main stage

MANAGING THE FALLOUT: Responding to Natural and Political Crises

The rise in global crises presents a significant challenge to the travel industry, particularly in some emerging destinations. So how can companies respond to natural and political disasters while working alongside governments to provide efficient responses that protect people and businesses? This panel session will look at the role of hotels and DMCs as well as what you need to do from an insurance perspective: from having the right coverage to working with appropriate organisations. You’ll leave with a fuller understanding of the value of preparation, relationships and how to cultivate those relationships so that your people are ready, aware and available to act when needed.

business stage

BUILDING COMPANY CULTURE: Why a Good Workplace Starts with Great Leadership

The phrase ‘company culture’ gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean and why is it important for business leaders to understand – and implement? This leadership talk will look at how to effectively build your internal culture and what the value is in company values when seeking to improve efficiency and retain talented, hardworking employees. You’ll learn why creating rituals, recognition and rewards really matter; why investing in your people delivers big returns in the long run; and what your role as a leader is in creating a better working environment.

main stage

CRACKING GEN-Z: Appealling to the Future Travellers of the World

main stage

BEYOND PROFIT: Building Purposeful Brands, with Integrity

Purpose is a reason for a brand to exist beyond simply making a profit. But in this era of political turmoil, global warming and ever-increasing competition, there is a temptation to green- and pinkwash. So how do you build brands with purpose in a sustainable, authentic and impactful way? This talk will look at cases from other industries where brands have embraced their values and seen great business success, as well as providing a simple guide that will help you on your way to figuring out the ‘what, how and why’ of your brand and develop ways to integrate these in your marketing and guest experiences.

main stage

MANAGING THE FALLOUT: Responding to Natural and Political Crises

The rise in global crises presents a significant challenge to the travel industry, particularly in some emerging destinations. So how can companies respond to natural and political disasters while working alongside governments to provide efficient responses that protect people and businesses? This panel session will look at the role of hotels and DMCs as well as what you need to do from an insurance perspective: from having the right coverage to working with appropriate organisations. You’ll leave with a fuller understanding of the value of preparation, relationships and how to cultivate those relationships so that your people are ready, aware and available to act when needed.

HOW TO MASTER: Cultivating the Hospitality Gene Within Local Communities

The travel industry needs to change its approach to entering neighbourhoods. Hospitality owners and operators know the value of embracing the local community, but other than supporting the occasional local coffee grower or artisan, how can companies truly integrate into the communities in which they operate? This masterclass will look at the importance of giving back before taking in order to engage the local population; understand their needs and concerns; and ensure their buy-in while also achieving long-term business success.

main stage

MANAGING THE FALLOUT: Responding to Natural and Political Crises

The rise in global crises presents a significant challenge to the travel industry, particularly in some emerging destinations. So how can companies respond to natural and political disasters while working alongside governments to provide efficient responses that protect people and businesses? This panel session will look at the role of hotels and DMCs as well as what you need to do from an insurance perspective: from having the right coverage to working with appropriate organisations. You’ll leave with a fuller understanding of the value of preparation, relationships and how to cultivate those relationships so that your people are ready, aware and available to act when needed.

CHANGING WORLDS: How We Made a Film and the Importance of Educating Women

Hear from Education For All (EFA) Founder Mike McHugo, MBE, and British Ambassador Thomas Reilly about why the inspiring non-profit organisation is having such a profound impact, and how the incredible story was captured on film. Staying true to the years of trust-building work EFA undertook with the Berber village communities, journalist and storyteller Juliet Kinsman and filmmaker Kuba Nowak showed a great sensitivity for the charity, and the boarding houses they filmed in, to portray the film’s subjects as equals, not victims – crucial for connecting with a world suffer from ‘charity fatigue’. Discover why the film ultimately delivers a deeper universal message that enables the viewer to connect authentically, and how they broke through the usual ‘charity filter’ by bridging the gap between worlds and demonstrating how we can learn from each other.

main stage

ENHANCED EXPERIENCES: How to Use Emerging Tech in Experiential Travel

Drawing on Eric’s expertise incorporating groundbreaking tech into experiential travel, this talk will deep dive into the newest trending technology, what problems it solves and how it can work for your business. From using AI and AR for immersive, first person content to help conversion, to tapping into recognition technology, big data and blockhain to for greater personalisation and improved customer experience, you’ll learn how to use the latest innovations – as well as which dynamic companies are driving their development.

wellness stage

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: How to Embrace Change and Trust Your Intuition

This intimate talk will begin with a sound healing session by Sonia Ferre, owner of holistic sanctuary MasQi Energy House, followed by an inspiring, insightful account of the journey she and elite business coach James Boyd took – going from a position of strife to strength in their personal and professional lives. They will share the knowledge you need to turn to, and trust, your intuition, eschewing the ‘how to live your best life’ clichés in favour of a more practical approach. Join them for an inclusive sharing of thoughts as they unearth key takeaways on how you can embrace change to overcome adversity.

wellness stage

WORKPLACE WELLNESS: Why it’s Essential for Your Business

With overwhelming evidence demonstrating burnout and stress-related illnesses are at an all-time high, it’s never been more important for businesses to take stock of their team’s wellbeing in order for them, and subsequently your company, to thrive. With customer care comprising the very essence of hospitality, wellness retail entrepreneur and champion of self-care Tracey Woodward and business wellness advisor Giselle La Pompe-Moore share with you why and how a nurturing approach to staff wellbeing ensures a winning solution for all.

wellness stage

WORKPLACE WELLNESS: Why it’s Essential for Your Business

With overwhelming evidence demonstrating burnout and stress-related illnesses are at an all-time high, it’s never been more important for businesses to take stock of their team’s wellbeing in order for them, and subsequently your company, to thrive. With customer care comprising the very essence of hospitality, wellness retail entrepreneur and champion of self-care Tracey Woodward and business wellness advisor Giselle La Pompe-Moore share with you why and how a nurturing approach to staff wellbeing ensures a winning solution for all.

main stage

WOMEN AT THE TOP: Why the Future of Hospitality Leadership is Female

This panel session will take a timely look at why it’s the women in local communities who are the real hustlers; the first ones to realise that knowledge equals power; and the first ones to educate themselves to open up a career in hospitality. While just a few years ago women comprised only 9% of US hotel company presidents and (excluding HR roles) less than 20% of leadership positions in hospitality, the future is looking much brighter. Discover how, in an industry founded on warm and welcoming guest service, the percentage of female leaders could increase to as much as 50% in the next five years.

main stage

WOMEN AT THE TOP: Why the Future of Hospitality Leadership is Female

This panel session will take a timely look at why it’s the women in local communities who are the real hustlers; the first ones to realise that knowledge equals power; and the first ones to educate themselves to open up a career in hospitality. While just a few years ago women comprised only 9% of US hotel company presidents and (excluding HR roles) less than 20% of leadership positions in hospitality, the future is looking much brighter. Discover how, in an industry founded on warm and welcoming guest service, the percentage of female leaders could increase to as much as 50% in the next five years.

Monday

HOW TO MASTER: Cultivating the Hospitality Gene Within Local Communities

The travel industry needs to change its approach to entering neighbourhoods. Hospitality owners and operators know the value of embracing the local community, but other than supporting the occasional local coffee grower or artisan, how can companies truly integrate into the communities in which they operate? This masterclass will look at the importance of giving back before taking in order to engage the local population; understand their needs and concerns; and ensure their buy-in while also achieving long-term business success.

Sunday

main stage

BE MORE PIRATE: The Art of Professional Rule Breaking

Realising that most of the ‘rules’ of work are just age-old bad habits that need to be broken is one of the most important breakthroughs you can make for you and your company. All it takes to change the rules – and get away with it – is for you to prove your new ideas work. This boundary-breaking headline talk will shatter the preconceptions surrounding rule breaking; encourage you to ‘Be More Pirate’ in your approach to business; and inspire you to stop asking permission, and prepare to start asking for forgiveness instead. After his Main Stage talk, join Sam for an interactive workshop that will help you rip up the rulebook on traditional business and learn how to truly master the art of professional rule breaking.

CHANGING WORLDS: The Power of Visual Storytelling

Following on from their powerful short film about Changing Worlds with Education For All in the Atlas Mountains, director Kuba Nowak and content expert Juliet Kinsman host an insightful Q&A. Discover their views on how to convey a powerful story that provokes emotion, as well as creating quality editorial about meaningful experiences, as they take a look at brands that really pull people in rather than just push out marketing information. Sam Sutaria, Head of strategy at global interactive streaming service WaterBear Network, also shares his expert opinions on turning inspiration into action. With so many hotels now spending lavishly on promotional videos that don’t deliver return on investment, there’s never been a better time to learn about creating more compelling visual narratives.

CHANGING WORLDS: How We Made a Film and the Importance of Educating Women

Hear from Education For All (EFA) Founder Mike McHugo, MBE, and British Ambassador Thomas Reilly about why the inspiring non-profit organisation is having such a profound impact, and how the incredible story was captured on film. Staying true to the years of trust-building work EFA undertook with the Berber village communities, journalist and storyteller Juliet Kinsman and filmmaker Kuba Nowak showed a great sensitivity for the charity, and the boarding houses they filmed in, to portray the film’s subjects as equals, not victims – crucial for connecting with a world suffer from ‘charity fatigue’. Discover why the film ultimately delivers a deeper universal message that enables the viewer to connect authentically, and how they broke through the usual ‘charity filter’ by bridging the gap between worlds and demonstrating how we can learn from each other.

wellness stage

FAMILY FOCUS: Why Wellness Isn’t Just for Individuals

In response to a rise in teenage anxiety; screen time taking over family time; and the overarching trend towards a more wellness-centric lifestyle, the industry is increasingly moving to accommodate the modern family. As travellers seek experiences that offer them more quality, nurturing time with their loved ones, how can high-end hospitality react and provide the type of connective, group sessions they crave? An expert panel featuring Balance Holiday’s Stella Photi and Sandra Hoffman from Children’s Concierge will discuss the best ways for the industry to put family connections at the top of the agenda.

sustainability stage

OUR BIGGEST ASSET: Creating Positive Partnerships with Local Communities

Community is an increasingly compelling buzzword in the luxury travel industry, but what does good community engagement look like and how can it heighten your operational and guest experience? Tourism relies on good service and positive community relations, so inclusive growth is not about developing isolated pockets of best practice but rather forging a local, sustainable economy for the greater good – especially where travel is a significance GDP contributor. This panel will take the audience on a journey exploring community relations from rainforest villages in Costa Rica to a hotel school for locals in Indonesia and empowering women from local tribes in Kenya.

wellness stage

BEYOND THE SPA: Creating Transformational Journeys through Authentic Wellness

Underpinned by the seemingly unstoppable trend of transformational travel, authentic journeys and grassroots experiences, the wellness industry is diversifying and travellers are now looking for more than just a visually appealing hotel spa. With bespoke treatments, programmes and yoga retreats already a given, this panel will look at what’s next for world of wellness travel and, more importantly, how businesses can evolve their offerings for discerning customers. Join Mason Rose’s Head of Wellness Jacinta Stevens in conversation with fellow experts Livia Manca di Willahermosa, Nikhail Kapur and Peta Pantos to find out how to take craft truly transformational journeys.

wellness stage

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: How to Embrace Change and Trust Your Intuition

This intimate talk will begin with a sound healing session by Sonia Ferre, owner of holistic sanctuary MasQi Energy House, followed by an inspiring, insightful account of the journey she and elite business coach James Boyd took – going from a position of strife to strength in their personal and professional lives. They will share the knowledge you need to turn to, and trust, your intuition, eschewing the ‘how to live your best life’ clichés in favour of a more practical approach. Join them for an inclusive sharing of thoughts as they unearth key takeaways on how you can embrace change to overcome adversity.

HOW TO MASTER: Cultivating the Hospitality Gene Within Local Communities

The travel industry needs to change its approach to entering neighbourhoods. Hospitality owners and operators know the value of embracing the local community, but other than supporting the occasional local coffee grower or artisan, how can companies truly integrate into the communities in which they operate? This masterclass will look at the importance of giving back before taking in order to engage the local population; understand their needs and concerns; and ensure their buy-in while also achieving long-term business success.

wellness stage

BEYOND THE SPA: Creating Transformational Journeys through Authentic Wellness

Underpinned by the seemingly unstoppable trend of transformational travel, authentic journeys and grassroots experiences, the wellness industry is diversifying and travellers are now looking for more than just a visually appealing hotel spa. With bespoke treatments, programmes and yoga retreats already a given, this panel will look at what’s next for world of wellness travel and, more importantly, how businesses can evolve their offerings for discerning customers. Join Mason Rose’s Head of Wellness Jacinta Stevens in conversation with fellow experts Livia Manca di Willahermosa, Nikhail Kapur and Peta Pantos to find out how to take craft truly transformational journeys.

wellness stage

FAMILY FOCUS: Why Wellness Isn’t Just for Individuals

In response to a rise in teenage anxiety; screen time taking over family time; and the overarching trend towards a more wellness-centric lifestyle, the industry is increasingly moving to accommodate the modern family. As travellers seek experiences that offer them more quality, nurturing time with their loved ones, how can high-end hospitality react and provide the type of connective, group sessions they crave? An expert panel featuring Balance Holiday’s Stella Photi and Sandra Hoffman from Children’s Concierge will discuss the best ways for the industry to put family connections at the top of the agenda.

wellness stage

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY: How to Embrace Change and Trust Your Intuition

This intimate talk will begin with a sound healing session by Sonia Ferre, owner of holistic sanctuary MasQi Energy House, followed by an inspiring, insightful account of the journey she and elite business coach James Boyd took – going from a position of strife to strength in their personal and professional lives. They will share the knowledge you need to turn to, and trust, your intuition, eschewing the ‘how to live your best life’ clichés in favour of a more practical approach. Join them for an inclusive sharing of thoughts as they unearth key takeaways on how you can embrace change to overcome adversity.

HOW TO MASTER: Creating Sustainability Stories that Engage Guests and Staff

These days, people don’t just want to buy into what you do; they want to know why you do it, and to feel part of your company’s purpose. To really sell the sustainable side of your business you need to be an expert in storytelling – turning facts and reports into engaging narrative to educate and involve your staff, your guests and your shareholders. This masterclass will cover everything you need to know about sharing your sustainability journey with integrity and impact, whether you’re a seasoned sustainability pro or just getting started, covering everything from green-washing to identifying talking points and trends.

CHANGING WORLDS: How We Made a Film and the Importance of Educating Women

Hear from Education For All (EFA) Founder Mike McHugo, MBE, and British Ambassador Thomas Reilly about why the inspiring non-profit organisation is having such a profound impact, and how the incredible story was captured on film. Staying true to the years of trust-building work EFA undertook with the Berber village communities, journalist and storyteller Juliet Kinsman and filmmaker Kuba Nowak showed a great sensitivity for the charity, and the boarding houses they filmed in, to portray the film’s subjects as equals, not victims – crucial for connecting with a world suffer from ‘charity fatigue’. Discover why the film ultimately delivers a deeper universal message that enables the viewer to connect authentically, and how they broke through the usual ‘charity filter’ by bridging the gap between worlds and demonstrating how we can learn from each other.

CHANGING WORLDS: The Power of Visual Storytelling

Following on from their powerful short film about Changing Worlds with Education For All in the Atlas Mountains, director Kuba Nowak and content expert Juliet Kinsman host an insightful Q&A. Discover their views on how to convey a powerful story that provokes emotion, as well as creating quality editorial about meaningful experiences, as they take a look at brands that really pull people in rather than just push out marketing information. Sam Sutaria, Head of strategy at global interactive streaming service WaterBear Network, also shares his expert opinions on turning inspiration into action. With so many hotels now spending lavishly on promotional videos that don’t deliver return on investment, there’s never been a better time to learn about creating more compelling visual narratives.

wellness stage

FAMILY FOCUS: Why Wellness Isn't Just for Individuals

In response to a rise in teenage anxiety; screen time taking over family time; and the overarching trend towards a more wellness-centric lifestyle, the industry is increasingly moving to accommodate the modern family. As travellers seek experiences that offer them more quality, nurturing time with their loved ones, how can high-end hospitality react and provide the type of connective, group sessions they crave? An expert panel featuring Balance Holiday’s Stella Photi and Sandra Hoffman from Children’s Concierge will discuss the best ways for the industry to put family connections at the top of the agenda.

wellness stage

Selling Wellness: How to Make it Worth The Investment

For most hotels, spas are likely to contribute as little as 5 per cent of total revenue – so why does wellness continue to play such an important role in the industry? This frank discussion with leading travel and wellness experts Claudia Roth of Soul Luxury, President of the Wellness Tourism Association Anne Dimon and Renshaw Travel’s Jessica Renshaw will dive into exactly why wellness is worth the investment. Moderated by Mason Rose Founder Tanya Rose, the panel will look at the importance of marrying your wellness offering to your current product; building insightful client profiles; and taking an authentic approach to marketing to attract new clients.

sustainability stage

FUELLING THE FUTURE: How Conservation and Tourism Drive Each Other

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we are witnessing the greatest extinction crisis since dinosaurs disappeared from our planet 65 million years ago. For iconic species like jaguar, stingray and rhino, the threat is now so great that their fate sometimes lies in the hands of a few private landowners and tourism businesses. This talk will introduce the audience to pioneering individuals leading the conservation charge, from Raja Ampat’s pristine coral reefs to the world’s largest wetlands in Brazil’s Pantanal. Looking at successful examples from Africa, Brazil and Indonesia, you’ll learn how to use wildlife tourism to protect vital ecosystems while proving the economic value of conservation.

sustainability stage

OUR BIGGEST ASSET: Creating Positive Partnerships with Local Communities

Community is an increasingly compelling buzzword in the luxury travel industry, but what does good community engagement look like and how can it heighten your operational and guest experience? Tourism relies on good service and positive community relations, so inclusive growth is not about developing isolated pockets of best practice but rather forging a local, sustainable economy for the greater good – especially where travel is a significance GDP contributor. This panel will take the audience on a journey exploring community relations from rainforest villages in Costa Rica to a hotel school for locals in Indonesia and empowering women from local tribes in Kenya.

HOW TO MASTER: Creating Social Currency Through Experiential Branding

How can high-end travel companies apply the skill and success of world-leading experiential brand campaigns to their own destination marketing? Drawing on his extensive expertise in developing creative content and striking experiential marketing campaigns, Jerome Maas’ masterclass will provide the answers. Using the seven key steps to approaching experiential design – understanding your audience, knowing your business objectives, setting a budget, planning, getting creative, be braving and amplifying your narrative – this talk will provide a strategic overview for brands looking to create social currency to engage existing and potential audiences.

sustainability stage

FUELLING THE FUTURE: How Conservation and Tourism Drive Each Other

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we are witnessing the greatest extinction crisis since dinosaurs disappeared from our planet 65 million years ago. For iconic species like jaguar, stingray and rhino, the threat is now so great that their fate sometimes lies in the hands of a few private landowners and tourism businesses. This talk will introduce the audience to pioneering individuals leading the conservation charge, from Raja Ampat’s pristine coral reefs to the world’s largest wetlands in Brazil’s Pantanal. Looking at successful examples from Africa, Brazil and Indonesia, you’ll learn how to use wildlife tourism to protect vital ecosystems while proving the economic value of conservation.

sustainability stage

MAKE IT A MINDSET: Why Sustainability Needs to be More Than Just a Project

We are now at a crossroads: the planet needs minds to shift quicker, and that includes how we view the concept of sustainability. This insightful talk from one of the world’s most respected conservationists will explore why making sustainability into a mindset, and shifting attitudes from short-term to long-term – from exploitative to nurturing – is the only viable option for taking businesses into the future. Delphine will demonstrate how the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce) can act as a framework for taking a holistic approach to truly embed sustainability into an organisation.

sustainability stage

FUELLING THE FUTURE: How Conservation and Tourism Drive Each Other

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we are witnessing the greatest extinction crisis since dinosaurs disappeared from our planet 65 million years ago. For iconic species like jaguar, stingray and rhino, the threat is now so great that their fate sometimes lies in the hands of a few private landowners and tourism businesses. This talk will introduce the audience to pioneering individuals leading the conservation charge, from Raja Ampat’s pristine coral reefs to the world’s largest wetlands in Brazil’s Pantanal. Looking at successful examples from Africa, Brazil and Indonesia, you’ll learn how to use wildlife tourism to protect vital ecosystems while proving the economic value of conservation.

sustainability stage

COMMERCE AND LEGACY: Making a Business Case for the Future

One of the most pressing challenges for leading sustainable properties – and any business driven by more than just the bottom line – is how to secure their legacy and ensure the next generation carries on their good work. Drawing from innovative examples, including the likes of The Long Run, this talk will discuss the pioneering tools needed to ensure biodiversity is conserved; intergenerational plans to engage future conservationists; and the financial mechanisms needed to support the ‘4Cs’ of sustainability: conservation, community, culture and commerce.

sustainability stage

COLLABORATION NOT COMPETITION: Why and How to Work Together for Positive Change

Being truly sustainable is so much more than just ‘going green’; it requires a commitment to the four pillars of sustainability: environment, economics, culture and society. Good businesses do all four at once, but will have a greater impact if they collaborate with others. Sustainability should not be competitive – it’s about realising that everyone has a part to play (and that even giving 1% is better than nothing). This talk will explore how hotels, tour operators and destinations, regardless of their size, can work together to reduce their environmental impact without increasing costs. Examples include a continent-wide conservation strategy, a hotel-led waste management scheme with corporate sponsorship, and how to exchange sustainability knowledge in a global organisation.

sustainability stage

MAKE IT A MINDSET: Why Sustainability Needs to be More Than Just a Project

We are now at a crossroads: the planet needs minds to shift quicker, and that includes how we view the concept of sustainability. This insightful talk from one of the world’s most respected conservationists will explore why making sustainability into a mindset, and shifting attitudes from short-term to long-term – from exploitative to nurturing – is the only viable option for taking businesses into the future. Delphine will demonstrate how the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce) can act as a framework for taking a holistic approach to truly embed sustainability into an organisation.

main stage

BOOSTING BRAND LOVE: How to Create Distinctiveness and Difference to Grow your Business

In a crowded market where DMCs, destinations and property owners are constantly being disintermediated, how do you create difference and distinctiveness for your offering? Tapping in to his extensive experience in helping businesses grow and win consumers around the world, Andy Lark’s talk will look at how your brand can use rapidly evolving technology to create new offerings and orchestrate unmatchable experiences. Taking a long-term view, he will also probe what market shifts and prevailing trends are most likely to reshape your business – helping you to adapt to succeed now and in the future.

main stage

BE HAPPY FIRST: Increasing your Wellbeing in Work and Life

Wellbeing is more than just a trending buzzword: it’s the crucial ability to consistently feel good and function effectively, both in work and your day-to-day life. Delivered by one of the most renowned and accomplished experts in workplace happiness, this session will help you create a clear roadmap on how to consistently feel better, be happier and be more productive. You’ll leave with a stress-proof toolkit of happiness and wellbeing approaches that will enable you to confidently navigate the natural highs and lows that come with modern life.

HOW TO MASTER: Creating Sustainability Stories that Engage Guests and Staff

These days, people don’t just want to buy into what you do; they want to know why you do it, and to feel part of your company’s purpose. To really sell the sustainable side of your business you need to be an expert in storytelling – turning facts and reports into engaging narrative to educate and involve your staff, your guests and your shareholders. This masterclass will cover everything you need to know about sharing your sustainability journey with integrity and impact, whether you’re a seasoned sustainability pro or just getting started, covering everything from green-washing to identifying talking points and trends.

sustainability stage

COLLABORATION NOT COMPETITION: Why and How to Work Together for Positive Change

Being truly sustainable is so much more than just ‘going green’; it requires a commitment to the four pillars of sustainability: environment, economics, culture and society. Good businesses do all four at once, but it’s also important to remove guilt from the dialogue around responsibility and sustainability so that every company realises that even small, easy steps can have a big impact. Sustainability should not be seen as a competition – it’s about realising that even 1% better is still an improvement. This talk will look at what all hotels, regardless of their size, can do to reduce their environmental impact without increasing costs; propose a new model for sustainable charity based on exchanging donations for valuable products and services; and engage local communities, from suppliers and employees to customers and governments.

sustainability stage

COLLABORATION NOT COMPETITION: Why the Industry Needs to Work Together for Positive Change

Being truly sustainable is so much more than just ‘going green’; it requires a commitment to the four pillars of sustainability: environment, economics, culture and society. Good businesses do all four at once, but will have a greater impact if they collaborate with others. Sustainability should not be competitive – it’s about realising that everyone has a part to play (and that even giving 1% is better than nothing). This talk will explore how hotels, tour operators and destinations, regardless of their size, can work together to reduce their environmental impact without increasing costs. Examples include a continent-wide conservation strategy, a hotel-led waste management scheme with corporate sponsorship, and how to exchange sustainability knowledge in a global organisation.

HOW TO MASTER: Becoming a more Mindful and Productive Leader

We live in a world of constant change, uncertainty and increased complexity – and the biggest challenge to leadership is not intelligence or commitment, but staying focused, healthy and comfortable with the unknown. Mindfulness training not only changes our in-built response to pressure and strengthens our emotional intelligence – it also enables leaders to adapt and develop a more productive and sustainable way of operating in the world. This masterclass will arm you with practical mindfulness tools, and the science behind them; provide an overview on what mindful leadership is, and debunk the myth of multitasking; and demonstrate how these techniques can benefit you, your employees and your company.

HOW TO MASTER: Making social an extension of your brand

When it comes to branding, social media shouldn’t just be an afterthought – it should be a fully integrated part of everything your company does. Working out which platform is best for you, and how to use it properly, is vital. This immersive masterclass will show you how: to adapt your brand for social media; identify your brand pillars and style; work out who to follow to build your community; and interact with the people who matter. It will also cover the right way to collaborate with macro and micro influencers, as well as photography essentials like angles, colour schemes, hashtags, content variety and caption-writing.

HOW TO MASTER: Making social an extension of your brand

When it comes to branding, social media shouldn’t just be an afterthought – it should be a fully integrated part of everything your company does. Working out which platform is best for you, and how to use it properly, is vital. This immersive masterclass will show you how: to adapt your brand for social media; identify your brand pillars and style; work out who to follow to build your community; and interact with the people who matter. It will also cover the right way to collaborate with macro and micro influencers, as well as photography essentials like angles, colour schemes, hashtags, content variety and caption-writing.

HOW TO MASTER: Using Brand, Culture and Growth as the Framework for Your Business

This masterclass will draw on Gabbi’s extensive experience in various areas of brand strategy. It will provide a tangible framework for companies to better define their purpose, positioning and personality; develop their internal culture and behaviour; and also look ahead to future growth. By showing how to develop these foundational principles for your brand, Gabbi will give you the tools that will enable you to take a position of leadership, take on threats and opportunities, and, ultimately, take over the world.

business stage

BUILDING COMPANY CULTURE: Why a Good Workplace Starts with Great Leadership

The phrase ‘company culture’ gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean and why is it important for business leaders to understand – and implement? This leadership talk will look at how to effectively build your internal culture and what the value is in company values when seeking to improve efficiency and retain talented, hardworking employees. You’ll learn why creating rituals, recognition and rewards really matter; why investing in your people delivers big returns in the long run; and what your role as a leader is in creating a better working environment.

sustainability stage

MAKE IT A MINDSET: Why Sustainability Needs to be More Than Just a Project

We are now at a crossroads: the planet needs minds to shift quicker, and that includes how we view the concept of sustainability. This insightful talk from one of the world’s most respected conservationists will explore why making sustainability into a mindset, and shifting attitudes from short-term to long-term – from exploitative to nurturing – is the only viable option for taking businesses into the future. Delphine will demonstrate how the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce) can act as a framework for taking a holistic approach to truly embed sustainability into an organisation.

HOW TO MASTER: Getting Started on Your Sustainability Journey (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

This masterclass will focus on how to make the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce) the guide for your journey to true sustainability – using them as a mindset to understand that long-term business growth is inextricably linked to nature and community wellbeing. You’ll hear actionable takeaways, including five easy ways to reduce resource and increase profits, and how to communicate your vision to staff and guests. The session will also look at wider concerns in your sustainability journey, from understanding your place and identifying your role and relevance, to finding the right partnerships and transferring skills.

sustainability stage

COLLABORATION NOT COMPETITION: Why and How to Work Together for Positive Change

Being truly sustainable is so much more than just ‘going green’; it requires a commitment to the four pillars of sustainability: environment, economics, culture and society. Good businesses do all four at once, but it’s also important to remove guilt from the dialogue around responsibility and sustainability so that every company realises that even small, easy steps can have a big impact. Sustainability should not be seen as a competition – it’s about realising that even 1% better is still an improvement. This talk will look at what all hotels, regardless of their size, can do to reduce their environmental impact without increasing costs; propose a new model for sustainable charity based on exchanging donations for valuable products and services; and engage local communities, from suppliers and employees to customers and governments.

sustainability stage

COMMERCE AND LEGACY: Making a Business Case for the Future

One of the most pressing challenges for leading sustainable properties – and any business driven by more than just the bottom line – is how to secure their legacy and ensure the next generation carries on their good work. Drawing from innovative examples, including the likes of The Long Run, this talk will discuss the pioneering tools needed to ensure biodiversity is conserved; intergenerational plans to engage future conservationists; and the financial mechanisms needed to support the ‘4Cs’ of sustainability: conservation, community, culture and commerce.

HOW TO MASTER: Creating Food Tourism Experiences with a Positive Impact

This innovative masterclass will look at how brands can develop partnerships along the food tourism value chain, running the full spectrum of touch points – from farms, fishermen, beverage producers and farmers markets to restaurants, hotels, culinary schools and tours, local attractions, festivals and events. You’ll learn how to enhance your visitors’ experience, support local economic development and provide increased return on investment for your business.