Welcome from Clive Wratten, CEO, The BTA Welcome to Liverpool and #BTAProud21, So here we all are finally back in the room together, feels good doesn’t it? Looking back at the last BTA conference at the Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin, Noordwijk in July 2019 no-one could have foreseen the dark clouds that would start to gather in early 2020 and that remain today, in September 2021. Many of you were not at the conference in 2019 and this fact alone tells a story of the immense challenges that have faced our industry in the last eighteen months. Yet the very fact that we are together again, is a huge positive and a sign of the determination, passion, and professionalism within our industry. During these three days we are together, we hope to boost that determination and passion by having you re-engage with colleagues from across the sector, building an unstoppable momentum that will carry us into recovery together. We want to give you time to reflect, to look forward, to listen to views from inside and outside of the industry, to learn, to question, to chat, to network, to relax, to laugh and most of all to leave feeling energised and immensely proud of this industry and yourselves. Thank you for your outstanding support over the last two years, your loyalty and commitment are truly appreciated. Without the engagement of every single member and partner we could never have achieved the levels of engagement and profile our sector has earned within government and the media. I am acutely aware that we have been unable to open international travel as we would have hoped up to now, but believe me when I say that without our industry remaining unified and focused, we would be in an even more difficult position right now. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gianni and the team from the INNSIDE by Melia Liverpool for their support in hosting us in their wonderful new hotel. Thanks also toFor Paul and the Avis Budget Group for their sponsoring of the first night party, to Anna from Avanti West Coast and Susie from Trans Pennine Express for their help in getting everyone to Liverpool and to Steve and the team from CMAC Group for helping organise the coaches. Finally, I truly hope you enjoy the conference and your Liverpool experience, and I look forward to catching up with all of you in the conference or in the bar! Cheers Clive
Welcome from Suzanne Horner, Chair, The BTA Welcome to Liverpool This is a very special welcome because #BTAProud21 is actually the first BTA conference, the last time we met in 2019, we unveiled the new brand. The announcement back then was significant - we pledged to become an open and welcoming organisation where there was a platform for all; a platform for members and partners to work collectively to deliver a united professional service to our mutual clients. Two years on and look at the achievement, YOUR BTA has well and truly been born and the relationship between partners and members has never been stronger, possibly catapulted forward because of COVID. We have the opportunity over the coming two days to celebrate, network, discuss and debate but most of all, we have the opportunity to congratulate – each and every one of us should be so proud of the way we have pulled together and supported the industry in what has been such a devastating situation. Collaboration and sheer determination have been key words in my mind on every session I have participated in and we must ensure that this fighting spirit continues. We are by no means out of the woods, we still have a very long path ahead of us and collectively we all still have such an enormous part to play. You will see around the room so many old faces,For colleagues that you have known for years but you will also see lots of new faces. Introduce yourself to the new, welcome the new and by the end of the BTAProud21 conference, lets all leave here as a united group of focused individuals ready to take on the rest of this challenge; LET'S ALL WIN TOGETHER. Best Wishes, Suzanne
Agenda Sunday 19th September 19:00 – First Timers Reception at Tempest on Tithebarn
19:30 – Welcome Party at Tempest on Tithebarn
The welcome party will be held at one of Liverpool's coolest venues, just a short stroll or stagger back to the fabulous INNSIDE by Melia Liverpool, The Tempest on Tithebarn. The BTA will feed and water you superbly, courtesy of our amazing partners Avis Budget Group who are hosting the welcome party once again, fortunately some things don't change. You will have plenty of time to chat and when its time for music we are delighted to have singer/songwriter Paul Hand to entertain us.
Address 12 Tithebarn St, Liverpool L2 2DT
Agenda Monday 20th September 07.00 – 5k run in Partnership with LNER 07.00 – Yoga 08.30 – Coaches depart to conference venue 09.30 – Conference Opening – David Kurk
Welcome from Suzanne Horner, Chair of the BTA
CEO Fireside Conversation with Clive Wratten
Coffee Break
Government in a Crisis or is it a Crisis in Government? A political view of the last 18 months, what’s gone on inside the government, Boris, Covid, Brexit, Cummings, Afghanistan there so much to hear and so much to learn.
Reporting on a Crisis - No Apologies Needed? A journalist's view of the last 18 months, the politics, the people, the impact on mental health and the behaviour of the press. What is the future for journalism? Will we see more channels like GB News popping up?
Speakers Tim Montgomerie – Political activist, blogger and columnist For Isabel Hardman – Assistant Editor of The Spectator & host of Radio 4’s The Week in Westminster.
Lunch
Words, Blogs and Podcasts - Business Travel's very own Media Posse The trade press is put under the spotlight by the BTAs PR guru Victoria Naylor-Leyland. How have they operated through the pandemic, are they proud of how they have represented the industry, what does the future of business travel journalism look like and how can the industry better engage with the travel press?
Speakers Victoria Naylor-Leyland – Chief Commercial Officer, Pembroke & Rye Bev Fearis – Editor, The Business Travel Magazine Andy Hoskins - Editor in Chief, BTN Europe Ian Taylor - Executive Editor, Travel Weekly
Agenda Monday 20th September Room 101 Our panellists, made up of BTA members, are given the chance to shelve their worst pet hates. What could they be and does the audience agree?
Speakers Lisa Day - Director, Account Management UK and Ireland, Egencia Abby Penston – CEO, Focus Travel Partnership Andy Hampshaw - Senior Manager, Revenue Development, Global Travel Collection Frank DeLuca - Regional Director EMEA, Omega World Travel
Coffee Break
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Our expert briefs the audience on the risk and security issues faced by travellers in a post pandemic world, the new challenges and how we make corporate buyers and travellers confident again. This will be followed by a panel session with a BTA Exec Board member & and Industry board member on how the industry needs to adapt its processes & products to regain traveller confidence.
Speakers Lloyd Figgins - CEO of the Travel Risk & Incident Prevention (TRIP) Group. For Pat McDonagh – CEO, Clarity Jason Geall - SVP & General Manager, EMEA, American Express GBT
AGM
Agenda Monday 20th September 19.30 – Pre-Dinner Drinks – INNSIDE by Melia Liverpool
20.00 – BTA Gala Dinner – INNSIDE by Melia Liverpool
The Gala Dinner will be held in the brand new INNSIDE by Melia Liverpool and it's with huge thanks to Melia Hotels for sponsoring what we know will be a fantastic occasion. Be prepared to feast upon some great food with a distinct Italian flavour, savour a glass of chilled white or a robust red whilst chatting with your fellow table guests all in a fantastic atmosphere. Be prepared for a little magic during the evening including a surprise guest who will enthral you with tales of many an adventure. Once the meal is over we are extremely lucky to have secured a little bit of Liverpool's amazing musical heritage for you to dance the night away to, sing along with or just sit back and listen to. Performing live will be the Tony Skeggs band who will play you hits from the many performers who have graced the stage at the famous Cavern Club.
For
Agenda Tuesday 21st September 08.30 – Coaches depart to conference venue 09.30 – Conference Day 2 Begins – David Kurk
"Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming" so says Richard Branson, So what time is the next one due? Juha Järvinen joins us to tell the Virgin story of the last 18 months, the high, the lows and how will they rise again.
Speaker Juha Järvinen - Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic
_________________________
Global Britain - Fake News? Is Brexit something the country should be proud of? David Henig talks about the trade deal opportunities evolving from a post Brexit Britain, the good the bad and the ugly on government policy and its impact on global dealing.
Speaker David Henig - Director of the UK Trade Policy Project at the think-tank European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) _________________________ For
Deal or No Deal? Mergers and acquisitions seem to be happening on an almost monthly basis. But is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? We hear from an expert on if you’re a buyer, how do you identify and analyse the right targets and if you’re a seller how do you identify prospective buyers and then negotiate the best deal.
Speaker Harry Stoakes – Partner, BDO
Coffee Break _________________________
Agenda
Tuesday 21st September
Ready for Take-Off The leaders of the North West’s two main airports join us to talk about how they have operated throughout the pandemic and their plans for the future as the skies start to open. Followed by a panel discussion with airline representatives.
Speakers John Irving, CEO Liverpool John Lennon Airport Karen Smart, Managing Director, Manchester Airport Luke Goggin - Head of Sales, UK&I and Global Accounts, British Airways Ali Gayward - UK Country Manager, easyJet
12.45 – Lunch
On the Right Track An update from RDG on the future rail infrastructure, the setting up of Great British Railways and how this will help the UK business travel community.
Speaker Billy Denyer, Head of Insights, RDG
BTA Partner Board Update Andrew Clarke talks to Christina Lawford, chair of the BTA IndustryFor Partners Board for a brief update on what the board have been up to and their plans as we move towards 2022.
Speaker Christina Lawford – Founder & Managing Director, DiamondAir International
Room 101 Our panellists, made up of BTA partners, are given the chance to shelve their worst pet hates. What could they be and do the audience agree?
Speakers Stuart Croxson - Business Development Manager, Great Western Railway Julie Murphy - Country Sales Manager UK and Ireland, ANA All Nippon Airways Gianni Salvadori - Head of Corporate and MICE UK&I, Italy and APAC, Melia Hotels International James Keyte, Head of Account Management, Amadeus
Agenda
Tuesday 21st September
15.15 – Coffee Break
Future Travel? Time to look to a proud future for our industry and what business travel will look like in 2030. What will credit cards and corporate cards look like, what new financial processes will be available, will unmanned taxis be the future, how will ground transportation evolve and what will air & space travel look like. A blue-sky session to give us hope for an exciting and proud industry future.
Speakers Leanne Riley - Strategic Relationship Manager, CMAC Group Adam Jones - Senior Vice-President, Travel & Expense, Mastercard Tom Maynard - Director of UK Sales and Global Accounts, Virgin Atlantic _________________________
It’s A Wrap A look back over the last two days, the power of meeting in person, the community and looking forward to next year, a better year and year we can all be proud of.
Speakers David Kurk For Suzanne Horner Clive Wratten
Speakers
JUHA JARVINEN
COO, Virgin Atlantic
Juha Järvinen is Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic. He leads the Commercial function with responsibility for Network Planning, Joint Venture & Partnerships, Sales, Revenue Management, Distribution, Government Affairs, Sustainability, Holidays and Cargo business units, and core contribution to becoming the most loved travel company. Juha joined Virgin Atlantic as Chief Commercial Officer in January 2019 from Finnair Plc, where he had been Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Board Member since 2014 and Managing Director of Finnair Cargo from 2012 to 2016. Juha holds an MBA from Danube University in Austria and a BA Honours from London Metropolitan University Business School. He resides in London with his spouse. Loves travelling and exploring the world. Enjoys going to the gym, running or a bikram hot yoga class.
Isabel Hardman is Assistant Editor of The Spectator and presenter of Radio 4’s The Week in Westminster. She regularly writes political columns for other publications, including The Times, Sunday Times, Observer and the Independent. Isabel’s first book, Why We Get the Wrong Politicians, was longlisted for the 2019 Orwell Prize, shortlisted for Waterstones’ 2018 Book of the Year, and won Book of the Year by a non-parliamentarian at the Parliamentary Book Awards. Her second book, The Natural Health Service, was published in 2020. ISABEL HARDMAN Assistant Editor, The Spectator
TIM MONTGOMERIE British Political Activist, Blogger, Columnist
Tim Montgomerie is a British political activist, blogger, and columnist and former comment editor for The Times. He is best known as the co-founder of the Centre for Social Justice and as creator of the Conservative Home website, which he edited from 2005 until 2013, when he left to join The Times as a comment editor. From 1998 to 2003 Montgomerie was speech-writer for two Conservative Party leaders, William Hague, and then Iain Duncan Smith. He also had responsibility for the Conservative Party’s outreach to faith communities and the voluntary sector. In 2004, with Iain Duncan Smith and Philippa Stroud, Montgomerie established the Centre for Social Justice to take forward the work on compassionate conservatism that Duncan Smith had begun as party leader.
Speakers
KAREN SMART Managing Director, Manchester Airport
DAVID HENIG Director, UK Trade Policy
BILLY DENYER Director, Rail Delivery Group
Karen Smart is the Managing Director of Manchester Airport, taking up the post in July 2020 to guide the airport’s recovery and develop its role in the North. She was previously Managing Director of East Midlands Airport and held a number of senior roles in the wider region. At London Stansted Airport Karen held numerous senior operational roles in both Customer Services and Asset Management. Prior to joining MAG Karen was Partnership Director of Serco’s Defence and Aviation business. The first 20 years of her career were dedicated to the Royal Air Force where she served in both operational and leadership roles, reaching the rank of Squadron Leader. Karen represents MAG on the UK National Aviation Security Committee and Aviation Security Programme Board. David Henig is Director of the UK Trade Policy Project at the think-tank European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) and one of the UK’s leading authorities on trade policy. He has written extensively on the trade implications of Brexit and what comes next, but also examines global trade issues such as USA-China tensions, future of the WTO, and EU trade agreements. Prior to joining ECIPE in March 2018 he worked for the UK Government including on Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP) talks between US and EU, and in establishing the Department for International Trade after the referendum. He co-founded the UK Trade Forum, discusses trade issues frequently in the media, and advises businesses on trade policy. A graduate of Oxford University, David started his career in consultancy. Billy is currently Insights Director at Rail Delivery Group (RDG) where he oversees customer insights, commercial analysis and demand forecasting services that are provided to RDG members and stakeholders. Billy is also the RDG lead for the rail industry’s Wavelength Programme which is seeking to transform customer experience through the provision of regular granular customer satisfaction data which supports customer-focussed improvement initiatives. Billy joined the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC, the predecessor organisation to RDG) in 2006 and has worked within the Insights and Analysis function ever since. Prior to joining ATOC, Billy worked as a Civil Servant within the Government Statistics Service.
Speakers
Lloyd Figgins is CEO of the Travel Risk & Incident Prevention (TRIP) Group and a risk and security expert, specialising in overseas environments. He is a former police officer and a highly experienced international security advisor, who has worked in over 80 countries, including some of the world’s most remote and hostile regions. Lloyd is the author of The Travel Survival Guide and often provides commentary in the media, making regular appearances on the BBC, ITV, Channel 5, Sky News, as well as contributing to numerous print publications and the subject of travel safety and security.
LLOYD FIGGINS
CEO, Travel Risk & Incident Prevention
Harry is a partner at BDO where he advises on mergers, business sales and acquisitions. Harry is a chartered accountant by training and after qualifying in 2006 joined the BDO M&A team in 2007 where he specialises in leisure and travel. Harry has advised companies such as dnata, Thomas cook, Audley, Neilson, Explore, Great Rail Journeys Portman, Clarity and May more. BDO is the largest accountancy firm in the UK focussing on the mid-market and works with many high growth and entrepreneurial businesses. It provides audit, tax and - full suite of advisory services.
HARRY STOAKES Partner, BDO
JOHN IRVING Chief Executive, Liverpool John Lennon Airport
John was appointed as Chief Executive of Liverpool John Lennon Airport on 12th March 2018. Prior to joining the Airport John held the role of Chief Commercial Officer at Newcastle Airport for three years overseeing the relationships with all key commercial and airline partners and driving the growth strategy for the airport. John is a qualified accountant and spent 8 years as Finance Director of Newcastle United Football Club where he had responsibilities for Finance, Commercial and Operation. John previously worked for Procter & Gamble across many financial and project management roles over a 9 year period after graduating from Loughborough University.
DAVID KURK Moderator
David has worked globally for the past 15 years as a professional and highly sought after conference host and moderator of live events across a number of industry sectors. Equally comfortable conducting a serious in-depth interview, being witty and amusing awards show host, after dinner speaker or auctioneer, David brings a rare combination of energy, creativity, experience and attention to detail to ensure a highly successful event. David has appeared in numerous corporate films, hosted many events including awards ceremonies, auctions and conferences, and has also worked on many projects as a voice over artist. Since Covid-19 affected the business world, David has reinvented himself and adapted to virtual hosting/presenting and continues to be busy across a number of different industries from conferences to entertainment.
Panellists Christina Lawford – MD, Diamond Air Victoria Naylor- Leyland, Chief Commercial Officer, Pembroke & Rye Bev Fearis – Editor, The Business Travel Magazine Andy Hoskins - Editor in Chief, BTN Europe Ian Taylor - Executive Editor, Travel Weekly Lisa Day - Director, Account Management UK and Ireland, Egencia Abby Penston – CEO, Focus Travel Partnership Andy Hampshaw - Senior Manager, Revenue Development, Global Travel Collection Frank DeLuca - Regional Director EMEA, Omega World Travel Stuart Croxson - Business Development Manager, Great Western Railway Julie Murphy - Country Sales Manager UK and Ireland, ANA All Nippon Airways Gianni Salvadori - Head of Corporate and MICE UK&I, Italy and APAC, Melia Hotels International Pat McDonagh – CEO, Clarity Jason Geall - SVP & General Manager, EMEA, American Express GBT Luke Goggin - Head of Sales, UK&I and Global Accounts, British Airways Ali Gayward - UK Country Manager, easyJet Leanne Riley - Strategic Relationship Manager, CMAC Group Adam Jones - Senior Vice-President, Travel & Expense, Mastercard Tom Maynard - Director of UK Sales and Global Accounts, Virgin Atlantic James Keyte – Head of Account Management, Amadeus
Speakers
Delegates
Pat McDonagh, Clarity Kate Blythe, Accor Melanie Quinn, Clyde Travel Management Leanne Fowler, Agiito Leanne Riley, CMAC Group James Parkhouse, Agiito Penny Munn, Corporate Travel Management Steve Banks, Agiito Rupert de Saeger, AirPlus International Mark Kempster, CT Travel group Mervyn Williamson, CTM Sue Ancell, AirPlus International Varinder Atwal, CWT Maria Baty, ALTOUR Nadia Clinton, Delta Air Lines James Keyte, Amadeus Paul Webb, Delta Air Lines Sean O'Kelly, Amadeus Christina Lawford, DiamondAir International Thomas Lattig, American Airlines Christopher Airey, Diversity Travel David Blades, American JOHN Airlines IRVING James Marchant, easyJet Jason Geall, American Express GBT Chief John easyJet Mark Wilkinson, Julie Murphy, ANA Executive, Liverpool Ali Gayward, easyJet Lennon Airport Sheilendra Tomar, Applehouse Travel Wayne Perks, EFR travel Adam Knights, ATPI Lisa Day, Egencia Amy Jeffery, Atriis Technologies Ltd James O'Donnell, Eton Travel Claire Walton, Avanti West Coast Andy Edwards, Evolvi Rail Systems Anna Doran, Avanti West Coast Chris Galanty, Flight Centre Travel Group Natascha Duweke, Avis Budget Group Dani Ives, Focus Travel Holdings Stig Williams, Avis Budget Group Abby Penston, Focus Travel Partnership Paul Clark, Avis Budget Group Hazel Dawson, Focus Travel Partnership Michael Reilly, Barclaycard Andy Hampshaw, Global Travel Collection Bepi Gaidoni, BCD Travel Kevin Harrison, Good Travel Management Harry Stoakes, BDO LLP Suzanne Horner, Gray Dawes Travel Tom Urquhart, BDO LLP David Bishop, Gray Dawes Travel Nick Bamford, Black Box Partnerships Stuart Croxson, Great Western Railway Tracey Wilson, Blue Cube Emma Stevenson, HotelREZ Luke Goggin, British Airways Rachael Naylor, IHG Mark Muren, British Airways Douglas O’Neill, INNTEL Karim Ismail, British Airways Caitlin Cornish, International Rail Ltd Clive Wratten, BTA Jackie Clark, Japan Airlines David Clare, BTA Claire Herbert, JetBlue Julie Cooper, BTA Samantha McKnight, LNER Ivana Macura, BTA Andrew Clarke, BTA Alison Robinson, BTA Andy Hoskins, BTN Europe Jo Layton, CAP Worldwide Danny Chesworth, Carey Gareth Morgan, Cavendish Advocacy Abigail Simons, Cavendish Advocacy
Mark Plowright, LNER Adam Jones, Mastercard Gianni Salvadori, Melia Hotels International Murray Burnett, Munro’s Travel Mick Gibbs, Norad Travel Group Manni Sehmbi, Northstar - BTN Group Francesco Deluca, Omega World Travel Victoria Naylor-Leyland, Pembroke and Rye Alisha Pyzer, Pembroke and Rye Aidan Walshe, Premier Inn David Cooney, Premier Inn Marina Gray, RDG Julie Oliver, Reed & Mackay Richard Boardman, Reed & Maxkay Richard Addey, Sabre Niclas Lundquist, Sabre Steve Taylor, SAP Concur Darryl McGarvey, SAP Concur Lynne Griffiths, Sirius Talent Solutions Joe Thurgood, South Western Railway Steve Barrass, TAG Bev Fearis, The Business Travel Magazine Susie Palmer, Trans Pennine Express Rob Joines, Travel Centric Technology - HotelHub Aisha Battersby, Travel Counsellors Kieran Hartwell, Travel Counsellors Ian Taylor, Travel Weekly Group Chris Travis, Travelodge Paul Broughton, Travelport Katie Raby, Travlaw Matt Gatenby, Travlaw Nico Nicholas, Trees4Travel Elkie Nicholas, Trees4Travel Michael Begley, venuedirectory.com Laura Travis, Vibe Simon Goddard, Vibe Tom Maynard, Virgin Atlantic Clive Cornelius, Visa Paul Batchelor, WEX Katherine Gershon, Wexas Simon Dugan, Wings Travel Management
Further Information
Dress Code
Welcome event - Smart casual, it's chill out time so no formality needed Conference sessions - Smart business casual, we want you to feel relaxed but focussed Gala Dinner - Glamorous, cocktail dresses for the ladies and suits for the gentlemen preferably with a tie.
Travel
If you are travelling by train from London please ensure you catch the train you have been allocated, tickets are only valid for this service. If you don't make it you will need to make your own arrangements! Transfers are being arranged for delegates arriving by train on the Sunday and for all delegates heading back to Liverpool Lime Street on Tuesday
Coach Transfers to Conference Venue
Coaches will leave the INNSIDE by Melia Liverpool promptly at 8.30am each morning. Please don't be late as it makes all the BTA staff very anxious if we lose delegates!
Covid Protocols
Please respect your fellow delegates, the hotel and event staff by following the Covid guidelines.
Charity
The BTA are delighted to be supporting Micah. A local charity founded in 2017 by Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and the local parish St Brides to provide social justice to the people in Liverpool. They do this through 3 projects Foodbanks, Volunteer Programme and Community Markets. We would politely request that each delegate brings a Tin and Toy to Liverpool which we will collect and For £5-£10, tin food that the charity are desperate for includes tinned tomatoes, pasta & curry sauces and tinned fruit. present to the charity at the gala dinner. The toy should be new and valued between
Run & Yoga
Don't forget to limber up for the conference and book yourself on our 5k run or yoga session on the morning of Monday 20th Sept. Please contact Dave Clare at davec@thebta.org.uk to register
Carbon Offsetting BTA is committed to making our events as sustainable as possible and are delighted that our valued partner, Trees4Travel, have offset the CO2 emissions created by our “Proud” conference. In addition, Nico Nicholas, CEO of Trees 4 Travel, has kindly gifted every delegate a tree – just follow the QR code on the postcard in your welcome pack to start your offsetting journey.