Merseyside to host first northern travel forum

Institute of travel management

Merseyside to host first northern travel forum

Report by LEE WINTER

THE INSTITUTE of Travel Management is holding its first Northern Business Travel Forum next month at the Haydock Posthouse on Merseyside.

The institute, which represents purchasers and managers of business travel throughout the UK, held a similar forum at a London hotel in June attended by more than 50 people.

Management Solutions director Colin Brain, who is organising the event, said: “The event in June had good feedback. Many people theredidn’t realise there were so many changeshappening.

“We felt that companies in the north were not being given the opportunity to attend these events.”

The forum will use a Question Time-style format with a panel of guests answering questions from delegates on topical issues facing the travel industry.

The day starts at 8.30am with coffee and registration followed by the first two debates, called ‘Net fares – the coming reality pluses and minuses’ and ‘Corporate travel developments – myth or actuality?’

After lunch there will be discussions on the changing role of the travel agent and the value of alliances for the corporate traveller.

Panelists include Sabre UK and Ireland director David Brown, Virgin Atlantic head of sales UK and Ireland Karen Kelly and Travelstore.com managing director Bill McFarlane.

The cost of the forum is £299 or £259 for members. The event takes place on October 11.

The institute will be starting its professional development certificate course for business travel managers next month.

For more details on the course and forum, call ITM on 01780 482310.