Celebrating Australia at G’Day USA
Australia’s premier public and economic diplomacy program in the United States, G’Day USA, was in full swing over the last week with a numbers of key events.
The Los Angeles Black Tie Gala presented by Qantas led the 16th annual G’Day USA program. Themed ‘Dreaming of Australia’, 800 guests were treated to inspiring destinations, music and a menu created by Friend of Australia chef Curtis Stone. Patrick Brammall led the festivities as Australians Liam Hemsworth, Helen Reddy, and Deborah Riley were honored for their individual contributions to the US-Australia relationship. The spirit of mateship was shared at several events of G’Day USA ranging from CEO Policy Roundtable and a film showcase in Los Angeles to special dinners in San Francisco and New York.
Australia’s food and wine also starred at events including the G’Day USA x Tastemade opening reception in Santa Monica last Friday where over 100 guests watched the live streaming of the inaugural US vs Australia ‘Chefs Challenge’ between Friend of Australia Chef Guy Turland of Bondi Harvest and American Chef Megan Mitchell. Following the challenge, over 400 people had the chance to taste South Australian wines at a D’Arenberg Cube pop-up at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles.
Tourism Australia also hosted 36 top advisors from Signature Travel Network over two days of G’Day USA. The travel advisors were first immersed in Australia’s food, wine and culture at the LA Gala followed by the Signature Experiences destination workshop at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey. The immersive day included networking sessions with Tourism Australia, Qantas, States and Territories and the Signature Experiences of Australia collectives. Signature Travel Network Vice President Ignacio Maza presented the Top 10 reasons to go to Australia and Australia's Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, spoke about Australia’s special relationship with the US market.
Media from across the country were also invited to the Set of Dundee at Smashbox Studios for experiential activations including Western Australia’s Margaret River Gourmet Escape, Tasmania’s Freycinet oysters, Northern Territory’s art market, New South Wales’ events, South Australia’s D’Arenberg Cube, Victoria’s café and laneways and Queensland’s beach scene. Guests also enjoyed a panel session with Penny Rafferty, Tourism Australia Premium Manager; Quentin Long, Australian Traveller; Jane Whitehead, Tourism Australia RGM Americas; and moderated by New York Times & Smithsonian freelance writer Tony Perrottet and a guided wine tasting with Wine Australia featuring Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia.
G’Day USA brings together leaders from government, business, the creative industries and academia to deepen the Australia-US relationship and showcase Australia’s creative, innovative economy and society to the United States. Over the past 15 years, G’Day USA has grown into a year-long program of events with unparalleled reach and an outstanding record for delivering outcomes for partners and sponsors. G’Day USA is produced by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism Australia, Austrade and Qantas Airways, with the support of a diverse and growing number of Australian and American corporate sector partners, academic institutions and not for profit organisations. This unique partnership approach ensures the program is dynamic and responsive to the ever-growing trade, investment and people to people links between Australia and the United States.
