ABTA reveals latest speaker line-up and agenda for 2023 Travel Convention

An impressive list of industry leaders and guest experts will explore this year’s theme, ‘Unleashing new potential’ 
 
ABTA has unveiled the latest speaker line-up and agenda for the 2023 Travel Convention, the UK travel industry’s flagship event which will be taking place in Bodrum from 30 October – 1 November.
 
Leading the conversation around this year’s theme, ‘Unleashing new potential’, industry names announced today are; Phil Gardner, Ambassador Cruise Line; Ailsa Pollard, dnata Travel Group; Matt Callaghan, easyJet holidays; Lucy Clifton, Flight Centre; Tricia Handley-Hughes, Inteletravel; Mark Duguid, Kuoni; Torey Kings-Hodkin, Royal Caribbean International; and Andrew Swaffield, Virgin Enterprises.  
 
These senior figures join a growing list of industry experts and external speakers (see notes to editors) who will be providing inspiration and practical takeaways to help delegates steer their businesses through the current climate and prepare for major changes on the horizon.
 
Important topics to be explored include how the industry can harness the transformative power of AI, how it can attract the next generation of talent into the industry, how to accelerate progress on climate action, and how the latest trends and consumer spending habits are set to shape the sector in 2024. 
 
Experienced broadcaster, Sangita Myska, will be moderating the business sessions for the first time this year, guiding the delegation through a packed agenda of thought-provoking keynote speeches and engaging panel discussions. 
 
Beyond the business sessions, a busy programme of evening parties, excursions and activities offers delegates plenty of opportunities for networking and discovering the best of Bodrum and its surrounding areas.
 
Delegates who want to explore Bodrum and raise money for a good cause can do so by joining the ABTA LifeLine Convention cycle ride on Monday 30 October. Supported by Intrepid Travel and Avis Budget Group, tickets cost £65 per person and all proceeds will go towards ABTA LifeLine.
 
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive at ABTA – The Travel Association 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.

Register now at www.thetravelconvention.com.

Notes to editors

The latest confirmed list of speakers are (in alphabetical order):

•    Ailsa Pollard, CEO UK & Ireland, 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 Director, Inteletravel
•    Moderator: LBC’s Sangita Myska