International
speaker line-up for first event
The
luxury travel industry’s annual presentation of The ULTRAs –
Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards – will for the first time be
preceded by the Ultratravel Forum - a full day of speaker
presentations, discussion panels and interviews involving influential
figures from the global luxury travel industry. Taking place at
The Dorchester Hotel in London on Monday 20 May, the event will be a
unique opportunity for those in the industry to hear from the leaders
of some of the world’s biggest travel brands about their insight
and perspective on current and future issues.
Nick
Perry, Chairman of Ultratravel said: “In the current economic
climate, when the industry is experiencing numerous challenges and
changes, we wanted to deliver an event where participants can engage
with industry leaders and network with peers. We have created the
Ultratravel Forum for London, to coincide with The ULTRAs
presentations, which always attracts an international audience and
one that can now not only celebrate, but also engage in some valuable
exchanges and interaction among the industry’s leaders from around
the world.
“We
are delighted with the level of speakers already confirmed and we are
planning for the Ultratravel Forum to be both thought-provoking and
insightful with issues raised that affect all our businesses. The
Q&As at the end of each session will give all delegates the
opportunity to make sure the topics close to their hearts are
covered.”
The
day will begin with the Ultratravel Forum and its theme “The Latest
in Luxury – Identifying Tomorrow’s Trends”. All of the
sessions will include the opportunity for attendees to ask questions
of the experts and senior figures represented at the Forum.
Confirmed speakers so far include: Dhiren Fonseca, one of the
founders of Expedia and currently the Chief Commercial Officer of
Expedia Inc.; Daniel Franklin, the Executive Editor of The Economist;
Gerald Lawless, President and CEO of Jumeirah Group, Jennifer Fox,
President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Henry Mason, Global
Head of Research and Managing Partner of trendwatching.com.
The Forum will also feature a Presidents' Panel where major
travel companies will discuss how the industry is meeting the needs
of todays premium customers, research presentations and a session of
contributions from well-known luxury travellers.
The
day will conclude with the annual ULTRAs. Registration is now
open at www.ultratravelforum.com and
all successful registrations will include a place at The ULTRAs
dinner.