The APAC Revenue Management Summit returned to Melbourne this week under the fitting theme: “Simply the Best.”
Hosted by Melissa Kalan, Executive Chair of the Australian Revenue Management Association (ARMA), the 2025 summit brought together the region’s sharpest commercial minds, global thought leaders, and rising talent to explore the forces shaping the future of revenue and profit optimisation.
Kalan opened with a compelling call for the industry to “embrace a retail mindset.”
“Just like in retail, every interaction is a chance to upsell, cross-sell, and reinforce brand loyalty,” Kalan said.
“Whether it’s the moment a guest browses your booking engine, walks through your lobby, dines at your restaurant, or checks out your spa offerings – the retail mindset says: this is a moment to create value – for them and for us.”
Keynotes inspired action
Among the standouts was Andrew Griffiths, Australia’s #1 small business author, who challenged the audience to think beyond survival and focus on long-term, sustainable commercial relevance – and to “zig while others are zagging.”
Amy Maiden, CEO of Anthem, brought the room to life with a powerful session on selling experiences – not just products – emphasising behavioural science and audience engagement.
Sales transformation expert Abbie White delivered a high-impact session on what she calls the “Perfect Storm” of AI disruption, shifting buyer expectations, and generational change. Her keynote equipped commercial teams with practical frameworks to future-proof their sales approach.
And in a session that got everyone quite literally on their feet, Lizzie Williamson reminded delegates that sustained energy is the secret weapon for leaders. Her “Two-Minute Moves” had the room buzzing, laughing, re-energised, and focused.
Dr. Ashan Ponnusamy brought strategic precision to the program, unpacking two critical drivers of accelerated business growth: human capital and execution velocity.
In a highly anticipated workshop, Eoin Loftus led the crowd through his Profit BOOST framework, offering proven strategies to uncover hidden margins and reimagine commercial operations from the inside out.
The retail mindset was reinforced by Nicole Venter, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), who presented powerful insights into evolving consumer expectations and major retail category trends. This was followed by a fireside industry chat with James Troon (Sabre) and Haley Purdon (Expedia Group), discussing innovation at the intersection of technology and customer choice.
A highlight of Day 2 was the Business Growth Leaders Panel, moderated by Amit Peshawaria of Lighthouse, and featuring Jarrod Crump, VP Revenue Management, Pacific – Accor; Michelle Matthew, Managing Director – LSV Hotels; and Jurgen Ortelee, Managing Director APAC – IDeaS Revenue Solutions. The panel explored broader market trends, owner expectations, and revenue management best practices.
Community, connection and commercial acumen
As always, the Commercial HUBS, Genius Zones, and the much-loved networking drinks hosted by SiteMinder delivered an environment where industry peers could challenge thinking, share successes, and spark new ideas.
With Expedia Group as Platinum Partner, Oracle Hospitality as Diamond Partner, and VTIC as Major Event Partner, the Summit was made possible by commercial supporters who recognise the value it brings to both the profession and the broader industry.