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abta 2009 knowledge
OUR ROVING READERS’. has asked a question here, the chances are
ONES TO WATCH . . . someone else is wondering the same, too.”
If you have any questions for the panel,
BUSINESS SESSIONS. text them to Lucy Huxley on 07801 253254.
Tourism 2023 This text number will remain open until
Thursday, October 8 at 10.05am midday on Thursday, October 8.
Several Roving Readers say this is one of the
business sessions they would most like to View From The Top
attend. Speaker James Goodman aims to Thursday, October 8 at 2.30pm
outline four possible scenarios that the “It’s not often you get to hear directly what
travel industry could face in 2023, according the big bosses have to say,” says Lisa,
to the findings of a study launched last year. explaining her reasoning for selecting this
TOP TIPS
Industry leaders will also give advice on how business session as one of her must-attends.
Tracey Selmes, Lisa McEwan and agent columnist Jenny
to make sure travel businesses are fit for the The “big boss” she refers to is, of course, Ley-Meek are all dab-hand Roving Readers, having
future. Tui Travel chief executive Peter Long, who
accompanied TTG at the convention for the past three
Lisa McEwan works for Tui, which has will talk about how he sees the shape of the
years. Here are their top tips for this year’s event. . .
part-funded the study. She is therefore keen industry and the big two in 2010.
■ Business cards: Tracey suggests agents take plenty
to hear the findings, but as an employee of It’s this short-term future which interests
of these, especially for the Travel Showcase. It’s worth
the industry, she also wants to know what Paul, too: “I feel that dynamic packaging making a brief note on the cards you receive of where
the future has in store for her. Likewise, is a bigger threat than they let on and I’m
you met this contact and what you discussed, to act as
Face of Travel winner Natasha Grech from interested to hear whether they see their
a memory jogger when you get back to the office. It
will also remind you of anything you need to follow up.
Portman Travel is keen to learn how we future continuing towards direct channels.”
can plan for the future after the difficult last
■ Business sessions: She advises attending as many of
12 months. Cruising Ahead these as you can: “It’s surprising what you can learn
Wednesday, October 7 at 10.25am
about some of the less familiar topics,” she says.
Getting Ready For A Brand New World As chairman and chief executive of Carnival
Wednesday, October 7 at 10.55am
■ Pen and paper: Lisa believes these are essential items
Corporation, Micky Arison is well placed to
to pack, for taking notes along the way so that you can
This session, delivered by Mark Hudson provide an insight into the position of
share what you learn with colleagues once you’re home.
from PricewaterhouseCoopers, focuses on cruise, and debate the short and long-term
the fast-changing patterns in consumer prospects for the sector.
■ Comfort: Other practical items she recommends are
buying behaviour. It’s a session that will attract cruise
comfy shoes, ProPlus tablets and lots of water. As with
any work event, she says: “Have fun but remember that
As a manager at Spires Travel, which specialists, including Thyme Travel’s Phil
you will only get out what you put in. It’s not a jolly!”
trains Travel & Tourism course students, Hindle, who wants to learn where the travel
Sara Faulkner believes this session will be agent will feature in the cruising agenda and ■ Zzzzzz: A reasonable night’s sleep is rare at Abta but
useful for her to attend. what the largest cruise company is doing to
it’s worth getting good rest. “Don’t be tempted to stay
“It’s important we are aware of the likely address sustainability.
up too late unless you’re a natural morning person,
otherwise the busy day ahead will be tough,” says Lisa.
changes in the market for our business
needs but also to ensure our students are MASTERCLASSES.
■ Pace it: Jenny agrees. She advises pacing yourself
prepared to meet these customer trends Ten ways to drive your business through the social events and booze because you’re
when they are later employed in travel,” Thursday, October 8, 10.30-11.30am and
never off duty: “Potential employers, clients or busi-
she explains. 12-1pm
ness partners are always observing your behaviour.”
Facilitated by Bob Morell and Jeremy Blake,
■ Plan it: Read the agenda in advance and plan your
Questioning The Captains this class will focus on 10 practical strategies
time, urges Jenny, as you won’t have a spare minute to
Thursday, October 8 at 3pm to help companies through difficult trading think about where you should be once you’ve landed.
TTG editor Lucy Huxley and Jeremy Vine conditions and emerge fighting the other
will be teaming up to question some of the end. Of the five masterclasses, Paul says
■ Dress sense: You’re well advised to dress in layers,
too. “Conference venues tend to be either freezing cold
new travel “captains”. According to Jenny this one is top of his list to attend: “Perhaps
because of the air-conditioning, or stuffy and hot.”
Ley-Meek, this is her favourite session. there will be some suggestions which I can
“Lucy and the moderator always seem to implement within Travel Creators. It would ■ Ask: Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions or comment.
ask the questions that are on everyone’s lips. be arrogant and naive to think we cannot
“Conference is all about participation,” Jenny adds.
The panel is often confronted with difficult learn from others.”
questions which we all want answers to, and
the session always stimulates debate.”
Find out more at ttglive.com/abta
Face of Travel winner Paul Hope is also
keen to attend this session. “As a Roving On our dedicated microsite you’ll find the full
Reader my job is to report back on the con- line-up of events, venue reviews and lots more
ference about the key issues. If one person
Trade Media Partner
25.09.2009 31
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