The full  programme for The Travel Convention in Dubrovnik has been released today with the final line up of speakers confirmed. Dr Graeme Codrington, a strategy consultant and workplace expert, and Nigel Huddleston, Industry Head of Travel at Google, complete a strong line up of speakers. Other speakers include Baroness Susan Greenfield, Kevin Mathers, MD of YouTube UK, John Straw, Chairman of Thomas Cook’s Digital Advisory Board and leading political commentator Iain Dale. 

Dr Codrington will present the opening session, “Tides of Change”, highlighting some of the disruptive forces that he believes will change our world in the next decade. In the afternoon of the opening day Nigel Huddleston, Industry Head of Travel at Google, will present Google’s latest research which illustrates how the customer journey is changing, after which he will join a panel including Alistair Rowland of Midcounties Co-operative Travel to discuss ways how travel companies can provide a connected shopping experience for their customers.

Alongside the plenary sessions there will be a number of specialist breakout forums, including sessions on tourism in an uncertain world, the Package Travel Directive and how technology and new business models are driving mergers and acquisitions in travel. 

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: “With less than a month to go until The Travel Convention, I am delighted to be able to announce the full business session programme  with an extremely strong line up of speakers covering a wide range of topics themed around “ Travel in a Connected World”.

Our special thanks to our hosts, the Croatian National Tourist Board and our headline sponsors, The Telegraph, Avro and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines whose support is invaluable.”

James Lancaster, Director, Specialist Sales, The Telegraph said: “As a leading national newsbrand, dedicated to travel across all platforms, The Telegraph is thrilled to be a headline sponsor of the 2013 Travel Convention. This commitment builds on our already strong position in the travel industry and we look forward to the Convention and continuing our relationship with ABTA.”

Michael Vinales, Managing Director, Avro Flights commented: “We are delighted to be a headline sponsor at this year’s Travel Convention as we continue to underline our commitment to the industry.  2014 will see Avro’s 30th anniversary of selling flights to the UK travel trade and the Convention is the perfect place to start the celebrations of such an important milestone in our history.”

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to be a headline sponsor of The Travel Convention – one of the most important events in the travel trade calendar – for the ninth year in a row! Building strong relationships and working closely with the travel trade continues to be of great importance to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and The Travel Convention is a great opportunity for us to meet our key agents and tour operators, updating them on all our latest news and product innovations. With over 80% of our cruises booked via the travel trade, agents’ feedback is invaluable in influencing and developing our future working relationships. “