the event itself.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
