Preparations for the inaugural Australian Hospitality Conference are well underway, with a leading Asian tourism operator now confirmed as one of the main speakers, the Minister for Hospitality Scott Bacon said today.

Key hospitality industry figures from around Australia are expected in Hobart for the conference, which will be held from September 3 -5 at Wrest Point.

Mr Bacon said Shanghai-based tourism operator Christopher Zhang had now been confirmed as one of the main speakers, to talk about the importance of Chinese tourism to Australia's hospitality sector.

"Given our push into the Chinese market, it's timely to hear from someone like Christopher Zhang, whose destination management company, PTC Express Travel, has brought more than $150 million in business event tourism to Australia," Mr Bacon said.

"Christopher's company has offices in Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and I'm sure his insights into trends in the Asian market will be extremely valuable for local operators."

Mr Bacon said other confirmed speakers included Lion Nathan's Managing Director, James Brindley, who'll take part in a Q & A Panel on the future of beer and wine in Australia, and renowned advertising industry executive Todd Sampson, CEO of Leo Burnett and panellist on the popular ABC TV program, The Gruen Transfer.

"This is a critical time for the hospitality sector, and this conference will give participants a chance to hear from other industry players and get a better understanding of the challenges currently facing the industry," he said.

"It's also a great opportunity to show off some of the heavy hitters in Tasmania's hospitality scene while these industry leaders are in town."

More information on the inaugural Australian Hospitality Conference can be found at http://www.hospitalityconference.com.au