Plymouth Tourism & Visitor Economy Conference 2019

About us

It’s all about the experience…’

We are proud to host the year’s annual conference at the very start of our Mayflower 400 commemoration year on 28 November 2019 from 10am to 4pm at Crowne Plaza Hotel.

This year’s annual conference is sponsored by City College Plymouth, Crowne Plaza, and Great Western Railway.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘It’s all about the experience’ and we will be exploring how businesses can maximize the opportunities from Mayflower 400 to build on their business for the future.

We are also delighted to welcome the Visit Britain team to Plymouth for the day who will be sharing details of the new TXGB global distribution system and providing advice on how you can sign up.

Tickets include networking buffet lunch and refreshments during the day.

Programme

10am..............Registration and refreshments

10.45am.........Street Factory CIC

11am..............Adrian Vinken, OBE, Chairman of Destination Plymouth and Mayflower 400 National Partnership 

11.10am.........Charles Courtenay, Earl of Devon (Patron MF400) 

11.25 am........Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland Director 

11.45 am........Charles Hackett, Chief Executive, Mayflower 400

12pm..............Victoria Allen, Marketing and Events Manager, Plymouth City Council

12.20pm.........Emma Tatlow, National Visitor Project Manager, Destination Plymouth

12.45pm.........Light buffet lunch and refreshments - Opportunity for delegates to attend the Nancy Astor monument unveiling at 1pm

1.45pm...........Dan Simmons, Visit Britain

2pm................Ruth Powell, Regional Marketing Manager, GWR 

2.15 pm..........Richard Veal, Managing Director, Simpleview

2.35pm...........Mark Howell, Marketing & Communications Director, Mayflower 400

2.50 pm .........Phil Gibby, SW Regional Director, ACE

3.10 pm..........Andrew Woodward, Director of Travel and Tourism, Quality in Tourism

3.30 pm..........Amanda Lumley, Executive Director, Destination Plymouth

3.50 pm..........Closing remarks

4pm................Conference ends

Delegates are warmly invited as guests to ‘Illuminate’ the opening event of the Mayflower 400 commemorations at Ocean Studios, Royal William Yard from 6pm onwards.

It is highly recommended that guests use public transport to and from Royal William Yard as parking is very limited. Water taxis are running to Royal William Yard from the Barbican every 15 minutes and vouchers are available at the conference for those wishing to use this method of transport.

To book your place click here

To view the programme click here

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A word from our sponsors

City College Plymouth

At City College Plymouth our mission is to provide the training and skills that the City and region require.  With a strong focus on the hospitality and tourism sector, the City requires employees who are both trained to the highest standards as well as being multi-skilled to cope with change . . . from a chef with digital skills to a conference and event organiser with presentation skills, training at City College ensures that skills are transferable to employers and their workplace.  The sector is ever changing and, as customers become more discerning, it is essential that the College works with all stakeholders to provide training that meets employer needs for the short, medium and long term. With a City that is set to grow to c300,000 in the near future, first class food outlets, hotels and tourist attractions all require employees who will be part of their journey to success and sustainability... it is an exciting time to be part of this sector.

We are therefore delighted to be sponsoring the Annual Tourism Conference for the 4th year, as it not only allows us to work with our strategic partner, Destination Plymouth, but also to showcase the skills our students can bring to the sector, through work experience on the day, and as future potential employees.  The hospitality and tourism sector is a major employer in our region and has a vibrant and diverse range of jobs. The College therefore continues to strive to develop new ways of bringing our teaching and learning to life through collaboration with the sector, benefiting all. From full-time hospitality and tourism courses, part-time courses to upskill or to change careers, to Apprenticeships which are truly employer-led, City College Plymouth leads the way into a journey for a sector that really does embrace “the world is your oyster”!