Luxperience, the only luxury and experiential travel trade event in the Australasia & Pacific region that connects the world’s most exclusive travel providers, has announced a series of key appointments ahead of its inaugural event being held in Sydney, from September 10 -12, 2012.

The invitation-only gathering www.luxperience.com.au will bring together leading players - both suppliers and buyers - in the high-end travel market who are experts at planning and delivering bespoke itineraries and unusual travel experiences.

It aims to provide the foundation for a ‘Luxperience Community’ connecting the crème de la crème of experiential travel experience providers worldwide.

To promote the innovative new international business exchange across the region, Luxperience will work with Grebstad Hicks Communications (GHC), the leading Asia-based specialist in promoting luxury lifestyle, hospitality and travel, as its regional PR partner.

Luxperience has also appointed three new team members - Michelle Papas, Angelya Vassiliadis-Balaguer and Laura Molesworth.

Michelle Papas, an experienced travel industry sales and marketing manager, has been appointed VIP Buyer Manager.

Her career has embraced luxury hotels, destination management companies, tourism boards and high profile tourist attractions including Thomas Cook, Sheraton on the Park and ANA Hotel Sydney, Fox Studios Australia and Tourism South Australia.

Responsible for delivering an exceptional buyer programme for Luxperience, her expertise extends across all major travel segments including retail, wholesale, inbound and online operators as well as the corporate and MICE markets.

Also joining the team, focused on sales and specifically covering the UAE, India, Africa & Europe, is Sales Manager Angelya Vassiliadis-Balaguer.

A sales and marketing travel specialist in Greece, the Mediterranean and Middle East markets, she has worked extensively in the travel sector for companies such as Club Med, Accor, Sun Island Tours, Dubai Tourism and WorldStrides, the largest USA educational travel tour operator.

Her invaluable connections and relationships in international markets will be at the disposal of Luxperience suppliers to ensure they make the most of opportunities within the network.

While completing her Bachelor degree in Business Administration in Events Management at Sydney’s International College of Management, Laura Molesworth has meanwhile been appointed Sales & Event Coordinator, providing customer service support for both suppliers and VIP buyers.

Luxperience Founder & CEO Rosemarie Sama said: “We are determined to secure attendance from some of the region’s top experiential travel brands for the inaugural event to build firm foundations for the future of Luxperience.”

The intimate gathering of unique suppliers and buyers takes place from September 10-12 at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal, overlooking the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

An appointment-based system of one-on-one meetings will connect suppliers with the world’s top travel designers for high net worth individuals, who are being fully hosted to attend.

The Luxperience Community will continue through “LuxConnect” a unique 365-day online platform connecting partners, along with an ongoing calendar of events and networking opportunities.

Ms Sama added: “We are more than a business exchange. We are a community providing meaningful connections, keeping leading players and the world’s most exclusive travel providers constantly in touch. It’s a network combining the roles of personal introduction agent, business coach and social planner.”