Welcome from the CEO
Dear valued TMC Partners and Suppliers
Welcome to our third dedicated Focus Partners Conference, following on from the success of Belfast in 2023. I very much welcome your attendance and interaction over the two days. We have planned a diverse agenda curated to reflect many of the topical trends and prevailing themes in the business travel sector, the opportunity for good quality networking, and a bit of fun.
The Brooklands site is home to one of Britain's most famous racing heritage circuits – it was the world's first purpose built real race track, opening in 1907. We hope you enjoy the contrasting conference venues of the Brooklands Hotel - a modern hotel combining contemporary style with classic elegance, and the innovative Mercedes Benz World which opened in 2006 and has welcomed over 3 million visitors.
Interestingly, the design of the three-pointed star in a laurel wreath marked the birth of the Mercedes-Benz brand who celebrate 100 years as Focus celebrate 25 years.
These events would not be the success they are without your attendance and support, so once again I thank your for accommodating your time amongst your busy schedules and I look forward to seeing you all.
Steve Steve Banks CEO, Focus Travel Partnership
Headline Sponsors
We’re proud to sponsor this year’s Focus Partners Conference, congratulations Focus Travel Partnership on celebrating 25 years.
Virgin Atlantic was created to disrupt and innovate the market. From the very first seatback TV’s and Premium cabins, to operating the youngest fleet over the Atlantic and achieving the world's first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel transatlantic flight, our pioneering spirit is stronger than ever. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we continue to challenge the status quo flying to the most exciting destinations in the world and discovering new ways to delight our customers with brilliantly different experiences, delivered by a crew like no other.
I would like to add to Nicki’s welcome to the Focus Partners conference.
2025 will see Delta celebrate our 100th anniversary and an expanded network across the Atlantic. In the UK along with our JV partners Virgin Atlantic we serve 4 departure points (London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester & Edinburgh) directly to the USA, including 34 peak day departures from London Heathrow to 15 US gateways.
This year Virgin Atlantic and Delta also celebrate 10 fantastic years of partnership, offering more choice, more connections and second-to-none service every step of the way. With dedicated account management, a team of experts ready to help whenever you need them, and plenty of innovative and delightful touches along the way - it’s business that feels uniquely personal.
Nicki Goldsmith Director of UK Agency Sales Virgin Atlantic Nicki
As always, Delta customers and employees are at the heart of everything we do. Our co-location with Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow and five US airport’s makes it easier to connect to more than 220 destinations across North America. For Focus members we offer 24/7 Freephone Sales Support, the recently announced nose to-tail transformation of our cabin interior is based on extensive feedback and research to create a cabin experience that reflects our customers’ changing expectations and lifestyles.
We look forward to sharing even more of these details and an amazing two days of conference with you.
Nadia Clinton Regional Sales Manager UK & Ireland Delta Air Lines Nadia
We are excited to sponsor the Focus Partners Conference AMG Passenger rides. Join us for an incredible event as we celebrate the spirit of travel and continue building a stronger and lasting partnership.
Give your clients the opportunity to live the experience of travelling with Aeromexico s direct flight connecting London Heathrow to Mexico City. Operating daily, this exclusive service provides a convenient and reliable option for your valued customers, making us the only option of a carrier offering a year-round, daily direct flight
As Regional Account Manager, I am proud to be part of the Aeromexico family which is celebrating 90 years of elevating the travel experience to a new level as we expand our network of destinations within Mexico and around the world
We look forward to welcoming Focus TMC business leaders over the next two days Be closer reach further.
Rolando González
Market Manager Benelux, UK & I
Aeromexico
We’re excited to catch up with everyone at the Focus Partners Conference. Over the years we have enjoyed a strong collaboration with Focus, working closely both centrally and with individual TMCs.
During the conference, we are eager for the opportunity to strengthen our business ties and explore new possibilities. We believe these interactions will foster deeper connections and open doors to even greater success together.
We look forward to welcoming you to the gala dinner that we are co-hosting alongside our JV partners, United Airlines and Lufthansa Group, and seeing you over the two days.
I am thrilled to be joining you all at the Focus Conference with my colleague Lee. Our continued and growing relationship with all of you is a crucial part of the long-term success of Air India’s transformational program. It is also great to bring a little piece of India to the event by sponsoring drinks where I am sure we will catch up in more detail.
Air India’s transformation journey is well under way and has already seen huge investment globally. Starting in India with a new headquarters and a stateof-the-art training centre, the largest in South Asia. In the UK we have increased flights from 49 per week to 54, currently serving 6 destinations in India from Gatwick, Birmingham and Heathrow as well as an extensive domestic network and 6th freedom routes.
Amadeus technology powers the global travel and tourism industry. From airlines to search engines, travel agencies to hotels, the world's top travel brands rely on Amadeus to help create exceptional traveler experiences. Amadeus eagerly anticipates the Focus Partners Conference and looks forward to our continued partnership in the coming year. This event presents an excellent opportunity for industry partners and suppliers to connect, share insights, and explore innovative solutions in the travel ecosystem. We are delighted that our General Manager, Clare De Bono, can be present at the event, and can talk to the membership about the future of the GDS.
From September the A350 was welcomed on the London to Delhi direct service and provides three cabins of service, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The A320 has been introduced to the domestic market both aircraft will enhance the onboard experience and be more fuel efficient.
We are also excited to showcase our innovative travel & expense solution, Cytric Easy, which will be sponsoring the coffee break after Clare’s session. This sponsorship not only allows us to showcase our commitment to enhancing travel experiences but also provides a relaxed setting for attendees to network and exchange ideas.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your event and we wish you a very successful conference
Andrew Edmonds
Business Sales Manager- UK
Air Canada
Graham Cook
Country Manager- UK & I
Air India
We look forward to engaging with all participants and demonstrating how Cytric Easy can streamline and simplify corporate travel planning. Your presence will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this conference, and we are excited to see you there.
Louise Wates
Account Manager
Amadeus
It is with immense pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of British Airways at the prestigious Focus Partners conference. We are delighted to have you join us for this exciting event where we will explore key industry insights and strengthen our valued partnerships. A highlight of the conference is the exclusive Concorde tours on the 31st, which have been met with tremendous interest! British Airways was one of two primary operators of this beautiful iconic aircraft, operating from 1976 until it was retired in October 2003. Concorde s fastest transatlantic crossing was on 7 February 1996 when it completed the New York to London flight in 2 hours 52 minutes and 59 seconds.
At British Airways we recognise the immense value of the Focus Travel Partnership, together to network, learn and innovate This incredible event provides a platform for TMC Partners and Supplier Partners to connect collaborate, and inspire one another
Thank you for being part of this event and we look forward to seeing you there
NO ONE BETTER CONNECTS THE WORLD
I can’t think of a better phrase as we “connect” at this Focus Partners Conference, More than 100,000 Delta people lead the way in delivering a world-class customer experience on over 4,000 daily flights to more than 290 destinations on six continents, connecting people to places and each other. Delta expects to serve nearly 200 million customers this year, with industry-leading customer service, safety, innovation and reliability – recognized as North America’s most on-time airline.
From the U.K., Delta serves 7 gateways nonstop from London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick and Edinburgh with connections to more than 200 destinations across the U.S. Travellers can select one of four product experiences on all Delta flights out the U.K., including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.
ITA Airways is proud to be involved in the Focus Partners’ Conference, one of the few trade events we look forward to each year due to the great balance of commercial and educational content the Focus Group lay on for both suppliers and partners.
Being able to productively engage with Focus TMC members, always in a relaxed and fun setting, is an important element of the success of our commercial relationship.
We look forward to discussing specifics about the ITA Airways offering with each Focus Partner to enhance agency engagement, build relationships and optimise results.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership with Lufthansa Group. We truly appreciate the important role you play in connecting businesses and their travellers to our network and look forward to building on this successful collaboration.
Together, we will continue to grow, innovate, and create even more opportunities for our customers. As we continue to expand our global network and enhance our services, especially with the introduction of Lufthansa Allegris, our new longhaul product, and SWISS Senses, coming in 2025, we are excited to strengthen our collaboration with you.
We’re also proud to sponsor the celebratory Gala Dinner alongside our JV partners. We hope you enjoy the evening.
I look forward to “connecting” with you over the next few days.
Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a successful 2025.
Welcome to the Focus Partners Conference! As the Qatar Airways Corporate Account Manager for Focus TMC Partners we're thrilled to be sponsoring the drinks reception and F1 simulators at Mercedes Benz World.
Qatar Airways, a member of the oneworld alliance has been honoured with the prestigious 'World's Best Airline' award by Skytrax for an unprecedented eight times. Our award-winning Business Class, luxurious lounges, and global network of over 170 destinations redefine the air travel experience.
In 2024, we unveiled the Qsuite Next Gen at the Farnborough Air Show, a revolutionary business class seat that will be featured on board our Boeing B777-9 aircraft starting in 2025.
I m looking forward to meeting and connecting with you during the conference
It’s a great pleasure to welcome you to Focus Partners Conference 2024 This year’s Conference is more than a forum for discussion it’s a space for collaboration, learning, and innovation. Over the course of the Conference there’ll be opportunities to dive into key themes impacting the TMC community, including enhanced border security and digitalisation, business travel compliance risks and what the future holds.
At Nomadic, we know how important it is to keep up with the changing times – that’s why our short-term travel visa experts are working hard to support businesses and their travellers as they strive to stay ahead of the digital curve
We are honoured to be at the Focus Partners Conference in Brooklands and extend a warm G'day to all.
Qantas Airways, known as the "Flying Kangaroo " is Australia s flagship carrier and one of the world’s oldest airlines, founded in 1920 Renowned for safety, innovation, customer focus, and pioneering air travel, we are excited to introduce our most ambitious initiative Project Sunrise.
We from Midoco are happy to sponsor and attend the Focus Partners Conference We highly value this conference which has standing space in our annual calendar. The high-quality programme the amazing Focus team and all the TMC Partners attending are a guarantee for an insightful and entertaining two days
Let’s make the most of our time together –enjoy the Conference!
This project aims to launch the world’s longest nonstop flights, connecting Australia s east coast directly to cities like London and New York by mid-2026. With Airbus developing modified A350s, we aim to reduce travel time and offer an unparalleled flying experience while setting new industry benchmarks.
We want to encourage you to share your impressions and experiences on social media to spread the vibe, which is why we are happy to sponsor the Social Media Challenge. The most creative and reflecting shot will be awarded with a smart watch worth £500. So please post and share from the conference and hashtag it with the #FocusBT Hashtags and #midoco
In partnership, Focus and Qantas are very aligned in setting industry benchmarks and we thank you for joining us today.
Pete O’Brien Client Services Manager Nomadic
We are looking forward to connecting with you all during the conference and viewing your LinkedIn posts Enjoy
Yvonne Rascan
WHY NOT NETWALK WITH CHRIS & CLAIRE
- A bright fresh start to set you up for the day. An opportunity to mull over Thursday’s sessions or catch up with others outside –a good old natter with a bit of light exercise thrown in – not that you’d notice the latter with all the chatting. Don’t worry about the weather – as you would expect, Travelport have it sorted and we will be sure to keep you dry should we be hit with inclement weather.Then head back to enjoy some delicious overnight oats and refreshing smoothies before the conference.
Travelport are on a mission to simplify the complexities of an industry we have known and loved for decades, with technology that makes traveling faster, easier, and more modern. Where others add features, we invent new solutions. While others wait for the future to happen, we race towards it. By connecting buyers and sellers of travel through a single, independent marketplace, we’re reinventing a better future for our industry. Travelport+ is the only modern retailing platform built for travel agencies. Because it puts the agent first. It helps empower agents to grow and transform their business.
See you Friday morning for that natter.
Claire French Account Manager
TripStax is delighted to be supporting this year’s Focus Partners Conference and we look forward to reconnecting with all TMC Partners over the next few days, at what I know will be an insightful, informative and enjoyable event.
This is a significant time as The Focus Travel Partnership embarks on a new chapter and TripStax is excited to be your technology partner as you move forwards.
TripStax’s understanding of the TMC landscape and the tech challenges that you are facing is unrivalled. We are on a mission to help TMCs evolve their technology offering for their customers, but also to help you become more competitive, and develop new revenue streams, all without interrupting business as usual workflows. We are invested in the success of the Partnership and being part of your journey.
On behalf of myself and United Airlines, I’m excited to be here attending the Focus Partners conference as your UK Account Manager.
It’s a pleasure to participate in this amazing two-day event, we truly value the incredible contributions of Focus Travel Partnership’s TMC Partners & I look forward to meeting and reconnecting with many of you.
We’re also proud to sponsor the celebratory Gala Dinner at Mercedes Benz World, alongside our JV partners Air Canada and Lufthansa. We hope you enjoy the evening!
On behalf of Virgin Atlantic Airways, I am delighted we are the headline sponsors of the Focus Partners Conference and celebrating your 25th anniversary with you.
As previously mentioned, this year we are also celebrating 40 years since we first took to the skies and 10 years of our market leading joint venture with Delta Air Lines.
United Airlines is a force for good. We are building the future of environmentally conscious aviation, diversifying our flight deck, and reimagining the entire flying experience to better serve all customers.
At Virgin Atlantic we have a leadership recipe to ensure that we are always at our best and putting people at the centre of every single decision we make. One of the key principles is “partnerships power our success”. This is something we truly live by. We make no secret of our aspiration to be the most loved travel company.
Wishing everyone a great conference.
Eoin Landers Chief Commercial Officer
United Airlines opens a world of exploration with a comprehensive route network, with 20 daily flights from LHR to seven U.S. cities including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington D.C. with connections to over 270 destinations across the Americas.
Account Manager
United Airlines
We truly appreciate the power of the partnership we have with Focus, where together we are stronger, and anyone can take on the world! Really looking forward to catching up with you all at the conference.
Gerry Brace Senior Account Manager
Virgin Atlantic
Becci Dawson
TripStax
Travelport
Headline Sponsors
Session Sponsors Activity Sponsors Drinks Reception Sponsors
Refreshment & Lunch Sponsors Social Media & Photography Sponsors
Gala Dinner Sponsors
31st October
Conference Day is taking place at the Brooklands Hotel
Gala Dinner is taking place at Mercedes Benz World
1st November
Conference Day is taking place at Mercedes Benz World
Addresses:
Brooklands Hotel and Mercedes Benz, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL
https://what3words.com/gone.mint.translated
Both venues are within minutes walk of each other
Flying: The venues are located around 20 minutes drive from T5 at Heathrow.
Driving: Complimentary parking is available at Mercedes Benz World. Parking is available at the Brooklands Hotel but this is chargeable.
Public Transport: The nearest train station is Weybridge, from here you can catch a taxi from the rank outside or the 436 bus towards Woking which takes approx 20 mins.
Elevate Your Business with ProTAS
At Procon Solution, we specialise in mid- and back-office services, streamlining operations for travel agencies and corporate travel management companies. We provide comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique business needs. Join hands with us to take your business to new heights.
WHY PROCON :
Market knowledge and expertise
Customer-centric approach
Cloud technology
Openness and availability
What do our partners say?
We did a competitive tender to identify a new Mid/Back Office system that could cope with our every expanding business. As a Focus member ProTAS were brought to our attention due to the many clients that they have within the UK TMC space.
The main reasons for change was to ensure automation was improved and to ensure that all bookings made, regardless of POS could be seamlessly fed into the back office system, regardless of booking type. This had been an issue for us for several years which was affecting the efficiency of our agents and holding the business back in terms of Automation and future processes.
It was also vital we had a cloud-based solution to ensure the changing landscape of the business. Since the implementation of ProTAS we have improved the touch points of the invoice parts of our agents job giving them more time to focus on the bookings for clients.
ProTAS has been a breath of fresh air and one I would recommend to any TMC looking to improve their mid/back office processes.”
Gary Dav es | Head of Technology and Implementation ArrangeMY
sales@procon.dk
www.proconsolution.com
Procon team attending the s Partners Conference
Nicolai Meldal | Director Sales & Marketing nime@procon.dk
Henrik Lykke Hansen | Commercial Director hlh@procon.dk
Welcome to the Focus Partners Conference!
We’re excited to be here as a supplier partner and sponsor, eager to connect with industry leaders like you.
At Procon, we specialise in efficient mid and back-office solutions that streamline operations and drive growth. Our integrated platform, ProTAS, is tailored to the evolving needs of the travel industry, helping businesses manage operations more effectively. We are dedicated to delivering reliable, scalable solutions that allow you to focus on what truly matters – serving clients and achieving success. We look forward to engaging with you throughout the conference and exploring how Procon can contribute to your future successes. Please reach out to Henrik or Nicolai for a chat.
Enjoy the event!
sales@procon.dk
www.proconsolution.com
Need to Know Accommodation
Guests are responsible for booking their own accommodation. If you are staying at The Brooklands Hotel, you can check in after 3pm and remember to check out prior to the conference start on 1st Nov.
Dress Codes
Thursday 31st October
Conference- Business Casual Drinks & Gala Dinner- Dress to Impress. Halloween/Diwali theme welcome.
Friday 1st November Conference- Business Casual House Rules & Emergency contact
There are other events taking place and general visitors at Mercedes Benz World and The Brooklands Hotel, please check the programme and listen to announcements throughout the conference.
If you need urgent assistance during the conference please contact Steve Banks, CEO on t: 07462 291194
31 October - Agenda
0900-0925
Brooklands Hotel Events Bar (TMCs only)
Arrival refreshments
Network with your TMC peers over morning refreshments
0930-1000 Brooklands Hotel Brooklands Suite (TMCs Only)
Welcome to FPC With Bob Schumacher & Steve Banks 1000-1035 Brooklands Hotel Brooklands Suite (TMCs Only)
1035-1110 Brooklands Hotel Brooklands Suite (TMCs Only)
Virgin Atlantic & Delta Air Lines
Hear from Nadia Clinton and Virgin NDC Manager Lyle Dalgleish
‘The Future of GDS’
With Clare de Bono, Amadeus
31 October - Agenda
1100-1125
Brooklands Hotel
Events Bar
Refreshment break
With Amadeus as we welcome our suppliers to join us 1125-1210
Brooklands Hotel
Brooklands Suite
A Legal View Employment Law & Business Leadership with Matt Gatenby, Travlaw 1210-1425
Brooklands Hotel
1907 Restaurant
British Airways Lunch & Concorde visits
Please note Concorde visits have been specially arranged with the museum to a maximum capacity, and are for those who have preregistered only due to restrictions. Times & Groups are on your badges. Please stay in your group and arrive promptly.
Focus colleagues will lead each group
1425-1625
Brooklands Hotel Breakout Suites
Breakout Sessions with Nomadic, Thrust Carbon and Focus. Please check your badge to find your group number and start in that breakout room. Focus colleagues will lead each group
Napier Suite - Group 1
Solomon Suite - Group 2
Railton Suite - Group 3
31 October - Agenda
1630-1700
Brooklands Hotel (TMCs Only)
1630-1815
Brooklands Hotel
Events Bar
1830-1930
Mercedes Benz World
F1 Simulator Zone
1930-2300
Mercedes Benz World
AMG Floor
Focus Annual General Meeting
Led by Bob Schumacher
Diwali Drinks and Henna
Feel the spirit of Diwali and join us to get a unique henna design and try specialist Indian drinks with Air India
Welcome drinks and
Formula One racetrack simulators
Win a spot on the F1 podium and enjoy drinks sponsored by Qatar Airways
Halloween Gala
Dinner
An evening filled with luxury food, great company and fun entertainment, sponsored by Lufthansa Group, Air Canada and United Airlines
01 November - Agenda
0800-0830
Brooklands Hotel
Meet in Reception
0830-0855
Mercedes Benz World Exhibition Floor
0855-1005
Mercedes Benz World Brooklands Hall
1005-1020
Mercedes Benz World Brooklands Hall
Wellness ‘netwalking’
Your chance to walk a race track, network and get some fresh air.
Please meet the team at the hotel reception at 8am, sponsored by Travelport
Energising refreshments
Smoothies and overnight oats sponsored by TravelPort
Forward Focus
Hear from the Focus CEO
Steve Banks and the Board of Directors on the direction of the Focus Partnership
DePaul UK
Hear from Focus charity partner DePaul as CEO Alexia Murphy discusses the homelessness charity with specialism in supporting young people
01 November - Agenda
1020-1050
Mercedes Benz World Exhibition Floor
1050-1130
Mercedes Benz World Brooklands Hall
1130-1225
Mercedes Benz World Brooklands Hall
1225-1320
Mercedes Benz World Exhibition Floor
Coffee & Italian biscotti Sponsored by ITA Airways
Beyond the Budget News
Topical Keynote session with Ben Kentish
What does Formula 1 and Business Travel have in common?
Eoin Landers & David Chappell of TripStax with Tony Edge
Lunch from ‘down under’
Enjoy a BBQ themed lunch and networking sponsored Qantas
01 November - Agenda
1320-1415
Mercedes Benz World Brooklands Hall
1415-1440
Marketing Business Travel to NextGen Talent
Professor Dimitrios Buhalis talks about generational marketing and macroeconomics
Mercedes Benz World Brooklands Hall Focus Awards
1440-1500
Mercedes Benz World Brooklands Hall
1500-1600
Mercedes Benz World Continental Suite
Join Steve Banks, Bob Schumacher, Gerry Brace and Paul Webb from Virgin Atlantic & Delta for our Focus Awards
AMG Pro briefing
The Mercedes pro drivers will join the main conference room to brief guests who have requested an AMG passenger experience, sponsored by Aeromexico
AMG Passenger rides & viewing Sponsored by Aeromexico, continue to network, enjoy and drink and view the track whilst you await your passenger experience or view the pro drivers from this panoramic viewpoint
Speakers
Steve Banks CEO
Focus Travel Partnership
Steve joined Focus in June 2024 and has 35 years of corporate travel experience in senior roles. With an early career at Thomas Cook Travel Management, Lonsdale Travel, purchased by Capita plc in 2005 subsequently purchasing and consolidating Harry Weeks Travel, BSI, Expotel and NYS Corporate and rebranding as Agiito in 2021. Steve’s career has included leading their Business Development and
Bob Schumacher Chair
Focus Travel Partnership
Bob joined the Focus Travel Partnership board of directors in January 2024, bringing almost 30 years experience in senior sales and management positions in the aviation sector. Bob was previously Regional Director Sales for United Airlines, in this role which he assumed in 2011 he was responsible for United’s B2B marketing activities in Europe, as well as trade contact centres.
Nadia joined Delta Air Lines in November 1995. Nadia Clinton is responsible for maximizing Delta’s profitability in the UK market across all segments and overseeing Delta’s growing network in UK and Ireland. During this period Delta has experienced a total transformation of its business in the UK by cementing strategic joint venture partnerships and its expanded network.
Bob was also Senior Director UK & Ireland for Continental Airlines, a position which he held from 2004 having joined in 1994 as Airport Business Manager at Gatwick and progressing to Director Passenger Sales UK & Ireland in 2000.
In 2023 Bob stepped down after nine years as Chair of the Board of Airline Representatives, BAR-UK. Bob has a BSc Hons graduate in Geography/Economics from Keele University.
Nadia has spent her career working in the international travel arena and brings over 25 years industry experience to her role at Delta Her expertise include: Airline Passenger Sales, distribution policies and commercial joint venture implementation. Throughout her 25 years with the company, Nadia held a variety of positions in Delta’s organisation, including sales operations and sales development. She is based at the airline’s Atlantic Region Offices in west London.
Nadia is board member of the Visit USA Association and Board of Airline Representatives ( BAR UK). She is fluent in English and French.
Nadia Clinton Regional Sales Manager
Delta Air Lines
Speakers
Lyle Dalgleish Manager - NDC
Virgin Atlantic
Lyle Dalgleish is an airline professional with nearly a decade of hands-on experience in Distribution within the travel industry. With a career spanning British Airways, Travelport and Virgin Atlantic. Lyle has honed his expertise in travel technology and offer order strategy.
Lyle is currently the NDC Manager at Virgin Atlantic driving forward their Distribution strategy He is a confident and articulate
Clare de Bono
Country Manager Amadeus U
Associate Director Strategy & Transformation Amadeus
Clare joined Amadeus in June 2016 having previously worked at STA Travel Group where she headed up a number of global initiatives, including the rollout of multiple customer and trade facing air and hotel booking engines, a new global rail platform and the opening of STA Travel in France. She has held a range of leadership positions including General Manager of Operations and Systems Development, General Manager of Global Air Solutions, and UK Operations Manager
Matt Gatenby Senior Partner Travlaw
Matt Gatenby is Senior Partner at Travlaw, with 25 years of experience in the travel law industry. Matt is proud to serve a vast array of tour operators travel management companies travel agents, trade associations, insurers and their underwriters on most of legal needs they may have. In latter years Matt has lead the Commercial & Regulatory aspect of Travlaw’s work – a team highly regarded and ranked in Chambers and Legal 500.
Sarah Whiting Channel Solutions Lead Thrust Carbon
As a travel technology and data professional, Sarah’s days at Thrust
Carbon are a dynamic mix of collaborating with channel partners to design solutions, and building partnerships to propel Thrust Carbon toward effortlessly green travel.
d the Amadeus UK and Ireland rector of Product & Innovation, ng promoted to a global leadership duct Management for Amadeus e Solutions.
ecently appointed to lead global d transformation projects at n addition to her role as UK anager.
A popular trainer and speaker, Matt is often asked to deliver seminars and appear on panel debates. In addition to Travlaw s own events, Matt has also spoken at ABTA s legal events as well as for ABTOT, AGTO, AITO, ECC-NET, UKInbound, the Business Travel Association and many more as well as pure legal events such as the International Bar Association (IBA) global conference. Matt contributes to various trade media sources such as Travel Weekly, Travel Trade Gazette and BBC News as well as legal publications such as Travel Law Quarterly and Solicitors Journal and comments on industry issues in the wider press.
Working with clients like Altour, Tripstax and CWT, Sarah ensures Thrust Carbon’s award-winning solutions, recognised by IATA & BTN, seamlessly align with client needs.
Speakers
Bailey Thomas Channels Account Executive
Thrust Carbon
Tony Edge
Business Solutions Manager
Focus Travel Partnership
Jen Fackelman Director Nomadic
Dani Ives
Commercial Manager
Focus Travel Partnership
With a background in forging impactful partnerships, Bailey collaborates closely with our travel industry partners to drive business travel towards net-zero.
Bailey’s focus is providing sustainability insights, and empowering partners to promote sustainable travel programs for
Tony started out as a junior support agent in 2010 with CWT, sticking with his love of online booking tools and technology throughout his career to date. Tony joined Focus as Business Solutions Manager in June 2023.
In July this year, Tony was presented with vator Achievement
Nomadic Director Jen Fackelman leads a large team of industry professionals with decades of experience in supporting clients with their business travel needs.
Dani joined the industry as a Marine Travel Consultant before moving into supplier relations. Dani joined Focus Travel Partnership in 2020 as Events Manager, soon progressing into the role of Partnerships Manager and now Commercial Manager. Dani was the first ever Shining Star winner at the Business Travel People Awards in 2021.
h, he won the Business rds Tech Innovator, ognised as a ‘dedicated ation and a solutionselled by a desire to help key challenges TMCs olutionising the dustry for the better.’
An industry innovator and recognised thought leader in short-term cross-border business travel, Jen is regularly invited to speak to audiences around the world on topics such as European digitalisation and immigration compliance for business travellers. She is based in London.
‘I’m looking forward to every single aspect of the conferences. From the amazing content, to the 6am starts for the Focus team. I am truly excited to see our TMC Partners, Suppliers, Board, Speakers and central Team in a single room, feel the atmosphere, and soak it all up. Being such a small team means we are masters of a lot, and that’s really what our breakout session will showcase.’
Ben Kentish
Ben Kentish is an LBC radio presenter who hosts the “Late Nights with Ben Kentish” show from 10pm to 1am, Monday to Thursday. He was previously LBC’s Westminster Editor, which involved reporting on all the major political stories of the day, speaking with MPs, ministers and advisers, and attending government briefings.
Ben has interviewed prime ministers and other international leaders, grilled Cabinet ministers during the Covid pandemic press conferences and covered a number of global summits, as well as the 2020 US presidential election.
Before joining LBC he worked as a political reporter at The Independent, and has previously worked in various communications and speechwriting roles in Parliament.
Speakers
Cilla has over 25 years experience in Travel Management having started her career in travel in Israel. Upon relocating back to the UK in 2001 she established the UK office of Amsalem Business Travel, stepping up to MD four years later with overall responsibility for the EMEA operations.
Following a City-career in investment banking and global money markets, Mark formed a hospitality company operating a hotel and restaurant and going on to win a coveted Michelin Star. In 2015, Mark moved to the family owned Sunways Travel, formed by his father in 1973 and run by his late brother. Since taking the helm, Mark has continued to steer the company h the leisure and ectors, developing their gital capabilities, as well he impressive corporate ark has worked closely member of the ng Group since 2016, many of the technology available to the Partners orce in carbon positive ched Sunways ess Travel in 2021.
Tina Rose, a 35-year travel industry veteran, serves as the Managing Director of both Chartwell Travel and Ovation Travel Group UK, whose parent company acquired Chartwell in 2018. A London native, Tina’s career in travel started in Beverly Hills, where she worked as part of a large group of independent travel consultants. Tina then transferred back to her home city, where she set up a partnership with a leading entertainment travel agency, working with film, television and other media clients who had global locations. In 1999, Tina joined Altour International to set up their new European operation. In 2005, she moved to Protravel International, setting up their first business unit outside the U.S. and Tina was appointed MD when Protravel was acquired in 2012.
In her role at Chartwell, Tina leads the development and execution of client strategy, guiding Chartwell’s operations.
Based in the Cotswolds, Wendy Walker is Director at Wotton Travel Ltd & Director of Group Travel for their parent company, Renishaw Plc. Wendy boasts a wealth of experience in the Travel Management sector and is a skilled negotiator with a strong background in supplier relationships, sales management, leadership and international sales. Wendy still enjoys working with operations and often does on a day to day basis – keeping her skills alive! She was offered her first job in travel in 1979 at Lep Travel in Bristol. This was because she had a “good” telephone manner when answering calls for her Father’s business!
After many years building her career and travel knowledge at Lep, Exchange Travel in Bristol and Cheltenham, she joined Wotton Travel in 1988. To relax, Wendy played County Badminton for many years, however, has now swapped her racquets for a set of Golf clubs!
Wendy Walker Director
Wotton Travel Focus Board Director
Speakers
Alexia Murphy CEO DePaul UK
Alexia started her work in the homeless sector as an outreach and shelter worker under the Government’s Rough Sleeper Initiative in 1991.
Accruing significant operational experience in housing, mental health, outreach and developing prison services, she is educated to post-graduate level in business management and went on to become New Business Director at St
Eoins Landers Chief Commercial Officer TripStax
Landers is a dynamic force in the travel industry, renowned for his ability to drive strategic growth and innovation. His tenure at companies like Expedia, SalesTrip and SAP Concur saw him spearhead revenue growth and establish strategic partnerships, cementing positions as a leader in travel technology.
David Chappell Chief Strategy Officer TripStax
Joining in June 2023, David was brought in as Chief Strategy Officer to leverage his tech knowledge in aligning the commercial side of the business to its products, and to further evolve the TripStax product offering in the market.
Having established a successful sales process and enhanced proposition, he moved to the position of Chief Product Officer as of January 1st , 2024.
Recognised for his achievements with prestigious multiple ‘Deals of the Year’ awards from SAP Concur, Landers is a visionary leader poised to transform the travel industry landscape.
A free thinker, David has carved a reputation for excellence founded on his wide range of experience across the TMC value chain and is known for his progressive approach to solving longstanding industry challenges.
Professor Dimitrios Buhalis
Professor Dimitrios Buhalis is a Strategic Management and Marketing expert with specialisation in Information Communication Technology applications in the Tourism, Travel, Hospitality and Leisure industries. His research pioneers smart and ambient intelligence tourism with a particular focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and destination ecosystems management. He is Director of the eTourism Lab and Deputy Director of the International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research, at Bournemouth University Business School in England. He is the Editor in Chief of the most established Journal in Tourism: Tourism Review, and the Editor in Chief of the Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing. He is a world expert in Strategy, Marketing, Technology, Tourism and Hospitality. Professor Buhalis has written and co-edited more than 30 books and 500 scientific articles.
He is the 2nd most cited for tourism, 1st most cited for hospitality, 11th on strategy, and 24th in Marketing on Google Scholar with more than 80000 citations and h-index 120. Dimitrios is a Founding Member and past President (2010-2014) of the International Federation for Information Technologies in Travel and Tourism (IFITT).
He served as the First Vice President of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism (20172019). He also served as Vice President and Executive Board Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Affiliate Members for the periods 2013-2015 and 2017-2019.
Focus announces new charity partnership with DePaul UK
DePaul is a national homelessness charity with a focus on young people. We exist to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it.
We think it is unacceptable that anyone has to resort to sleeping rough or in an unsafe place. That’s why we work tirelessly to prevent young people from ever experiencing the dangers of homelessness. We do this by providing shelter and support in a crisis, working with families to rebuild broken relationships, and teaching children about the risks and where to turn for help.
We believe everyone has the right to a place to call home, so we’re here for anyone who finds themselves with nowhere to go. Through expert housing advice and safe, supported accommodation, we provide stability, dignity and renewed hope for a young person in need.
And we believe every young person deserves the chance to not just survive, but to thrive. We provide vital lifeskills and programmes of support that build resilience, wellbeing and an achievable path towards work and independence. We do everything we can to provide a safe place to call home, a chance to thrive and a brighter future.
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ESG Statements
Focus Travel Partnership is committed to driving sustainable and responsible practices, small steps matter, and we are taking action to create a positive impact at our conferences, including: Forest Stewardship Council accredited Awards. Digital Conference Programmes. Digital signage. Recycled, reusable name badges. Napkins from 90% recycled paper. Eco friendly lanyards. Re-usable event banners. Waste reduction initiatives. Locally sourced menus. Countrywide charity initiative. Transparent operations. 80% of the products purchased for the Focus Partners Conference have been provided by local suppliers and independent businesses.
The Brooklands Hotel is committed to supporting its people, community, and the environment through instilling responsible and sustainable practices throughout its business, supply chains, operations, and investments, which ultimately increases value to the underlying hotel business and asset and reduces its carbon footprint. We focus on identifying and managing environmental, social and governance strategies and issues which are material to the business and strives to make a positive impact on our people, our investments and the future of the wider hospitality and tourism industry.
Since working with The Heart of England Forest in 2019, Mercedes Benz World is able to positively contribute towards a more sustainable future. Each year, Mercedes Benz World supports the planting of 6,000 native broadleaf trees, with 12,000 planted so far, and the establishment of nearly nine acres of new native woodland. From 2022, all Mercedes Benz plants worldwide will only purchase electricity from renewable energy sources.“For us, sustainability means permanently creating value for all stakeholder groups: for customers, employees, and investors as well as for our business partners and society as a whole. Economic, environmental, and social responsibility go hand in hand — along the entire value chain. In order to achieve long-term success, we need to live up to this responsibility.”