Picture up to 100 of Australia and New Zealand’s leading travel media arriving in your destination at once. Think of the stories they’d tell, the experiences they’d showcase, and the editorial boost that would begin on arrival and continue long after the final farewell.

That’s the power of the ASTW Convention. 

A highlight of the society’s annual calendar, the ASTW Convention takes place across 2-3 days in the latter half of the year – typically October or November. 

For host regions, it is a rare opportunity to showcase their destination – its people, places and experiences – to the very storytellers whose work inspires travellers around the world.

The event generally consists of: 

  • a 1.5-day seminar program
  • welcome cocktail event
  • annual general meeting
  • Awards for Excellence gala dinner
  • 1 to 2-day pre and/or post-event familiarisation program

Interested in sponsoring an ASTW convention?

By hosting the ASTW Convention and Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, destinations gain more than short-term exposure – they create meaningful connections with the storytellers who shape how Australians, New Zealanders and global travellers see the world.

View the 2026/27 Request for Proposals here. 

For more information on hosting or to submit your proposal, email president@astw.org.au or convention@astw.org.au 

Past ASTW convention locations

  • Bendigo, Australia (2025)
  • Hunter Valley, Australia (2024)
  • Kingscliff/The Tweed, Australia (2022)
  • Virtual event (2021)
  • Virtual event (2020)
  • Cairns, Australia (2019)
  • Bangkok, Thailand (2018)
  • Sunshine Coast, Australia (2017)
  • Cape Town, South Africa (2016)
  • Uluru, Australia (2015)
  • Natadola, Fiji  (2014)
  • Southport, Australia (2013)
  • Lombok, Indonesia (2012)
  • Rotorua, New Zealand (2011)
  • Sydney, Australia (2010)
  • Bangkok, Thailand (2009)
  • Shanghai, China (2008)
  • Melbourne, Australia (2007)
  • Broadbeach, Australia (2006)
  • Sydney, Australia (2005)
  • Wellington, New Zealand (2004)
  • Gyeongju, South Korea  (2003) 
  • Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2002)
  • Shanghai, China (2001)
  • Noumea, New Caledonia (2000)
  • Bangkok, Thailand (1999)
  • Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (1998)
  • Surfers Paradise, Australia (1997)
  • Sydney, Australia (1996)
  • Melbourne, Australia (1995)
  • Devonport, Australia (1994)
  • Adelaide, Australia (1993)
  • Brisbane, Australia (1992)
  • Hobart, Australia (1991)
  • Auckland, New Zealand (1990)
  • Canberra, Australia (1989)
  • Cairns, Australia (1988)
  • Athens, Greece (1987)
  • Singapore, Singapore (1986)
  • British Colombia, Canada (1985)
  • Los Angeles, USA (1984)
  • New Delhi, India (1983)
  • Hong Kong (1982)
  • Sydney, Australia (1981)
  • Melbourne, Australia (1980)
  • Sydney, Australia (1979)
  • No AGM (1978)
  • Noosa Heads, Australia (1977)
  • Melbourne, Australia (1976)
  • Adelaide, Australia (1975)