SPEAKERS
The conference sessions will feature speakers from the travel industry and beyond. Speakers are chosen for the diverse experience and insights they can share with delegates.
The following speakers are confirmed, with further announcements appearing in the regular conference e-flyers. i
MODERATOR
Jacqueline Dobson
President
Barrhead Travel Group
With over two decades of leadership experience within the travel industry, Jacqueline Dobson has been pivotal in shaping the Barrhead Travel Group into a UK-wide success story.
Jacqueline is a member of the Executive Leadership Team of Barrhead Travel’s parent organisation, Internova Travel Group. She has assumed the position of President of its leisure division, The Vacation Group, which, alongside the Barrhead Travel Group incorporates US-based brands Andrew Harper, Cruise Specialists, Cruise Specialists, The Vacation Group, Roadtrips and Bonotel.
From entering the industry as a trainee sales consultant to where she stands today, as President of the burgeoning travel group, Jacqueline’s considerable expertise now spans a multitude of business areas including commercial negotiations, business acquisition, marketing-communications and luxury travel.
Jacqueline’s Barrhead Travel journey began in 2000 when she was appointed as a senior luxury sales consultant. Shortly after joining, she established a standalone VIP division and led a new salesdepartment as the business continued to grow. With a keen eye for business development opportunities, Jacqueline also began to integrate a marketing strategy which she operated in tandem with her sales role.
As Barrhead Travel continued to expand, Jacqueline was tasked with the ambitious operation of opening the Glasgow superstore. The colossal space became Europe’s largest travel store at 22,000 square feet. This unprecedented move marked a new chapter for Barrhead Travel as it began to widen its retail network. Following a promotion to Cruise and Longhaul Director in 2003, Jacqueline’s priority migrated to driving commercial negotiations and forming meaningful relationships with worldwide tour operators and tourist boards to bolster business. During this time, she successfully positioned Barrhead Travel as the undisputed leader in the Scottish travel market and secured exclusive commercial deals and advertising partnerships. She also established a profitable tour-operation division with the launch of British Airways charters to the Mediterranean, resulting in a game-changing move for the Scottish business.
A management buyout in 2007 brought with it a new opportunity as Managing Director. It was a natural move for Jacqueline, now an astute and experienced leader who had played a crucial role in growing the commercial footprint of the now award-winning travel group. Jacqueline continued striving for innovation and opportunity and led a senior team through an aggressive series of branch expansions and business acquisitions, while simultaneously steadying the business through the UK’s disruptive and challenging recession.
Jacqueline has witnessed – and played a strategic role in - Scotland’s favourite travel brand blossoming from one single high street store in a Glasgow suburb to a UK-wide travel group. Following the acquisition of the group to one of North America’s largest travel companies, Internova Travel Group, Jacqueline was appointed president of Barrhead Travel in December 2018, taking over the reins from her friend and colleague, Sharon Munro. Since Jacqueline’s appointment at the helm, the group has brought UK expansion plans to fruition and now boasts a network of over 85 locations in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
Navigating the Covid crisis remains one of the most challenging periods in Jacqueline’s career. Although no stranger to leading the business through crisis having worked through 9/11 and the Ash Cloud, Covid presented unthinkable challenges to the travel industry. Jacqueline became a vocal champion for travel and was a key driver for lobbying the government for support for travel, particularly in Scotland where she was instrumental in securing the vital Travel Agent fund which became a lifeline for many independent businesses.
In addition to leading Barrhead Travel, Jacqueline also currently serves as Vice President of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) and is due to take over the Presidency in January 2024 for a two-year term. In her capacity as Vice President, she ensures that travel agents of Scotland have a voice at industry and political forums.
Thanks to her proven track-record, ambition and innovative strategic decisions, Jacqueline’s story of success is well-known and admired amongst industry peers and senior business executives. Jacqueline has been widely commended across the business community and travel industry for her extraordinary leadership, having been named as Inspiring Business Woman of the Year at the prestigious Business Women Scotland Awards, receiving the Contribution to Travel Award at TTG’s Top 50 Awards in 2021, and most recently, being inducted into CLIA’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
Her grass-roots development from where she began to where she is now – as trainee to President of the leisure division of one of the world’s largest travel organisations– is echoed in her passion for mentorship. She leads and inspires a new generation of future business leaders through a dedicated coaching and one-to-one mentoring programmes.
BARONESS HAZARIKA
Broadcaster, comedian and writer
Baroness Hazarika is known for her insightful and witty opinions, and her informed observations on current affairs and politics.
Host of Times Radio every Friday (1-4pm), and Saturday and Sunday Drive (4-7pm), where she dissects the news and events across Westminster and beyond with a plethora of interesting and engaging guests, Ayesha is also a regular contributor on Question Time (BBC Two), Good Morning Britain (ITV), The Jeremy Vine Show (C5), The News Quiz (Radio 4), Lorraine (ITV), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), Richard Osman’s House Of Games (BBC Two), and Breaking The News (Radio Scotland).
In 2024, Ayesha Hazarika MBE, Political Commentator, Journalist and Broadcaster has been granted a prestigious lifetime Peerage and elevated to the House of Lords. Nominated by Labour and conferred by His Majesty.
Ayesha presents the hit podcast The Power Test, where they are asking if Labour can really change Britain for the better and analysing how they are going to deliver their missions. She also co-hosts Take on Tomorrow, the hugely successful podcast series produced by PwC, aiming to understand the role businesses can play in solving some of the biggest issues facing society today, now in its second series.
Ayesha is in high demand as a speaker and host due to her unique ability to combine laser-sharp political insight gleaned from the inside track at Westminster with her unique funny bones. She considers how politics works, how messages are communicated and how government policy is formed and influenced. She also addresses the future of culture, media and the creative industries in a climate of cuts and unequal opportunities. As well as a political overview and analysis, Ayesha looks at the role of women in politics and the challenges they often face in their careers interspersed with laugh-out-loud funnies. Ayesha has made a name for herself in the world of print by contributing to The Scotsman, The Independent, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, New Statesman, The iPaper and Grazia. She also co-authored Punch & Judy Politics, an in-depth, behind-the-scenes display of what happens during the preparation and run-up to the weekly Prime Ministers questions.
Born in Scotland to parents of Indian Muslim descent, Ayesha went onto study law, her first role being a press officer at the Department of Trade and Industry. She then took what she thought was a natural diversion into stand-up comedy, before pivoting back to politics as a Special Adviser for the Labour Party, working with them for eight years both in Government and Opposition. During her time in Westminster, she worked for Gordon Brown, Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband, advising them on Prime Minister’s Questions, speeches, media and policy as well as heading up initiatives on topics such as Women and Equality.Since leaving front line politics, Ayesha’s expertise has become a much sought after due to her unique position to analyse and comment on current affairs with her signature wit and insight. TV and Radio credits include: Politics Live (BBC2), The Talk (TalkTV), Sky Papers (Sky News), Newsnight (BBC2), Debate Night (BBC Scotland), The Media Show (Radio 4), The Today Programme (Radio 4) and CNN News.
As a comedian, she often parallels the current state of feminism with humour and honesty. She has so far toured 3 sell-out shows across the UK, including residencies at the prestigious Soho Theatre for each: Tales From The Pink Bus (2016), Girl On Girl – The Fight For Feminism (2018) and State Of The Nation (2022).
Jacqueline Dobson
President
Barrhead Travel Group
With over two decades of leadership experience within the travel industry, Jacqueline Dobson has been pivotal in shaping the Barrhead Travel Group into a UK-wide success story.
Jacqueline is a member of the Executive Leadership Team of Barrhead Travel’s parent organisation, Internova Travel Group. She has assumed the position of President of its leisure division, The Vacation Group, which, alongside the Barrhead Travel Group incorporates US-based brands Andrew Harper, Cruise Specialists, Cruise Specialists, The Vacation Group, Roadtrips and Bonotel.
From entering the industry as a trainee sales consultant to where she stands today, as President of the burgeoning travel group, Jacqueline’s considerable expertise now spans a multitude of business areas including commercial negotiations, business acquisition, marketing-communications and luxury travel.
Jacqueline’s Barrhead Travel journey began in 2000 when she was appointed as a senior luxury sales consultant. Shortly after joining, she established a standalone VIP division and led a new salesdepartment as the business continued to grow. With a keen eye for business development opportunities, Jacqueline also began to integrate a marketing strategy which she operated in tandem with her sales role.
As Barrhead Travel continued to expand, Jacqueline was tasked with the ambitious operation of opening the Glasgow superstore. The colossal space became Europe’s largest travel store at 22,000 square feet. This unprecedented move marked a new chapter for Barrhead Travel as it began to widen its retail network. Following a promotion to Cruise and Longhaul Director in 2003, Jacqueline’s priority migrated to driving commercial negotiations and forming meaningful relationships with worldwide tour operators and tourist boards to bolster business. During this time, she successfully positioned Barrhead Travel as the undisputed leader in the Scottish travel market and secured exclusive commercial deals and advertising partnerships. She also established a profitable tour-operation division with the launch of British Airways charters to the Mediterranean, resulting in a game-changing move for the Scottish business.
A management buyout in 2007 brought with it a new opportunity as Managing Director. It was a natural move for Jacqueline, now an astute and experienced leader who had played a crucial role in growing the commercial footprint of the now award-winning travel group. Jacqueline continued striving for innovation and opportunity and led a senior team through an aggressive series of branch expansions and business acquisitions, while simultaneously steadying the business through the UK’s disruptive and challenging recession.
Jacqueline has witnessed – and played a strategic role in - Scotland’s favourite travel brand blossoming from one single high street store in a Glasgow suburb to a UK-wide travel group. Following the acquisition of the group to one of North America’s largest travel companies, Internova Travel Group, Jacqueline was appointed president of Barrhead Travel in December 2018, taking over the reins from her friend and colleague, Sharon Munro. Since Jacqueline’s appointment at the helm, the group has brought UK expansion plans to fruition and now boasts a network of over 85 locations in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
Navigating the Covid crisis remains one of the most challenging periods in Jacqueline’s career. Although no stranger to leading the business through crisis having worked through 9/11 and the Ash Cloud, Covid presented unthinkable challenges to the travel industry. Jacqueline became a vocal champion for travel and was a key driver for lobbying the government for support for travel, particularly in Scotland where she was instrumental in securing the vital Travel Agent fund which became a lifeline for many independent businesses.
In addition to leading Barrhead Travel, Jacqueline also currently serves as Vice President of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) and is due to take over the Presidency in January 2024 for a two-year term. In her capacity as Vice President, she ensures that travel agents of Scotland have a voice at industry and political forums.
Thanks to her proven track-record, ambition and innovative strategic decisions, Jacqueline’s story of success is well-known and admired amongst industry peers and senior business executives. Jacqueline has been widely commended across the business community and travel industry for her extraordinary leadership, having been named as Inspiring Business Woman of the Year at the prestigious Business Women Scotland Awards, receiving the Contribution to Travel Award at TTG’s Top 50 Awards in 2021, and most recently, being inducted into CLIA’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
Her grass-roots development from where she began to where she is now – as trainee to President of the leisure division of one of the world’s largest travel organisations– is echoed in her passion for mentorship. She leads and inspires a new generation of future business leaders through a dedicated coaching and one-to-one mentoring programmes.
SPEAKERS
ABDULGADER KHUMAYES
saudi tourism authority
Details coming soon.
KEN CAMPLING
HAYS TRAVEL
Ken has enjoyed a varied career in finance and management roles across fashion, footwear, and health and leisure sectors before joining Hays Travel in June 2021.
He has always had a passion for family business and is an experienced board director. As well as general finance and management Ken has accumulated valuable experience in mergers and acquisitions over his time in the SME world and more latterly at Sports Direct.com plc and as CFO at the Bannatyne Group.
Ken has led on acquisitions at Hays Travel including the recent purchases of Just Go Limited, The Original Travel House Limited and most recently Miles Away Limited (Miles Morgan Travel).
In addition, Ken is involve with promoting and developing the Hays Travel Franchise business under both the Hays Travel Retail and Explorer home working options.
Jacqueline Dobson
President
Barrhead Travel Group
With over two decades of leadership experience within the travel industry, Jacqueline Dobson has been pivotal in shaping the Barrhead Travel Group into a UK-wide success story.
Jacqueline is a member of the Executive Leadership Team of Barrhead Travel’s parent organisation, Internova Travel Group. She has assumed the position of President of its leisure division, The Vacation Group, which, alongside the Barrhead Travel Group incorporates US-based brands Andrew Harper, Cruise Specialists, Cruise Specialists, The Vacation Group, Roadtrips and Bonotel.
From entering the industry as a trainee sales consultant to where she stands today, as President of the burgeoning travel group, Jacqueline’s considerable expertise now spans a multitude of business areas including commercial negotiations, business acquisition, marketing-communications and luxury travel.
Jacqueline’s Barrhead Travel journey began in 2000 when she was appointed as a senior luxury sales consultant. Shortly after joining, she established a standalone VIP division and led a new salesdepartment as the business continued to grow. With a keen eye for business development opportunities, Jacqueline also began to integrate a marketing strategy which she operated in tandem with her sales role.
As Barrhead Travel continued to expand, Jacqueline was tasked with the ambitious operation of opening the Glasgow superstore. The colossal space became Europe’s largest travel store at 22,000 square feet. This unprecedented move marked a new chapter for Barrhead Travel as it began to widen its retail network. Following a promotion to Cruise and Longhaul Director in 2003, Jacqueline’s priority migrated to driving commercial negotiations and forming meaningful relationships with worldwide tour operators and tourist boards to bolster business. During this time, she successfully positioned Barrhead Travel as the undisputed leader in the Scottish travel market and secured exclusive commercial deals and advertising partnerships. She also established a profitable tour-operation division with the launch of British Airways charters to the Mediterranean, resulting in a game-changing move for the Scottish business.
A management buyout in 2007 brought with it a new opportunity as Managing Director. It was a natural move for Jacqueline, now an astute and experienced leader who had played a crucial role in growing the commercial footprint of the now award-winning travel group. Jacqueline continued striving for innovation and opportunity and led a senior team through an aggressive series of branch expansions and business acquisitions, while simultaneously steadying the business through the UK’s disruptive and challenging recession.
Jacqueline has witnessed – and played a strategic role in - Scotland’s favourite travel brand blossoming from one single high street store in a Glasgow suburb to a UK-wide travel group. Following the acquisition of the group to one of North America’s largest travel companies, Internova Travel Group, Jacqueline was appointed president of Barrhead Travel in December 2018, taking over the reins from her friend and colleague, Sharon Munro. Since Jacqueline’s appointment at the helm, the group has brought UK expansion plans to fruition and now boasts a network of over 85 locations in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.
Navigating the Covid crisis remains one of the most challenging periods in Jacqueline’s career. Although no stranger to leading the business through crisis having worked through 9/11 and the Ash Cloud, Covid presented unthinkable challenges to the travel industry. Jacqueline became a vocal champion for travel and was a key driver for lobbying the government for support for travel, particularly in Scotland where she was instrumental in securing the vital Travel Agent fund which became a lifeline for many independent businesses.
In addition to leading Barrhead Travel, Jacqueline also currently serves as Vice President of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) and is due to take over the Presidency in January 2024 for a two-year term. In her capacity as Vice President, she ensures that travel agents of Scotland have a voice at industry and political forums.
Thanks to her proven track-record, ambition and innovative strategic decisions, Jacqueline’s story of success is well-known and admired amongst industry peers and senior business executives. Jacqueline has been widely commended across the business community and travel industry for her extraordinary leadership, having been named as Inspiring Business Woman of the Year at the prestigious Business Women Scotland Awards, receiving the Contribution to Travel Award at TTG’s Top 50 Awards in 2021, and most recently, being inducted into CLIA’s Hall of Fame in 2023.
Her grass-roots development from where she began to where she is now – as trainee to President of the leisure division of one of the world’s largest travel organisations– is echoed in her passion for mentorship. She leads and inspires a new generation of future business leaders through a dedicated coaching and one-to-one mentoring programmes.
Steve endacott
tRAVEL SOLUTIONS NETWORK
Steve had an extensive business career before he went AI mad and exploded into the political world by standing as AI Steve to become the UK's first AI Member of Parliament in Brighton Pavilion. Steve has the unusual distinction of having successful careers within both corporate and entrepreneurial environments.
Steve is now “Semi-Retired,” having sold Holiday Taxis Ltd (Jan 2019) and Rock Insurance Ltd in multimillion-pound deals. However, he continues to invest in startups and has recently launched several new companies.
Travel Solutions Network:
offers a unique homeworking opportunity that enables individuals to work from home in a virtual call centre, answering calls for third-party travel companies while developing their own list of direct clients. Often compared to “Cloud Computing” for sales staff, where partner travel companies pay for the resources they require only when they need them.
·
Neural River:
is an AI Incubator that has already launched innovative AI products, including Neural Voice, which enables customers to converse with voice versions of AI engines like ChatGPT and Bard.
·
ECO: Electric Car Organisation.
A not-for-profit “green” consultancy aimed at “saving the planet” by encouraging the transition from polluting petrol cars to clean EV equivalents.
·
Lifes Echo:
describes itself as the ultimate “AI Genealogical Tool”, enabling people to record their autobiographies and speak to future generations about their lives even after death. Endacott is experienced in transforming a business idea into a prototype, recruiting management teams, and raising funds to advance start-up ventures.
Steve has built his present entrepreneurial business activities by drawing on 25 years of experience leading traditional package tour operators.
Steve’s corporate career involved high-profile directorships in some of the UK’s largest tour operating groups, spanning the financial controller position of International Leisure Group to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer position of MyTravel Plc, running its UK tour operations, Going Places retail chain and online websites. It included directorship over finance, yield management, marketing, contracting, overseas operations, sales and retail operations.
tim hames
ACUTI ASSOCIATES
Dr Tim Hames is a former Lecturer in American and British Politics
at Oxford University and an ex-Assistant Editor of The Times who then served as
Director General of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association
(BVCA) from 2013-2019. He is a specialist in the relationship between business
and politics.
He is also now a best-selling author (The Long Shot: The Inside Story of the Race to
Vaccinate Britain written with Dame Kate Bingham). He is the co-founder of,
and partner at, Acuti Associates, which advises Chairs, CEOs and NEDs on
domestic and global political risk.
Tim’s focus is on the UK, the US and China. His self-confessed challenge is that he aspires to be both a historian and a political scientist. In January 2025 his book Trump II: Why He Won. What It Means For The World was published. In July 2025 his book Measuring Monarchy: The Most Overrated and Underrated British Kings and Queens was released. His War or Peace? The US and China, 2026-2049 will be published in 2026 as will be Missing Monarchs: Kings and Queens of Britain Who Never
Were. He intends to write one book about politics and one on history
annually for the foreseeable future.
IAIN HENNESSEY
Iain Hennessey is a consultant paediatric surgeon and the visionary clinical director of innovation at Alder Hey Children’s Health Park. With honours degrees in Medicine, Surgery, and Anatomical Sciences from the University of Edinburgh, Iain’s training took him across the United Kingdom, USA and Australia.
An advocate for technological advancements in children’s healthcare, Iain has pioneered numerous innovations, including point-of-care 3D printing, artificial intelligence applications, and the development of advanced sensor technologies.
His notable achievements include forging multiple strategic partnerships with industry and spearheading the creation of a unique 1000 square meter underground innovation facility designed for collaboration with the technology sector. Under his leadership, a dynamic and diverse team has been assembled to accelerate transformative changes within the NHS.
IAIN HENnessey
ALDER HEY CHILDREN'S
HOSPITAL
IAIN HENNESSEY
ALDER HEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Iain Hennessey is a consultant paediatric surgeon and the visionary clinical director of innovation at Alder Hey Children’s Health Park. With honours degrees in Medicine, Surgery, and Anatomical Sciences from the University of Edinburgh, Iain’s training took him across the United Kingdom, USA and Australia.
An advocate for technological advancements in children’s healthcare, Iain has pioneered numerous innovations, including point-of-care 3D printing, artificial intelligence applications, and the development of advanced sensor technologies.
His notable achievements include forging multiple strategic partnerships with industry and spearheading the creation of a unique 1000 square meter underground innovation facility designed for collaboration with the technology sector.
Under his leadership, a dynamic and diverse team has been assembled to accelerate transformative changes within the NHS.
ken hughes
the king of customer experience
Ken Hughes, known as The King of Customer Experience, is now acknowledged as being one of the world’s leading authorities on consumer behaviour, blending his understanding of consumer & cyber psychology, digital anthropology, and retail futurology to explore the needs of the new consumer and predict changes to come.
Ken advises some of the biggest brands in the world on Customer & Employee Experience, Omnichannel Strategy, Artificial Intelligence, Retail Futurology, the Millennial / Gen Z shopper and the Peer-to-Peer Economy. As an accomplished author, TED speaker, part-time university professor and actor, his performances are not only insightful and thought-provoking, but are infamous for their sheer passion, energy and wit.
Frank Marini
Railbookers Group
Frank is the President and CEO of Railbookers Group (RBG), overseeing the company’s global travel brands, including Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations. In this leadership role, Frank directs the strategic vision, growth initiatives, operational efficiency, and overall performance of all RBG brands.
Frank is a leader in the worldwide travel community, as he currently serves on the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council, as well as a member of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, advising the Secretary of Commerce and other government leadership. He was also recently selected to the “Top 50 People in Travel & AI” list by Travel Trends.
His extensive leadership background in the travel industry includes serving as Vice President of Sales for Collette Vacations and as President of Contiki Holidays, part of The Travel Corporation.
An accomplished author, Frank wrote “Staying On Track: Lessons from a Customer-Focused Travel Disruptor,” which highlights his approach to achieving exceptional growth within RBG’s innovative, fully remote, work-from-home environment. His expertise and thought leadership have been featured in renowned publications such as Fortune, Chief Executive Magazine, Business Insider, Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse.
Frank is a sought-after speaker at industry events and has received numerous accolades, including recognition in OC Metro’s “40 Under 40” and Providence Business News’ annual “Top 40 Under Forty,” both honoring emerging business leaders. Additionally, he has earned the Travvy Award for “Most Innovative Executive, Rail Travel.”
Committed to community and industry service, Frank has held board positions with the Pawtucket YMCA, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Heart Association, and the Boys & Girls Club in Anaheim, CA. He is also a member of the U.S. Travel Association.
Frank earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. He resides in Southern California with his wife and twin sons.
Bruce Poon Tip
G Adventures
Passionate about the power of travel to change the world for the better, Bruce Poon Tip is a global leader in social entrepreneurship, leadership, immersive travel, and innovation. He is best-known as the founder of G Adventures, the world's largest small group adventure travel company and pioneer of community tourism. Bruce’s first book, Looptail: How One Company Changed the World by Reinventing Business, became a New York Times Best Seller Bruce is also the executive producer of documentary film, The Last Tourist, which examines important issues facing travel and tourism, and empowers audiences with the knowledge to fundamentally change the way we travel. The Last Tourist was awarded with the ‘Special Jury Prize for Social Impact’ by the Canadian Documentary Jury at the Calgary International Film Festival. In 2023, Bruce was honoured as an Officer of the Order of Canada, making him the first person in the travel industry to receive the title of Officer in 34 years.
simon powell
INSPIRETEC / SYSTEMSX
Simon Powell is a highly accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader with over 40 years’ experience in building and scaling innovative businesses, particularly within the travel sector. As Chairman of SystemsX and CEO of Inspiretec, Simon has consistently been at the forefront of using technology to transform customer experience and drive commercial growth.
Throughout his career, Simon has focused on harnessing emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges, with a particular emphasis on personalisation, intelligent automation and the evolving role of AI in customer engagement. Under his leadership, Inspiretec has become a leading provider of customer engagement and digital solutions for the travel industry, while SystemsX is pioneering next-generation, agent-focused AI platforms designed to empower human interaction rather than replace it.
Simon is passionate about the intersection of people and technology, championing the idea that AI should enhance, not dilute, the human touch. His work today centres on enabling travel businesses to deliver smarter, more meaningful customer experiences, using trusted AI to support agents, unlock insight and drive performance.
A respected voice in the industry, Simon brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of innovation, entrepreneurship and a deep understanding of how technology can elevate both businesses and the customers they serve.
Lesley rollo
DNATA TRAVEL GROUP
Lesley is a highly experienced and well-respected commercial leader and CEO of dnata Travel UK. Promoted to the role in 2024, she has most recently led a strategic review of the group’s portfolio of tour operator and OTA businesses.
Under her leadership, Lesley oversees Travelbag and The Gold Medal Travel Group, as well as representing dnata on the Imagine Cruising Executive Board. She joined dnata in 2019 as Managing Director of Travelbag, where she led a full rebrand and strategic transformation of the business.
Lesley has an extensive network across the travel industry and over 12 years of experience within the TUI Specialist Division, including its evolution into Travelopia under private equity ownership by KKR. She began her career in Product and Purchasing, holding senior roles at Airtours, British Airways and Thomas Cook.
She brings deep breadth and depth of industry expertise, combining strategic insight with a strong track record of leadership across the travel sector
Rob shapland
Cyonic Cyber
As Director of Cyonic Cyber, Rob Shapland is a renowned ethical hacker and cyber security expert who has spent his life breaking into companies worldwide to help them protect against criminal attacks. He specialises in physical intrusion – breaking into company offices by dressing up as a cleaner, a fake employee or even as a Hollywood film producer and then stealing a computer from right under their nose.
Rob's unique approach to cyber security has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting consultants and keynote speakers in the industry. He is a seasoned speaker at events and conferences around Europe, and regularly appears on BBC TV and radio, Sky News, ITV, Channel 4 and others as a cyber security expert.
TUI MUSEMENT
Peter has worked for TUI for more than 30 years, including stints in Portugal, Israel, Kenya, India, Greece and the USA, as well as his native Sweden.
Peter joined the TUI Group General Executive Committee (GEC) in 2022 when appointed as the CEO of TUI Musement, the Tours & Activities division of TUI Group and now one of the fastest growing parts of the business, which in FY25 generated a revenue of €1.5bn.
Prior to becoming TUI Musement CEO, Peter held roles on the management board of TUI Nordic and was TUI Musement Chief Digital Officer, overseeing the business’ digital transformation and leading a global team responsible for operational excellence, corporate innovation, data analytics, product development, technology and architecture.
PETER Ulwahn
TUI MUSEMENT
PETER ULWAHN
TUI MUSEMENT
Peter has worked for TUI for more than 30 years, including stints in Portugal, Israel, Kenya, India, Greece and the USA, as well as his native Sweden. Peter joined the TUI Group General Executive Committee (GEC) in 2022 when appointed as the CEO of TUI Musement, the Tours & Activities division of TUI Group and now one of the fastest growing parts of the business, which in FY25 generated a revenue of €1.5bn. Prior to becoming TUI Musement CEO, Peter held roles on the management board of TUI Nordic and was TUI Musement Chief Digital Officer, overseeing the business’ digital transformation and leading a global team responsible for operational excellence, corporate innovation, data & analytics, product development, technology and architecture.
DANNY WAINE
travel nomads
Danny Waine is Founder of Travel Nomads, Vice Chair of the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT), Co-founder of the ‘Future You’ careers initiative and Trustee at the Teesside Airport Foundation.
Launched in 2025, Travel Nomads is a remote-based B2B consultancy service, dedicated to helping travel entrepreneurs succeed. Travel Nomads bring entrepreneurial ideas to life, by combining industry knowledge with business insight; providing virtual expertise, fractional BDM services, NED support and industry representation to travel agents, tour operators, and the wider travel and tourism ecosystem.
Before launching Travel Nomads, Danny was Head of Membership at ABTA – The Travel Association, having joined in 2020 to support travel businesses struggling through the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent recovery.
Previously, Danny was Commercial Manager at Swiss holiday home specialist Interhome Group, which was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Hotelplan Group. Prior to that, Danny was Head of Sales - International at Italian fashion and design school Istituto Marangoni, joining after 10 years as Co-founder & Director at overseas wedding specialist, Perfect Weddings Abroad.
DANNY WAINE
travel nomads
Danny Waine is Founder of Travel Nomads, Vice Chair of the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT), Co-founder of the ‘Future You’ careers initiative and Trustee at the Teesside Airport Foundation.
Launched in 2025, Travel Nomads is a remote-based B2B consultancy service, dedicated to helping travel entrepreneurs succeed. Travel Nomads bring entrepreneurial ideas to life, by combining industry knowledge with business insight; providing virtual expertise, fractional BDM services, NED support and industry representation to travel agents, tour operators, and the wider travel and tourism ecosystem.
Before launching Travel Nomads, Danny was Head of Membership at ABTA – The Travel Association, having joined in 2020 to support travel businesses struggling through the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent recovery.
Previously, Danny was Commercial Manager at Swiss holiday home specialist Interhome Group, which was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Hotelplan Group. Prior to that, Danny was Head of Sales - International at Italian fashion and design school Istituto Marangoni, joining after 10 years as Co-founder & Director at overseas wedding specialist, Perfect Weddings Abroad.
DANNY WAINE
travel nomads
Danny Waine is Founder of Travel Nomads, Vice Chair of the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT), Co-founder of the ‘Future You’ careers initiative and Trustee at the Teesside Airport Foundation.
Launched in 2025, Travel Nomads is a remote-based B2B consultancy service, dedicated to helping travel entrepreneurs succeed. Travel Nomads bring entrepreneurial ideas to life, by combining industry knowledge with business insight; providing virtual expertise, fractional BDM services, NED support and industry representation to travel agents, tour operators, and the wider travel and tourism ecosystem.
Before launching Travel Nomads, Danny was Head of Membership at ABTA – The Travel Association, having joined in 2020 to support travel businesses struggling through the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent recovery.
Previously, Danny was Commercial Manager at Swiss holiday home specialist Interhome Group, which was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Hotelplan Group. Prior to that, Danny was Head of Sales - International at Italian fashion and design school Istituto Marangoni, joining after 10 years as Co-founder & Director at overseas wedding specialist, Perfect Weddings Abroad.
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