Keynote speaker unveiled for Tourism Society Symposium 2016

The CEO of Black Country Living Museum, Andrew Lovett, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for this year’s Tourism Society Symposium.

The two-day event, taking place in Birmingham from 6-7 June, features presentations from an array of high-profile figures. It will bring together more than 100 leading tourism professionals debating topics around the theme ‘The business of Tourism – What are the new drivers for tourism today?”

Lovett – who boasts 20 years’ senior-level experience across the museums, arts, heritage and protected landscape sectors – joins a stellar line-up of leading lights from the fields of cultural and business tourism due to deliver talks at the event.

Confirmed speakers include David Massingham, co-artistic director of International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016; Creative England CEO Caroline Norbury; Hull City of culture 2017 CEO and director Martin Green; and Anni Hood, CEO of the Wellness Business Consultancy.

“It’s great news that Andrew Lovett has agreed to deliver the keynote speech at the Symposium,” said Hayley Beer-Gamage, chair of the Tourism Society.

“His wealth of experience in various sectors of the tourism industry will set the scene for what promises to be a most informative day of business sessions.”

Day one of the Symposium will showcase Birmingham’s culture, industry and film tourism during a choice of three walking study tours, followed by a networking supper at Birmingham Council House. Meanwhile, day two will move to The Rep, Birmingham Repertory Theatre for a number of speaker sessions exploring the Symposium theme, with case studies and opportunities for networking.

Sessions on wide-ranging topics across the industry will include insight into how customers choose the destination to visit; what makes a successful business destination; and whether festivals drive extra visitors to a destination. The impact of film and television on visitor numbers, plus lessons to be learnt from international angles – highlighting case studies from Namibia and Saudi Arabia – are also on the agenda.

A few tickets for the two-day symposium are still available. For further details, click here.