Destination Byron 2025 Symposium

The Destination Byron 2025 Symposium will be held at the Byron Community Centre on Thursday 23 October, bringing locals, business owners and community leaders together to share ideas and plan for the future of our region. This year's theme, "Thriving Together: Building the Future for Byron Bay", focuses on creating a sustainable visitor economy that benefits both the community and the environment.

The program includes a sustainability keynote from Professor Sara Dolnicar, insights from regional tourism data and a case study on accessible events with adaptive surfing champion Mark 'Mono' Stewart. Economist Clifford Bennett will provide a global update on business and tourism trends.

A working lunch will encourage networking and collaboration, before the afternoon sessions featuring award-winning marketer Jess Ruhfus on building brand partnerships, a panel with community leaders and council representatives and a funding workship inviting ideas on how to support future initatives.

Running from 9.0am to 2.30pm the symposium offers a full day of learning, discussion and practical advice to help Byron thrive.

Destination Byron 2025 Symposium

When: Thursday 23rd October, 2025
Time: 9:00am to 2:30pm
Location: Byron Community Centre | 69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Tickets: Destination Byron’s Tourism Symposium – Destination Byron

Timetable:

Morning Momentum (from 9:00 AM)

• Welcome to Country and strategic overview of Destination Byron
• Sustainability keynote from a leading tourism researcher
• Fresh insights from regional tourism data
• Case Study – Accessible events: how to work with this growing sector
• Economic update: global trends and impacts on business and tourism
• Destination funding workshop – funding models, pros and cons

Lunch & Local Connections

• Working-style lunch designed to foster networking and idea-sharing

Afternoon – Tools for Impact

• Keynote: award-winning marketer on building powerful brand partnerships
• Panel discussion with community leaders and council updates
• Live feedback and Q&A to shape Byron’s next steps

Conclusion

• Symposium concludes at 2:30 PM‍

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The symposium is proudly supported by local sponsors, with Byron Community Centre as Gold Sponsor and Silver Sponsors including Crystal Castle, Byron Golf Club, Ballina Byron Airport, Wake Up, Tree House, Crystalbrook Byron, BASQ House, Elements of Byron, Cape Byron Kayaks and Business NSW.