Monday 9th March 2026 – Signature Seminars (13:10 – 16:30)
Please be advised that the programme is subject to change.
Venue: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9SR
12:45 – 13:10 Seminar Registration
13:10 – 14:00 Seminar 1: Business Finance – Accounting Insurance & Managing Cyber Risk
From Bookings to Boardroom: Using Digital Systems to Run a Smarter, Safer Tourism Business
with Graham Dyer, Partner & Head of Digital Advisory, AAB
Tourism businesses thrive on great guest experiences but behind the scenes, many still rely on manual processes, delayed reporting and disconnected systems. This session will show owner-managers how simple, well-chosen digital tools can streamline finance and operations, improve cashflow visibility, and produce timely, reliable data for better decisions. We’ll explore how automated systems reduce admin, strengthen financial control, and create a more cyber-resilient business by design. Attendees will leave with practical insight into building efficient, secure digital foundations that support growth, protect customer data, and free up time to focus on what really matters: running a successful tourism business.
Managing Cyber Risk
with James Trevis, Cyber and Technology Portfolio Manager, NFU Mutual
James leads NFU Mutual’s cyber insurance proposition and has over 18 years of commercial risk and insurance experience.
In this session he’ll explain how organisations manage cyber risk in practice, not just on paper, drawing on real front‑line experiences from cyber insurance claims.
James will share what really happens in the first hours of an incident, where costs escalate fastest, and why prevention, response, and financial resilience all matter.
The stories highlight a consistent theme: cyber risk is no longer just a technical issue, but a business continuity challenge where preparation, decision‑making under pressure, and clear roles make the difference between a contained incident and a major loss.
14:05 – 14:55 Seminar 2: Top Tips on Destination & Experience Marketing with:
Gwen Raez, Strategy Lead, VisitScotland
Ryan Pearson, Regional Manager for the UK & Ireland, Booking.com
Doug Lansky, Travel Writer & Industry Thought Leader.
Michael Hart, Executive Creative Director at The Union one of Scotland’s award-winning integrated agencies, working with many destinations and businesses in the sector.
14.55 – 15.10 Tea and Coffee Break
15:10 – 16:30 Seminar 3: A Taste of HIT Scotland’s Executive Leadership & AI for Commercial and Operational Impact programmes delivered by Owen Cook, Head of Programmes, The Culture Builders & Gary Crawford, Chief Advisor, Owendale Advisory
