ETOA launches new workshop for travel tech buyers

ETOA today announced the launch of a new flagship travel technology workshop Showcase.travel Digital. It will take place in central London on 30th September replicating ETOA’s popular appointments-based workshop format, to put technology buyers in touch with suppliers in the most time-efficient way. The focus will be on sourcing travel technology, and the day starts with a keynote welcome from Diane Bouzebiba, MD UK & Ireland, Amadeus, who will explain the company’s digital strategy and what it seeks from its technology partners. The event will bring together:

ETOA buyers of technology, who will attend free of charge.  They will include: Senior marketing and e-commerce managers and heads of distribution and IT from tour operators, OTAs, wholesalers, hotels, tourist boards and attractions Other similar technology buyers, who are welcome to attend for a modest fee Technology suppliers, who will include suppliers of digital solutions for: Booking & Reservation Systems, Yield & Revenue Management, Ecommerce/Payment Systems, Translation Services, Marketing (SEO, Web Design, Social Media, Mobile Apps, Email), Analytics, Data Management/CRM, Review Management and other technologies applicable to the travel industry. Their attendance will include a dedicated table for presentations an an agenda of up to 20 one-to-one meetings with relevant buyers selected through a pre-workshop appointment matching system.   Special discounts will be available to ETOA and ETOA-partner members including TTI (Travel Technology Initiative).

As well as 20 pre-arranged meetings, the event will also feature two masterclass streams covering the two key technology areas of brand and distribution. From the buyer perspective it is the only opportunity to meet relevant suppliers, selected pre-event, in informative and tailored one-to-one meetings avoiding time wasted sourcing through initial project proposals, product demos and thriving through lengthy sales pitches. Carl Cronje of buyer Expat Explore Travel said; ‘Expat Explore is currently re-developing our reservation process (and information management procedures) and are on the lookout for creative options to assist us. As a tour operator that mainly sells directly online to customers we are also always looking for ideas and products that can enhance these efforts.’ Neil Morgan of supplier TigerBay said; 'TigerBay enjoy the opportunity to meet with Tour Operators - both existing and new contacts. We think this event is a great initiative and we hope to meet with Tour Operators who are keen to discuss their technology requirements in order that we can propose appropriate solutions. We will also take this opportunity to listen and learn more about the market requirements to keep feeding our product design and development team.' Rachel Read, Head of Digital Trading at ETOA, said: “We are pleased to expand our successful workshop format into travel technology. As the digital environment moves into new areas, our members face fresh challenges in sourcing the right technology at the right price. I am sure Showcase.travel Digital will be very useful in helping them make the best commercial choices.”