World Travel Market London 2015, the leading global event for the travel industry, will introduce one-to-one mentoring clinics, as part of the WTM Women in Travel ‘meet-up’ event at ExCeL London.
Now in its second year, the WTM Women in Travel meet-up will take place on Tuesday 3 November and also includes two panel discussions with leading corporate women and entrepreneurs; a keynote speaker; and a networking reception.
Organising the WTM Women in Travel programme is Alessandra Alonso – Chief Mentor and Strategic Consultant at Everyday Mentor and lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire’s Business School.
Alonso said “It is a privilege to have such a high-calibre group of professionals committing their time to join the event as panelists and also to provide one-to-one mentoring support to those who book in advance.
“One-to-one mentoring support is, I believe, a first for WTM and possibly any travel-related event.
“It will provide a huge opportunity to access some of the most professional and successful female travel entrepreneurs and professionals out there and receive advice or perhaps answers to an important question.”
Alonso will also moderate the first panel discussion, called ‘Not for the faint-hearted: Entrepreneurship, Resilience and the Art of Bouncing Back’.
Panellists will be Kristina Wallen, Managing Director of HarpWallen Executive Travel Recruitment; Lamia Walker, Director at HouseSitMatch.com; Carolyn Pearson, Director of Maiden Voyage; and Daniela Wagner, International Partnerships, Connecting Travel.
The second discussion is entitled ‘4G Leadership – Four generations of women in travel share their leadership lessons’.
It will feature industry figureheads and will be moderated by Professor Graham Miller, Head, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey.
The panel will be Jo Rzymowska, Managing Director of Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland; Carol Hay, Marketing Director at Caribbean Tourism Organisation; Nishma Robb, Head of Marketing at Google UK; Rebecca Maffeis, UK Managing Director at LaGrange Holidays; and Julia Lo Bue Said, Managing Director at Advantage Travel.
The keynote speech will be given by traveller and filmmaker Jacki Hill-Murphy, who wrote ‘Adventuresses. Rediscovering Daring Voyages into the Unknown’.
Her book tells the gripping stories of three early female explorers who travelled to remote regions of the world in the 18th and 19th centuries, and how she retraced their intrepid journeys.
WTM London, Portfolio Conference Manager, Charlotte Sutton said: “I am delighted that so many dynamic and inspiring women have agreed to give up their time during World Travel Market London to share their expertise.
“The level of debate and advice during last year’s inaugural programme was second-to-none so I am sure this year will build on those strong foundations.
“I urge women in the travel industry to attend to gain motivating advice and practical tips to develop their own businesses and career paths.”
WTM Women in Travel meet-up at World Travel Market London 2015 (Tuesday 3 November).
Mentoring clinics
South Gallery 17 (1.30pm-2pm; 3pm-3.30pm)
Mentors will be panellists and other travel professionals including Debbie Hindle, Managing Director at Four BGB, and Dr Caroline Scarles, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey. Booking will open shortly.
Session 1
‘Not for the faint hearted: Entrepreneurship, Resilience and the Art of Bouncing Back’
South Gallery 15/16 (2pm-3pm)
Session 2
‘4G Leadership – Four generations of women in travel share their leadership lessons’
South Gallery 15/16 (3.30pm-4.30pm)
Keynote speaker: Jacki Hill-Murphy
South Gallery 15/16 (4.30pm-5pm)
Networking Reception
South Gallery 15/16 (5pm-6pm)
Sponsored by the University of Surrey, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
