ABTA's 2010 Travel Convention will take place at the Hilton Malta Conference Centre in St Julian’s on the island of Malta between 18-20 October 2010.

Business Sessions

This year’s business sessions running on 19 and 20 October will be moderated by Huw Edwards, known to millions as presenter of the Ten O’Clock News.

This year’s business theme will be Drivers of Change, which reflects the volume of change globally, nationally, economically and socially.
Every presentation, specialist forum, master class and discussion group will have this theme at its heart to help delegates understand the drivers of change in the world, market place, business and environment.

Speakers

A number of insightful speakers are being lined up to speak at this year’s Convention including:

• A ‘trend spotter’, ‘digital native’ and formally nominated a ‘Young Global Leader’ at the World Economic Forum, 26 year old Josh Spear will speak to ABTA delegates on some new ways for companies to harness the digital world. With his own consultancy in New York, Josh can give insight into what makes certain things catch on, and how to position products and services to capitalize on fast moving trends. 

• Leo Johnson, brother of Boris, whose company Sustainable Finance was bought out by PwC in 2009, specialises in making sense of sustainability. His session will look at the mega trends which will impact business performance from climate change, to price shocks in water, oil and food,  to shifts in consumer preference. He will take a look in the crystal ball to see what type of sustainable companies could be winners and losers of the future.

The Cruise Forum

The Cruise Forum will return, which will be co-ordinated in association with ACE. A full afternoon will be devoted to this on Tuesday 19 October and a ship visit onboard Seabourn Sojourn on Thursday 21 October.

The Travel Marketing Forum

This year’s Convention will include a new Travel Marketing Forum, which will be organised in association with the Chartered Institute of Travel Marketing’s Travel Industry Group (CIMTIG). With such a wide range of marketing disciplines now available, this forum will highlight ways that travel companies can gain a marketing edge.

Excursions

This year's Travel Convention gives delegates a perfect opportunity to rediscover Malta. A selection of different excursions will operate on Saturday 16, Sunday 17, Monday 18 and Thursday 21 October. These include:

- Mdina, the Silent City
- The Three Cities
- Valletta, The Capital City
- Gozo, Malta’s sister island
- Jeep Safari in Gozo
- Diving Experiences
- Hypogeum Tour

Register online before 19 July to get a discount at http://www.thetravelconvention.com and for details on hotels and flights.