APAC Revenue Management Summit 2025: ‘Simply the BEST’ delivers big ideas and bold action
The 2025 summit brought together the region’s sharpest commercial minds, global thought leaders, and rising talent
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 united the region’s sharpest commercial minds, global thought leaders and rising talent to explore the forces shaping the future of revenue and profit optimisation.
Melissa 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,” she 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 that inspired action
Among the standouts was Andrew Griffiths, Australia’s number one 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 dynamic session on selling experiences rather than products, highlighting the power of behavioural science and audience engagement.
Sales transformation expert Abbie White delivered a high-impact talk 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.
In a session that had everyone quite literally on their feet, Lizzie Williamson reminded delegates that sustained energy is a leader’s secret weapon. Her “Two-Minute Moves” had the room buzzing, laughing, re-energised and refocused.
Dr Ashan Ponnusamy added strategic precision to the program, unpacking two critical drivers of accelerated business growth: human capital and execution velocity.
ARMA Summit Day One
In a highly anticipated workshop, Eoin Loftus guided attendees through his Profit BOOST framework, sharing proven strategies to uncover hidden margins and reimagine commercial operations from the inside out.
Nicole Venter, stakeholder engagement manager at Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), reinforced the retail mindset with powerful insights into evolving consumer expectations and major retail category trends. A fireside industry chat followed with James Troon (Sabre) and Haley Purdon (Expedia Group), discussing innovation at the intersection of technology and customer choice.
A highlight of Day Two was the Business Growth Leaders Panel, moderated by Amit Peshawaria of Lighthouse, 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 unpacked market trends, owner expectations and best practices in revenue management.
Community, connection and commercial acumen
As always, the Commercial HUBS, Genius Zones and the ever-popular networking drinks hosted by SiteMinder provided an environment where industry peers could challenge thinking, share ideas and celebrate wins.
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 its value to both the profession and the broader industry.
A summit that leaves a mark
Feedback was swift and enthusiastic, with delegates taking to social media to describe the event as: “Always a fantastic event!” “An insightful and inspiring experience.” “A well-executed and fun-packed summit!”
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