Travel's must attend event for connection, insight and influence
Sessions
The business sessions are a core part of ABTA’s Travel Convention, bringing business leaders together to gain insights and discuss topical and forward-looking issues that will shape the future of the industry.
Over two days, the dynamic programme of keynotes, debates and interactive discussions will be led by influential voices from within and beyond the industry. Designed to generate conversation and fresh thinking, these sessions will ensure delegates leave better connected, better informed and ready for what lies ahead.
Moderator
Jonathan Samuels, a Sky News presenter and travel writer, will return to moderate the business sessions at this year’s Convention.
Jonathan has been a broadcast journalist for over 25 years, beginning his career in regional BBC radio and TV before becoming Chief Correspondent for Channel 5 News and then a Sky News foreign correspondent, based in Sydney.
He has covered conflicts in the Middle East, elections in the US, protests in Asia, plus tsunamis, bushfires, floods, earthquakes, and terror attacks around the globe. More recently he anchored live coverage of events in Ukraine and Israel/Gaza, the fall of Kabul, UK election results, the death of Queen Elizabeth and the Iran war.
Seeking a more sedate type of travel – away from breaking news, natural disasters, and wars – for several years Jonathan has written travel features for the national press. From Orkney in the far north of Scotland to the far north of Queensland in Australia, Jonathan’s travel writing has taken him far and wide.
He also presents the weekend breakfast show on Virgin Radio Chilled.
Theme
'Managing uncertainty with confidence' will be the theme of this year’s business sessions.
In a world that never stands still, disruption doesn’t have to feel daunting – it can be the catalyst that helps us to build stronger, more resilient, and future-ready businesses.
From shifting consumer behaviours and rapid technological advances to new ways of working, the operating landscape is moving quickly. Add in geopolitical unrest, cyber risk, and climate-related events, and it’s clear that resilience and bold action are core to successful leadership.
At this year’s Travel Convention, we’ll explore how to manage disruption with confidence: the steps business leaders can take to stay agile, protect continuity, and keep delighting customers. We’ll share lessons learned, hear fresh thinking from beyond the travel sector, and examine how we can turn uncertainty into momentum.
Four pillars
This year’s Convention will be developed around four pillars: Our world; Our industry; Your business and Your network, all designed to help your business through conversations, connections, and insights.
Our world delves into current global events and what the future holds, helping the travel sector to grasp the broader context and adapt to changes on the horizon.
Our industry addresses current developments, emerging trends and future challenges, offering actionable advice from industry experts.
Your business highlights the world of work and the latest innovations coming down the line.
Your network facilitates quality time to connect with your peers and exchange ideas in business and social settings.
Through these four pillars, this year’s Convention will deliver unique insights, tangible takeaways, new ideas and plenty of opportunities for you to make valuable connections with your peers.
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