A debate on the future of research, why an obsession with price is killing the industry and developing the next generation of leaders are all on the agenda at this year's Adventure & Backpacker Industry Conference (ABiC).

The event will be opened by Federal Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson and speakers include Australian Tourism Export Council Managing Director Matt Hingerty, Recreational Tourism Group CEO Nick Thomas, TNS Director, Travel & Leisure Carolyn Childs and Oodles.com founder Steve Sherlock.