Expanded event to return to Birmingham’s International Convention Centre in October
The second Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas) conference will take place on October 22, following the success of the inaugural event.
The conference will again take place at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, with entertaining and informative business sessions followed by an immersive trade show and a gala dinner and awards.
Last year’s conference exceeded expectations, with more than 200 frontline agents joined in Birmingham by the association’s supplier and associate members.
This year’s event will take place in a larger area of the convention centre, with up to 300 agents expected to attend, and is supported by official technology partner Tigerbay and consumer media partner Global.
Giles Hawke, chairman of Atas and chief executive of Cosmos, said: “The first Atas conference was a resounding success, and was an amazing reflection of the trade’s appetite for learning more about the touring and adventure sector.
“To be able to build on the success of our first event with an even bigger conference demonstrates how Atas has resonated with agents who are already engaged in selling touring and adventure holidays, as well as those who are keen to develop a new strand for their businesses and tap into a growing and lucrative part of the industry.”
Lucy Huxley, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly Group and conference moderator, said: “We were blown away by the response to the first Atas conference, having to move to a bigger venue to accommodate delegates, and even having a waiting list of agents who wanted to be there.
“We are excited to build on last year’s event and can’t wait to delve deeper into the amazing product and people within the touring and adventure sector to inspire agents and give them the practical tools to boost their business.”
Now in its second year, Atas has 28 full supplier members, in addition to 11 associate members ranging from tourist boards and flight reservation providers to technology and marketing specialists.
How to be there…
The details: The second Atas conference takes place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on October 22, with some supplier members offering additional activities the following day.
The event will feature business sessions, networking lunch, trade show and gala dinner including the Atas Awards, which honour topselling and up-and-coming agencies in the sector.
The cost: Agent members can attend the event for £40, including the business sessions and trade fair, the gala dinner including three-course meal, and accommodation on a shared basis. The cost for nonmembers is £90. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Atas members will have a priority period in which to sign up before registration for any remaining places opens to all agents on August 1.
How to become a member: Annual membership of Atas costs £40 for an individual agent. Membership includes access to brochure content, online search options and Atas member contact details on touringandadventure.com. Members also get access to promotional collateral and receive priority invitations and booking windows for Atas events.
To register for the conference, visit: atasconference.co.uk