MEDIA RELEASE
VISIT USA AUSTRALIA HOSTS VIP INDUSTRY WELCOME EVENT AT IPW 2023
Visit USA Australia hosted the Australian and New Zealand delegates for IPW 2023, alongside Visit USA Australia Members at their invitation-only welcome event at jammin’ music venue Howl at the Moon, in San Antonio, Texas.
Caroline Davidson and Cynthia Schmitt Easey presenting Jon Handlery with his iconic outfit.
(23 May 2023) – Over the weekend, Visit USA Australia was back at its best, hosting its VIP Industry Welcome Event at IPW 2023. The event, held on Saturday 20 May at Howl at the Moon in San Antonio Texas, was attended by the Australian and New Zealand IPW delegation, as well as Visit USA Australia Members. The 170-strong crowd were entertained with duelling pianos, a song written just for the event and a band playing US classics.
Visit USA Australia President, Caroline Davidson said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be back at IPW hosting our welcome event. The Australian and New Zealand delegation is back in force; it’s the strongest ever – 12% larger than pre-pandemic and the sixth largest delegation to attend globally. It’s yet another solid indication that travel to the US from the Australian market is rebounding well.”
Industry veteran Jon Handlery, CEO of Handlery Hotels was also honored at the event for his unwavering support to Visit USA Australia and the Australian travel industry. Handlery has been a Visit USA Australia Member for 41 years, and puts on a fantastic show at the Visit USA Expos every year, taking the stage in his signature shorts and long socks. This iconic outfit was presented back to him at the event, having travelled around Sydney collecting signatures from his many supporters.
The event was also attended by special guests Brian Beall, Director of National Travel & Tourism Office – NTTO and Peter Dodge, Senior Manager Public Affairs – Brand USA.
Event sponsors, Delta Air Lines, Los Angeles Tourism & LAX and Gate 7 were also on hand to welcome guests and delivered lively updates to the room. The event was also supported by Travel Texas and TravMedia.
Image library from the event is available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q5eP-rgezyILXGdQbNw8vI_lupCH60d8?usp=share_link