We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of Ngunnawal Country, the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also recognise any other people or families with connection to the ACT and Region.
Andy Lopez, Co-owner Summernats, on the current economic returns to the Territory and future plans for the car festival
Andy shared how a small ACT events company became the driving force behind Canberra’s largest event and Australia’s biggest automotive festival. When his team bought Summernats in 2009, they weren’t “car people” and doubted the event’s future. Fifteen years later, it attracts more than 120,000 spectators and is firmly part of Canberra’s summer calendar.
Now part of a national portfolio of festivals, media and motorsport, Summernats boasts a digital community of 2.5 million followers and over 180 million content views in the past year. But for Andy, it’s still all about community – uniting passionate, multi-generational fans in ways that go far beyond cars.
The festival delivers big for Canberra. In 2025, it generated $46.6 million for the ACT economy, with 78% of visitors coming from interstate. Most said they wouldn’t have visited without the event. City activations like the Northbourne Avenue City Cruise and the Braddon Fringe Festival have added colour, energy and tens of thousands of people to the city, supported by strong partnerships with ACT Government and agencies.
Looking ahead, Summernats is focused on growth and innovation – continuing to surprise loyal fans while welcoming new audiences. Andy’s closing message was simple: Canberra and its hospitality industry are already doing a fantastic job – the key is to keep smiling, keep welcoming, and keep enjoying the benefits this iconic festival brings.
Question: Are there plans to expand the physical event?
Andy confirmed there are, with significant expansion planned to begin from 2027.
Matt Anderson PSM, Director Australian War Memorial, on the recent Australian design award and an update on the AWM redevelopment
Matt shared the remarkable progress of the Australian War Memorial’s (AWM) major redevelopment since construction began in 2021. Despite immense challenges—including excavating the equivalent of 50 Olympic swimming pools of earth, relocating significant objects, and navigating the pandemic—they remained open throughout, a testament to the dedication of the AWM’s staff.
Highlights of the redevelopment include the award-winning new southern entrance, crowned by the 12-tonne Oculus, and the creation of flexible spaces such as the 250-seat theatre, which recently hosted the powerful production 21 Hearts about Vivian Bullwinkle and the Bangka Island massacre. The expansion also features the C.E.W. Bean Building and Research Centre, giving visitors direct access to archives and family research resources.
A key focus is storytelling through objects of national significance. Installations already underway include an FA-18 Hornet, Bushmasters, and “G for George,” the iconic Lancaster bomber—soon to be paired with a V2 rocket. Peacekeeping operations, modern conflicts, and personal stories are being brought to life with innovative digital displays and immersive experiences.
"The memorial is three things. A memorial, a museum, and an archive."
The AWM’s role as a place of remembrance, museum, and archive is being strengthened through initiatives such as digitising millions of wartime records, supported by tens of thousands of volunteers. Matt also acknowledged the importance of major events such as Floriade, Summernats and Anzac Day to Canberra’s broader visitor economy and the role they play in driving visitation to the Memorial.
With works due to be largely complete by mid-2026, visitation is projected to reach 1.3 million annual visitors by the end of 2025. Reaffirming the Australian War Memorial’s place at the heart of national remembrance, commemoration, and military history.
Dash Rumble and Ross McQuinn, Co-owners of Pilot and Such and Such restaurants on the true state of the café and restaurant industry in the National Capital
Dr David Marshall AM, Chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum, interviewed restaurateurs Dash and Ross, who shared candid insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Canberra’s hospitality sector. As co-owners of Pilot and Such and Such, they reflected on their journey in hospitality—from meeting at Restaurant 86 to running two of the city’s most celebrated dining venues.
They described the current climate as one of the most challenging Canberra has faced, with rising rents, increased operational costs, and reduced discretionary spending putting pressure on small operators. Unlike during COVID-19, when government support offered some certainty, today’s environment is marked by constant unpredictability.
A key concern raised was the high cost of rents, with Ross suggesting that policies such as an empty-tenancy tax could encourage landlords to be more flexible, supporting a more diverse and sustainable hospitality landscape. They also noted shifts in customer behaviour, with diners visiting less frequently but seeking more premium, immersive experiences when they do.
"I think for me the solution would be an empty tenancy tax - something that encourages landlords to maybe be a bit more creative."
Staffing was another major theme. Dash highlighted that while applications are coming through, the quality and readiness of staff can be an issue, placing added strain on venues already managing tight margins. Their approach has been to invest in apprentices and younger staff, building capability from the ground up while instilling the values and standards of their restaurants.
"I think we've found a way to mitigate that by investing in apprentices and younger staff and training them the way that we want in our restaurants."
Despite these challenges, both remain optimistic about Canberra’s future as a leading food destination. They praised the city’s diverse dining scene, which they believe outperforms many larger centres, and credited the strong support of locals who continue to champion independent venues.
Looking ahead, Dash and Ross see opportunities in nurturing new talent, maintaining creativity in dining experiences, and leveraging the city’s growing profile. With continued resilience, they believe Canberra’s hospitality sector is well placed to thrive.
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum highlighted:
Tourism Australia launched their $130 million dollar global Come and say G’day campaign on Monday 4 August at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.
Local businesses are being invited to take part in the Floriade About Town promotion. Businesses can learn more and express their interest on the website - floriadeaustralia.com
Congratulations to Bungendore who has been awarded the title of Top Small Tourism Town in the Canberra Region’s Top Tourism Town Awards.
For those considering entering the Canberra and Region Tourism Awards nominations have been extended until the end of September and we urge attractions to enter. You can find more information here: Canberra Tourism Awards
Next forum Thursday 4 September 2025.
Speakers will include: Candace Efstratiou, Regional Manager ACT Qantas Airways, Craig Gillman, CEO City Renewal Authority, and Genevieve Jacobs AM, CEO Hands Across Canberra