Our Judges

Pam loves being involved in the Tourism Awards and is delighted to see so many wonderful tourism organisations continuing to participate in the Awards process. Her experience in the tourism industry includes research and teaching at the University of Canberra and working in both public and private sector tourism-related organisations.

While her PhD research focused on sport tourism, she loves all aspects of tourism and is enjoying watching the way that Canberra’s tourism industry just keeps getting better and better. This is Pam’s first year as Chair of Judges, however she has been actively engaged in judging at the local and national level for many years. 

Swapping the warmer climes of the tropical north for the crisp Canberra air nearly five years ago, Kimberley’s tourism career began in the holiday-making haven that is Port Douglas. She worked for various local operators before joining the team at Tourism Tropical North Queensland, where she delivered the marketing and communications strategy for the Events team, promoting the region to attract business, regional and major events.

These days, she is Head of Marketing at Canberra Convention Bureau, showcasing the nation’s capital to event planners and meeting organisers nationally and internationally. Since her move to Canberra, Kimberley has well and truly become a Canberran at heart and loves to show off the capital to visiting friends and family, who are always amazed at the beauty, breadth of experiences and easy Canberra lifestyle.

Kimberley hails from Montreal – you might notice a faint French-Canadian accent when she talks – and before marketing Australian destinations, she was busy marketing the ultimate destination, space, working with astronauts at the Canadian Space Agency (yes, the Canadian NASA!).

Having grown up in a hospitality family in one of the most popular Tourism spots in Denmark, Birgitte’s passion for tourism was spiked early on and her career has taken her to hotels and training institutes around the world, working in Australia, NZ, United Kingdom and Spain, before settling in Australia. Birgitte currently works with IHG as Human Resource Manager and has been involved in the Canberra Region Tourism Awards for more than 10 years as a judge, mentor and as part of the steering committee.

Avon is a tourism industry veteran with a passion for helping businesses thrive. He has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, and his work has been recognised with both state and national awards.

As a leader within the ACT Government, Avon is responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies that support the local community. He is also a respected content creator and brand strategist, and his work has been featured in multiple publications. Avon is a creative storyteller who is always looking for new ways to engage audiences. As a digital influencer with a large following on digital media his work helps to promote tourism businesses and strengthen the visitor economy.

Lauren is a current member of the team at VisitCanberra, after spending over 15 years in management roles in the hospitality and tourism industry across the ACT. Lauren is passionate about Canberra and the region, and is dedicated to supporting the recovery of the visitor economy. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys eating and drinking at many of Canberra’s wonderful restaurants and bars, dancing up a storm and getting out in nature with her dogs.

As a lover of people, places, creativity and innovation, Carla is excited to join us as part of the Tourism Awards judging process, working with such diverse Awards entrants across the region.

For the past 25+ years, and a “local” for nearly 15, Carla has held senior leadership positions across the tourism industry in Australia and in UK/Europe; destination marketing, business events, convention venues, hotels, cultural institutions and event management. This has meant not only being part of the supply chain but also the client, buyer, connector, collaborator and advisor. Perspective = the full 360.

She is passionate about growth and seeing our industry re-invent as part of post pandemic recovery. A firm believer in sharing knowledge, collaboration, business sustainability and blue-sky thinking, Carla continues to work with industry, planning her next ultimate tourism experience….

Carla has a Masters in Marketing Management with additional tertiary academic credential in Business, Graphic Design, University-level Sessional teaching and Training.

Holly currently works with the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House’s Museum Experience Team but her career in tourism and cultural heritage began over ten years ago when she moved to Canberra to join the industry that let her see what museums were hiding in their storage spaces. A fan fave of the ever-growing Canberra food and wine scene, Holly is dedicated to showcasing what this wonderful region can offer.  Holly holds degrees in Business Management, Psychology, Heritage and Museums.

Carol Cartwright has lived and worked around Canberra for her whole life. Working in the cultural sector for over thirty years at Australian Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial where she headed up Education and Visitor Services; she has a love for Canberra Region and Tourism, particularly the visitors’ experience.  Since retiring Carol has remained very active sitting on the National Council of the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) for twelve years and remaining involved in the sector.  In her spare time she loves family get togethers, walking, visiting Canberra and Region wineries and attractions, drinking coffee and  travelling overseas.

Ryan works in local government in the wider Canberra Region, leading Council’s initiatives in economic development, destination strategy, and tourism and performing arts marketing. His team has been responsible for a range of award-winning projects, with a focus on achieving long-term industry development outcomes.

With extensive professional experience in the accommodation sector in both metropolitan and regional Australia, Ryan has a passion for working with small businesses to explore innovative ways to connect and communicate with new customers and to develop and execute efficient marketing and distribution strategy.