An emphasis on learning about opportunities as well as the potential threats to travel businesses has inspired this year’s programme of sessions and workshops at the Travel Convention.
Separate marketing and cruise programmes, in partnership with Cimtig and Ace respectively, aimed at delegates with specialist interest in these areas have again been included after the concept was successfully introduced in Barcelona last year.
But organisers believe there is enough content throughout the programme so that even the most experienced senior managers will return home having learnt something.
John McEwan, Abta chairman, said this is what ensures the Travel Convention stands out from other annual industry conventions, such as ITT’s and those organised by agency consortia.
“The differentiation comes from the educational content, not just in the plenary [mainstage] sessions but if you also look at the breakout sessions,” he said.
“They are all educational and actually pitched at a reasonably high level, not just at the junior consultant level. A lot of senior people will say they can learn a lot from that.”
Speakers expected to inspire delegates to enhance their businesses include Kane Pirie, managing director of Travel Republic, and TWgroup chairman Clive Jacobs, who will share the stage in a session called “Do Different!” on the first day.
Masterclass breakout sessions include advice on how to interact with review sites such as TripAdvisor, manage in a crisis, understand consumer financial protection and cope with the rising cost of financial services.