25 Apr
2019

New speakers announced for ABTA’s Travel Matters 2019 Conference

Since holding ABTA’s first Travel Matters Conference in 2010, the political landscape has experienced significant change. Alongside this, the travel industry has grown and transformed beyond recognition.

Ten years on, and in the midst of Brexit negotiations, the UK finds itself at a pivotal moment. What do we want our industry to look like in ten years' time and how will travel business leaders navigate the shifting political landscape to thrive? 

To help address this question, award-winning journalist and broadcaster, and former advisor to the Prime Minister, LBC’s Tom Swarbrick will moderate this year’s event. He will be joined by Mark Tanzer who will deliver the opening and closing addresses, sharing a unique insight into ABTA’s hopes for the travel industry and the ‘Vision for the Next Decade’.

In 2019, we are building new foundations for our industry. We are forming new trade agreements, investing in infrastructure and addressing new and existing skills gaps within our workforces. 

In that vein, ABTA is pleased to announce that Shadow Skills Minister, Gordon Marsden will be joining the speaker line up to deliver an address on the Government’s priorities surrounding the workforce skills required to drive Britain forward and facilitate economic growth. 

The Minister will be followed by a panel of industry leaders and key stakeholders including Virgin Atlantic’s Senior VP, People, London Southbank University and People 1st. The panellists will discuss topics including careers education, the impact of Brexit on skilled workforces, anticipating skills gaps and the future of apprenticeship schemes. 

Other speakers on the day will include Senior Editor of The Economist and renowned journalist, Anne McElvoy who will share her thoughts and commentary on current affairs in the coming years. 

Eurostar’s CEO, Mike Cooper, will deliver an industry keynote, sharing Eurostar's strategic vision and priorities including his hopes for the growth of links between the UK and Europe.

ABTA’s Travel Matters conference is taking place on Wednesday 26 June 2019 at the prestigious One Great George Street in Westminster, London. The event brings together an invited audience of CEOs and executive directors, political figures, government stakeholders and national and travel trade media representatives. 

For more information and a programme of timings visit abta.com/travelmatters.

ABTA is offering a limited number of complimentary places for Members to attend its annual Travel Matters conference. The complimentary places will be issued on a first come, first served basis, which Members can apply for by emailing events@abta.co.uk. The places are restricted to ABTA Members only. 

A limited number of tickets will also be available to purchase at abta.com/travelmatters.