GEAR | Annual Interferry Conference speakers’ programme published

The 47th Annual Interferry Conference will take place in Hobart, Tasmania, on November 4 to 8, 2023.

With focus on elevating the customer experience and sustainability, expert presentations will feature the latest trends in tourism, service automation, and onboard entertainment, as well as ship construction and conversion trends, optimised operations, and safety measures.

The vast majority of ferry operators worldwide rely heavily on tourist travel. How global tourism trends have changed and will develop post COVID-19 are part of the keynote of Robert Dougan from Tourism Australia, who kicks off the conference on Day 1.

Sustainability is key in ferry conversion and newbuilding, whereof two examples for future efficient tonnage from the Southern hemisphere are presented by Conference President Bernard Dwyer of Spirit of Tasmania and Walter Rushbrook of KiwiRail’s Interislander. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys owner Rob Pennicot will also present on enhancing the experience of travellers.

The speakers’ input will be further enhanced with presentations on self-service tools and apps as well as state-of-the-art booking and ticketing systems.

Interferr’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, Johan Roos, will update delegates on the outcomes from 2023 IMO sessions and Interferry’s Operators Policy Committee meetings, as well as the association’s domestic ferry safety efforts. Both days will boast the conference’s ferry leaders panel debates as ferry leaders will discuss industry trends, challenges, and technologies.

Registration for the Annual Interferry Conference is via this link: https://interferryconference.com/online-registration

Complete information for the Annual Interferry Conference can be found here: https://interferryconference.com