Day 2 Agenda

Gordon Morrison, CEO ASVA

Jon Young, Director of Tourism and Leisure – BVA BDRC
Throughout the pandemic, BVA BDRC have been publishing the ‘must read‘ reports on consumer sentiment and the recovery of the tourism and leisure sectors. In his presentation, Jon will look at some of the key trends and insights that will direct consumer behaviour in the coming months.  The presentation will update attendees on how comfortable the public are feeling with engaging in tourism & leisure, and the priorities to look out for as we approach 2022.

Giles Ingram, CEO, and Tim Owen, Head Gardener – Abbotsford
Mindfulness, health and wellbeing are themes that have never been more relevant or important in the tourism industry. They are also themes which are closely associated with Sir Walter Scott, better known as Scotland’s greatest ever storyteller and the creator of his beloved home at Abbotsford. In his 250^th anniversary year Abbotsford is creating a new Mindfulness Garden. This presentation will discuss how Abbotsford plays an important part in people’s health and wellbeing and how this is achieved in a garden & estate and tourism environment.

Ann Morrow Johnson, Executive Producer & Creative Director – Walt Disney Imagineering

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a first-of-its-kind experience, where guests get to live out a Star Wars story over two days and nights aboard a starcruiser in a galaxy far, far away. Part attraction, part immersive theatre, part live-action game, and part overnight hospitality, Walt Disney Imagineering is creating a ‘storyliving’ ecosystem where guests get to step into and play a role in the Star Wars universe. Project Executive Producer & Creative Director Ann Morrow Johnson will join us to share insights into the development of this first-of-its-kind experience and how the power of storytelling can build and create truly memorable visitor experiences!

• Barbara Smith, Managing Director – Scotland Brand Homes, Diageo
• Bob Downie, CEO – Royal Yacht Britannia & Fingal Hotel
• Judith Owens, CEO – TBL International (Titanic Belfast, SS Nomadic, Titanic Exhibition Centre)
• Chair – Lucy Casot, CEO – Museums Galleries Scotland

The pandemic has created a ‘new normal’ in almost every aspect of life, fundamentally changing both consumer behaviour and expectations, as well as the way we all operate as service providers. This expert panel will explore how the pandemic has reshaped our landscape and what key actions need to be taken if we are to deliver memorable experiences in the post-pandemic world.

Bernard Donoghue, CEO – Association of Leading Visitor Attractions

One of UK’s most influential tourism figures, Bernard will close the ‘Memorable Experiences’ section of the conference with his insightful take on how experiences have evolved – and will continue to evolve – as we move through and out of the pandemic. Sharing how, where and why experiences have become deeper, richer – and better – he will shine a light on how the industry can best recover and rebuild as we look ahead to 2022.

Gavin Oattes, Owner & Director – Tree of Knowledge

“Inspirational”, “Mind-Blowing”, “Hilarious” and “Barn-Storming” are just a few of the words used by clients to describe Gavin Oattes and his unique ability to entertain, enlighten and educate an audience. 

Gavin is an international keynote speaker, award winning comedian, best-selling author of SHINE, LIFE WILL SEE YOU NOW and DIARY OF A BRILLIANT KID. Although he spends much of his time speaking to business leaders and directors of some of the world’s leading organisations Gavin’s true inspiration for what he does comes from where he started out his career…primary school teaching.

He’s a firm believer that we as adults can be every bit as inspired by young children as they can by us grown-ups. Gavin transports his audience back to when they were just 5 years of age, a time when we feared nothing and embraced everything.

Sally Beck, Hotelier of the Year and General Manager of the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London

The Hoteliers’ Charter exists to raise the profile of our industry, advocating working in hotels as a great career choice. 

Founder Sally Beck, conceived the idea to help dispel the notion that those working in hotels work ‘long hours for little pay’ and will update us on the programmes success and the key benefits to businesses of signing up.

John Davidson

John will be talking about resilience, negotiation and making decisions under extreme pressure!

After the SAS, he became one of the world’s most highly paid and sought-after bodyguards, with jobs including protecting families under threat from kidnapping and influential figures.  John went on to become a hostage negotiator; negotiating vessels held by pirates and also became involved in the field of conflict resolution working with groups to end armed conflicts.

Jane Rennie, MD – The Extraordinary Training Company and friends

The launch of the Tourism and Hospitality Development Programme earlier this year surpassed all of our expectations in terms of demand from those working within the industry.  Jane reflects on the success and achievements of the programme in this inspiring session which celebrates our wealth of talent and the resilience and passion our people have towards deliverng the best possible hospitality experience.