Registration Information 2014

21–23 September 2014

Registration Information

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Hosted by

How to marry change and continuity – that’s the challenge we all face today, in our personal lives, in business, and in the political world.

How to embrace the

opportunities that

technology and social change bring, building on the

skills and values that have made us who we are,

without losing our identity.

This year’s Travel Convention will meet that challenge

head on: we’ll be looking at the global trends and

events that are reshaping our world; we’ll be looking

at the way in which technology and major shifts in

consumer power are leading to a revolution in travel

and tourism; and we’ll be focusing on practical steps

that businesses are taking as they prepare for a future

that will be very different to the past.

The internet, comparison websites, social media – all

of these are redefining how the customer thinks of

himself or herself. Data allow us to understand the

customer as an individual, and to deliver customised

service in a way never possible before. The drive to

personalisation is gaining momentum in every sector.

Whether you’re working with destinations developing

new product, or thinking about how to get at emerging

market segments, or selling travel directly to the

customer – The Travel Convention will bring you new

insights, provoke new thoughts and allow you to share

your experience with fellow senior travel professionals.

I can’t think of a better venue for the theme of change

and continuity than the vibrant and charming city of

Ljubljana, which is building a new tourism vision for

Slovenia on a rock solid heritage.

Those of you who don’t yet know Ljubljana will I am

sure, like me, fall for it. I look forward to seeing you

there in September!

Mark Tanzer

Chief Executive

ABTA

The Power of Personal

Lead Partner

Learn from experts and learn from each other, at the most significant travel industry event of the year.

SLOVENIA // 21-23 SEPTEMBBER 2014

www.thetravelconvention.com

@TheTravelConv

http://www.abta.com/

http://www.abtalifeline.org.uk/lifeline

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/



www.twitter.com/TheTravelConv

Slovenia is counting down the days until The Travel Convention. It is the first time that Slovenia and Ljubljana will host this prestigious event.

What makes Slovenia such

a different and special destination? Slovenia is a green

boutique country in the heart of Europe, bringing

together the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian

Plain and the Karst.

It is a country with a colourful history, rich cultural

heritage and amazing unspoilt nature, being the

third-most forested country in Europe! Slovenia has

plenty of water. Everywhere you go you will find

streams, rivers, lakes, underground karst waters and

curative thermal springs.

Let us bring you closer to the real story of Slovenia,

which is the story of love that holds together all

Slovenian diversities. It will…

Take you into the kingdom of Goldhorn – in the Slovenian

Alps; turn you into a seeker of the flower of salt – on

the Slovenian Coast; lure you into the underground

world, among the dragon’s offspring – in the Slovenian

Karst; stir your enthusiasm among waters that deliver

well-being – in Slovenian Spas; make memorable

experiences in the shadows of mighty trees – in Slovenian

forests; surprise you in the city with love in its name – in

the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana; interlace with toasts

of “Bon Appétit” and “Cheers” – in Slovenian gostilnas;

and connect you with people in Slovenia who surpass

boundaries and inspire with their striking achievements.

Your visit to Slovenia is also an invitation to experience

green tourism in the form of genuine, conserved and

unspoilt nature. The logo of Slovenia and Slovenian

tourism, I FEEL SLOVENIA on a green background, is no

coincidence. It is a reflection of what is unique about

Slovenia and of what we Slovenes are particularly

proud: our unspoilt green countryside.

We look forward to seeing you in our green country!

Karmen Novarlic

Head of Slovenian Tourist Board

Headline Sponsors

SLOVENIA: Green. Active. Healthy.

THE TRAVEL CONVENTION

Hosts

www.slovenia.info

@SloveniaInfo

www.visitljubljana.com

@visitljubljana

http://www.fredolsencruises.com/home



www.twitter.com/SloveniaInfo

www.twitter.com/visitljubljana

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ABTA’s annual Convention has evolved with the industry and continues to develop each year to ensure its value and relevance for delegates.

The Travel Convention is the UK travel industry’s flagship event; providing

inspiration to delegates through an outstanding programme of thought-provoking

content, to challenge the way you think and approach your business.

The Convention has now established its identity as the forward-looking event in

the travel industry calendar, providing the opportunity for ABTA’s Members and

the wider industry to understand what lies ahead and to shape the travel industry

of tomorrow, rather than be shaped by it.

The Convention also offers the best opportunity of the year for you to

constructively network with peers and industry experts with ample time

throughout the programme for both business and social networking.

About the Event


Event Format

The Convention takes place over three days, with the event format constructed

to provide an opportunity to design a bespoke schedule to meet both your business

and individual needs.

This year’s Convention includes: two days of business sessions; a Convention Hub

for business networking; two lunches; two evening parties; a Convention Bar, as well

as sporting events and optional activities within the host city and further afield.

Delegates

The Travel Convention is attended by decision makers, influencers and opinion

formers spanning the full breadth of the mainstream and specialist travel sector;

from cruise lines, tour operators, hotels and airlines to all types of travel retailers.

It is also attended by travel industry specialists, such as accountants, lawyers and

insurance providers; as well as those providing broader business knowledge and

advice, from technology providers to marketing experts.

The Travel Convention attracts more leading travel journalists from the UK national,

consumer and travel trade press than any other UK travel conference held overseas.

Numbers for this year’s Travel Convention will once again be capped at 600 to

provide delegates with the optimum event and networking experience.

Speaker sound

bites and delegate

feedback from

the 2013 Travel

Convention have

been captured in

this highlights video.2013 HIGHLIGHTS >>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfvy_uMcyLc&feature=youtu.be


Convention Venue

This year’s Travel Convention will take place in Ljubljana, the capital city

of Slovenia.

Ljubljana – whose name means ‘the Beloved’ – is a compact city that is packed

with atmosphere, and with a mix of old charm and new cool!

Full of artists, students, music, unusual architecture and good restaurants,

there is plenty for delegates to enjoy.

The business programme will take place at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and

Convention Centre, located just a few minutes drive from the Old Town.

Two of the city’s leading properties – Grand Hotel Union and Hotel Slon –

will provide a choice of delegate accommodation; both conveniently located

just a few steps from the Old Town.

Host Destination

This will be the first time The Travel Convention has been held in Slovenia.

British visitors currently rank third in Ljubljana’s tourism statistics by nationality.

The 2014 Travel Convention being held in this historical city, recognises the

growing importance and untapped potential of the region to the UK travel market,

and provides an opportunity for you to develop closer, mutually beneficial working

ties with our Slovenian hosts.

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The Power of Personal

This year’s business session theme is The Power of Personal. In future, travel

companies will need to focus on the customers’ experience with their company,

not just on their products and customer service. You will need to know your

customers, their expectations, their preferences and what kind of relationship will

work for both them and you.

Connecting one-to-one with every individual in your target audience comes with

challenges; not least dealing with the sheer volume, variety and velocity of big data.

But as travel changes course, having a 360 degree view of your customer and how to

meet their individual needs through personalisation will be essential.

• what lies ahead; from technology, demographics and the environment

to changing social values and consumer behaviour.

• the latest issues and trends affecting ABTA, its Members and the wider

travel industry.

• insights into best business practice, as well the commercial and

marketing innovations coming down the line.

• quality networking with travel industry peers, industry specialists and

travel media, as well as ABTA’s Board and senior management team.

Each year, the business session programme is themed to ensure that the presentations carry a consistency of message and relevancy. The foundation of every Travel Convention is developed around four key pillars:

Business Sessions


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Programme of Events

07:00 – 14:30 Golf Tournament and Prizegiving Lunch **

09:30 – 15:00 Šmarna Gora Hike and Lunch **

10:00 – 16:00 Postojna Cave Excursion **

10:00 – 17:00 Lake Bled Excursion **

10:00 – 12:00 Ljubljana Walking Tour **

12:00 – 19:00 Private Events


15:00 – 17:15 Football Match **


17:00 – 19:30 Grow Your Network – Knafljev Prehod

18:30 – 21:00 Lead Partner Supper*

19:45 – 20:00 Transfers to Welcome Party

20:00 – 22:45 Welcome Party – Ljubljana Castle

From 22:45 Return Transfer

23:00 – 03:00 Convention Bar – As Aperitivo

Sunday 21 SeptemberSunday 21 September

Sunday is the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Ljubljana – either

at leisure or by joining one of our complimentary walking tours – or to visit

Slovenia’s best known tourist attractions before the business of the Convention

gets underway.

There are also three great sporting activities including: the return of the

Convention Golf Tournament, the traditional Football Match and a Hike to

Šmarna Gora. Slovenians are generally very fond of nature and keen to spend their

time at leisure in an active way, so this is the UK travel industry’s opportunity to

demonstrate our green, active and healthy credentials!

If you are looking to Grow Your Network, head for Knafljev Prehod (a thoroughfare

located just a minute’s walk from the Convention hotels). Ideal places to meet for

pre-dinner drinks are the Convention Bar, As Aperitivo, as well as the pleasant and

nautically themed pub, the Cutty Sark.

With a Slovenian feast and entertainment provided by our hosts, the Slovenian

Tourist Board and Ljubljana Tourism, this year’s Welcome Party at Ljubljana

Castle is guaranteed to be memorable.

After the party, head to As Aperitivo – the social hub for this year’s Convention.

* By invitation/ticket holders only

** Optional – to be booked in advance


ABTA reserves the right to change the programme as outlined in this brochure.

Lake Bled

Postojna Cave


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Programme of Events

08:15 – 09:30 Shuttle Transfers to Convention Centre

08:30 – 16:30 Convention Hub

08:45 – 09:30 ABTA Press Briefing***

08:30 – 09:45 Travel Weekly Breakfast Briefing*

09:50 – 10:00 Opening Ceremony

10:00 – 13:00 Business Sessions

13:00 – 14:30 Lunch and Convention Hub


From 16:30 Return Transfers

16:45 – 20:00 Grow Your Network – Knafljev Prehod

18:00 – 20:00 Private Events

18:30 – 20:00 Meet the Media *

From 20:00 Walk to the Host Party

20:15 – 22:45 Host Party – Ljubljana Summer Theatre


Monday 22 September Monday 22 September

Located in the Convention Centre lobby, the Convention Hub will provide the

perfect setting for private meetings, networking and catching up with industry

colleagues from 08:30.

The Travel Weekly Breakfast Briefing will take place before the start of the plenary

sessions, commencing at 08:30. Attendance at this event is by invitation only.

The Convention’s plenary sessions will commence with a series of sessions about

Our World, which will set the scene for the industry debates to follow.

After lunch, we’ll be focusing on Our Industry and the latest issues and trends

affecting ABTA’s Members and the wider travel industry.

Set within the courtyard of the former Monastery of the Holy Cross, the

Ljubljana Summer Theatre (the Križanke Outdoor Theatre) will provide the

perfect setting for the Host Party, organised by our destination hosts, the Slovenian

Tourist Board and Ljubljana Tourism.

After the party, head back to the Convention Bar where you can party on into

the small hours.

Following the close of sessions at 16:30, head for Knafljev Prehod (a thoroughfare located just a minute’s walk from the Convention hotels) to Grow Your Network.

* By invitation/ticket holders only

*** Press only

As Aperitivo

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Programme of Events

08:15 – 09:30 Shuttle Transfers to Convention Centre

08:30 – 16:00 Convention Hub


13:00 – 14:30 Delegate Lunch and Convention Hub


From 16:00 Return Transfers


From 16:30 Grow Your Network – Knafljev Prehod

From 19:00 Private Events


Tuesday 23 September Tuesday 23 September

Once again, the Convention Hub will provide the

perfect setting for you to hold private meetings,

network and catch up with industry colleagues

from 08:30.

On the second morning of the Convention, the

sessions will focus on Your Business, providing

insights into best business practice, as well the

commercial and marketing innovations coming

down the line.

After lunch, delegates will come together to

hear from a superb line up of speakers who

will round off this year’s Convention. As ever,

delegates can expect the finalé to include

some memorable moments before the official

business of the Convention closes at 16:00.

On Tuesday evening, you will have a final

opportunity to join a Ljubljana Walking Tour;

explore the city at leisure and continue to

Grow Your Network at As Aperitivo.

** Optional to be booked in advance


Private Events

There are more than 12 hours available within the Convention programme for private events. Please avoid hosting events during the official Convention activities and check with the Convention organisers before booking your function.

Standard registration fee (valid from 1 March 2014)

Registration

When registering, delegates have the opportunity to help others by making a donation to ABTA LifeLine. Every pound donated will be used to help colleagues and their families in need.

www.abtalifeline.org.uk

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Visit www.thetravelconvention.com to register

* Slovenian VAT at 22% is chargeable on delegate registration fees and local activities, such as excursions.

** A companion must be a delegate’s spouse/partner and not a business colleague or other associate.

Accommodation

Special room rates for delegates are available via our official accommodation provider, Inghams, at the Grand Hotel Union and Hotel Slon.

Once registered, you will receive an accommodation

booking link as part of your confirmation email.

Net VAT* Total

ABTA Members

Delegate £585.00 £128.70 £713.70

ABTA Partners

First delegate

Additional delegates

£585.00

£750.00

£128.70

£165.00

£713.70

£915.00

Other Delegates

Delegates

Companions**

£750.00

£210.00

£165.00

£46.20

£915.00

£256.20


http://www.thetravelconvention.com/register_now.php


http://www.abtalifeline.org.uk/


http://www.abtalifeline.org.uk/



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Grand Hotel Union

The first modern hotel in Ljubljana, the 4-star Grand Hotel Union

had its grand opening in 1905. Situated in the heart of the city centre,

it overlooks Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge and Ljubljana Castle.

In 1979, the Grand Hotel Union Business was built as a modern

extension to the mighty Art Nouveau hotel offering comfortable,

renovated rooms with luxurious amenities. This extension

interconnects with the original hotel.

The Oxalis Wellness Spa is located on the 8th floor of Union Business

and includes a swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre.

Price (per room per night)

Single Occupancy £109

Double/Twin Occupancy £122 Hotel Slon

The Best Western Premier Hotel Slon is situated in the heart of Ljubljana city

centre, only a few steps away from the old city, Ljubljana Castle and all the

main city sights.

This 4-star superior hotel has well-appointed rooms with modern facilities

and amenities.

The hotel features a state of the art fitness centre open 24/7 including saunas with

tropical rain showers.

Price (per room per night)

Single Occupancy – Economy Room £95

Single Occupancy – Comfort Room £109

Double/Twin Occupancy – Comfort Room £122

Each room is subject to a £15.50 plus UK VAT booking fee.

Rates include buffet breakfast and taxes.

Rates include buffet breakfast and taxes.

VIEW LOCATION MAP

http://www.thetravelconvention.com/accommodation.php






http://www.thetravelconvention.com/enews/documents/Ljubljana_map.pdf

Lead Partner

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News brands reach more people than ever before; every month 41.9 million adults read a news brand, than search using Google.

To welcome this increase in customer demand, we have developed our

Portfolio even further.

In addition to our award winning standalone weekend sections and popular

iPad edition, we now offer destination apps, quarterly luxury travel magazines

and several Telegraph lifestyle events such as The Telegraph Cruise show and

Ski and Snowboard show, but to name a few.

Editorially, we have also made changes to appeal to today’s modern traveller,

while remaining a trusted source for our loyal readers. Our focus is to make it

as easy as possible for Telegraph customers to plan with the experts and book

with confidence, achieving this through our unparalleled expertise, trusted

consumer advice and inspirational writing.

When you consider all of this, plus the fact that The Telegraph one of the

most popular news brands in the world and an audience that spent a massive

£10.8 billion on holidays last year – we believe that Telegraph Travel is the

most exciting destination in the market.

To discuss how we can best promote your holidays, contact the Travel team

on 020 7931 3090.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel


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Headline Sponsors

First Data Merchant Solutions is an expert in the payment solutions business.

With products and services designed specifically for the travel sector we

are delighted to once again be able to display our commitment to this

important sector through our support of The Travel Convention for the fourth

consecutive year. We are part of First Data – a global industry leader with over

40 years’ payments experience.

To find out more call us on 0800 652 5808*

Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00

* Telephone calls may be recorded for security purposes and monitored under

quality control process.

First Data Europe is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct

Authority (FCA register No. 582703).

www.firstdatams.co.uk

2014 is a very meaningful year for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, as we celebrate a milestone tenth anniversary of our headline sponsorship of the prestigious Travel Convention, one of the most important and influential events in the travel calendar. We would like to thank all our travel trade partners for their continued support, which has been invaluable in helping us to grow our business over the years.

Building strong relationships and working closely with the travel trade remains

of great importance to Fred. Olsen, and The Travel Convention is a excellent

opportunity for us to meet our key agents and tour operators, updating

them on our latest developments and sharing important feedback. We will be

cruising to an impressive 245 ports in 81 countries in 2015/16, and we know

that we can rely upon the knowledge, expertise and passion of our agent

network to ensure that our key message of ‘Bringing the world closer to you’ is

spread far and wide.

www.fredolsencruises.com

https://www.firstdatams.co.uk/fdms/en_gb/home.html

http://www.fredolsencruises.com/home

http://www.firstdatams.co.uk

For further information visit


email: [email protected]

tel: 01920 444830

twitter: @TheTravelConv / #ABTA14

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www.twitter.com/TheTravelConv


Registration Information 2014

Documents

Transcript of Registration Information 2014