The Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) two-day Annual Forum opens 6 September and will again bring together industry leaders together for a full programme of debate and networking.
This year’s venue is the Radisson Blu, Stansted Airport.
Day one of the Forum features three keynote speakers. Jonathan Langston, MD of Tri Hospitality, will speak about using industry trend data. Peter Holbrook, CEO of Social Enterprise UK, will promote social enterprise as a model for changing both business and society, and Gill Upton, editor of The Business Travel Magazine will present the HBAA White Paper on Strategic Meeting Management. CAT’s Martin Lewis will chair The Great Debate.
On day two Andy Edwards returns to reveal new sales techniques to leverage market share and James Bland, Client Services Director at BDRC, will speak about the business value of using benchmarking methodology.
The second day of the Forum will also include a Q&A session about the industry which will be moderated by Bob Papworth, Editor of Buying Business Travel.
This year’s workshops will range from award applications, PR, editorial and advertising, social media, brands, marketing and communications to crisis management, sales, and event technology. Experts from across the industry taking part in these discussions include Andrew White, MD of Triggerfish Communications, David Taylor, director at AP Marketing, Ian Jones, Director of Group Sales, De Vere Hotels & Venues and Paul Colston, Managing Editor of Conference News.
The winners of the HBAA Awards will be revealed at the Forum, with categories including: Best Use of Technology, Best Use of Social Media and The John Rees Community Award which will recognise the contribution made by any member organisation or individuals within their local community.
“The Forum is a fantastic opportunity for the whole association to get together, network and discuss the changes and opportunities for the industry. We believe that the keynote speakers, panellist line-up, and the list of workshop sessions being brought to the Forum this year will enable us to deliver yet another successful event, leaving those attending with a new perspective on the sector,” says HBAA Chairman Chris Peacock.
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