Abta has unveiled a host of industry bosses as speakers at the 2023 Travel Convention, taking place in Bodrum, Turkey (October 30-November 1).
They are Phil Gardner, chief commercial officer, Ambassador Cruise Line; Ailsa Pollard, chief executive, dnata Travel Group (UK & Europe); Matt Callaghan, customer and operations director, easyJet holidays; Lucy Clifton, UK managing director, Flight Centre; Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK and Ireland managing director, InteleTravel; Mark Duguid, managing director, Kuoni UK; Torey Kings-Hodkin, UK and Ireland head of sales, Royal Caribbean International; and Andrew Swaffield, president of Virgin Enterprises.
They join a growing list of industry experts and external speakers (see below) who will be discussing issues with the conference theme of ‘Unleashing new potential’.
Topics to be explored include how the industry can harness the transformative power of AI, how to attract the next generation of talent, progress on climate action, and trends and consumer spending habits.
Experienced broadcaster Sangita Myska will be moderating the business sessions for the first time this year.
There is also a programme of evening parties, excursions and activities, offering delegates opportunities for networking and exploring Bodrum (pictured) and its region.
The Abta LifeLine Convention cycle ride on takes place on October 30, supported by Intrepid Travel and Avis Budget Group. Tickets cost £65 and proceeds will go towards Abta LifeLine.
Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said: “As the travel industry’s forward-looking event, Abta’s Travel Convention provides a vital opportunity for us to come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our sector.
“I’m delighted to be announcing such a strong line-up of industry experts and guest speakers for our 2023 event and look forward to hearing the valuable insights they have to share.
“Final spaces are still available so I’d encourage interested parties to register while they still can and I look forward to seeing all of our delegates in Bodrum.”
Registration rates are £795 for Abta members, with Abta partners and non-members paying £895.
The full list of speakers (in alphabetical order) is:
Ailsa Pollard, CEO UK & Europe, dnata Travel Group
Alistair Rowland, ABTA Chair and Group Chief Executive Officer, Blue Bay Travel
Andrew Swaffield, President, Virgin Enterprises
Cally Beaton, media executive, entrepreneur and performer
Darrell Wade, Co-founder and Chair, Intrepid Travel
Eleanor Scott, Partner, Strategy& (part of the PwC network)
Garry Wilson, CEO, easyJet holidays
Inma Martinez, Technology pioneer and AI scientist advisor
Jeremy White, Senior Innovation Editor, Wired
Jo Rzymowska, Executive Advisor
Joao Gonzaga, Chief Digital Officer, Der Touristik Group
Lucy Clifton, Managing Director, Flight Centre
Lucy Huxley, Editor-in-Chief, Travel Weekly
Mark Duguid, Managing Director, Kuoni UK
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, Abta
Matt Callaghan, Director of Customer and Operations, easyJet holidays
Nisha Botevyle, UK & Ireland Country Director, Sabre
Oliver Burkeman, best-selling author and journalist
Phil Gardner, Chief Commercial Officer, Ambassador Cruise Line
Rick Jones, UK Hospitality, Sports & Leisure Sector Leader & Corporate Finance Partner, PwC
Simon Parker, Travel writer, author and filmmaker
Simon Powell, CEO, Inspiretec
Susan Deer, Director of Industry Relations, Abta
Torey Kings-Hodkin, Head of Sales, Royal Caribbean International
Tricia Handley-Hughes, UK and Ireland managing director, InteleTravel
Moderator: LBC’s Sangita Myska