17 October 2024
Classic British Hotels Annual Members Conference a Resounding Success
Classic British Hotels hosted their annual members conference, a highly anticipated event that brought together industry leaders, experts, and members to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the hospitality sector. Held at the boutique Fairlawns Hotel & Spa in Walsall on Thursday, 10th October 2024, the conference delivered a packed agenda of insightful presentations, networking opportunities, and a celebration of the industry’s achievements.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including representatives from Guestline, STR, Sabre, Venue Directory, Clarity Travel Management, and Wedding Dates, who shared their expertise on a range of topics, from AI strategies to booking direct. Attendees gained valuable insights into the current state of the industry and learned about practical steps to enhance their businesses.
Keynote Inspiration from Purusha Gordon
Adventurer and motivational speaker Purusha Gordon kicked off the afternoon session with a captivating keynote address. Known for her “I can and I will” approach, Purusha shared her inspiring story of leading an all-female rowing team across the Pacific Ocean, breaking a world record in the process. Her message of resilience, determination, and teamwork resonated deeply with the audience.
Industry Experts Sharing Valuable Insights
Attendees learned about the latest trends in social media marketing and strategies for engaging with their audience. They also discovered how AI can be used to optimise operations, improve customer experiences, and drive revenue. Additionally, attendees explored strategies to increase direct bookings and reduce reliance on third-party platforms. Finally, they gained insights into the challenges facing the hospitality industry and learned how to overcome them.
Recognising Industry Excellence
The conference also celebrated outstanding achievements in the industry. The Best Social Media Campaign award went to The Fairlawns Hotel for their innovative use of reels and social channels to relaunch their spa. Geoff Lofthouse of The Imperial Hotel received the Special Recognition Award for his 42 years of dedicated service to the industry and hotel. The Jockey Club Rooms was honoured with the Loved by Guests Awards for consistently achieving the highest guest review scores across all review platforms. The Gonville Hotel was named Sustainable Hotel of the Year for its commitment to sustainability and achieving Greengage’s ECOsmart Gold accreditation. Finally, The Post Barn at Donnington Valley was recognised as Events Space of The Year for its exceptional service, versatility, and positive feedback from key agency partners and event attendees.
New for 2024: Supplier Expo
This year’s conference featured a new and exciting addition: the Supplier Expo. This dedicated area provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with a variety of suppliers offering products and services that can help hoteliers improve their operations and enhance the guest experience.
A Day of Enrichment and Collaboration
The Classic British Hotels Annual Members Conference was more than just a gathering; it was a dynamic forum for hoteliers to connect, learn, and grow. Attendees not only gained invaluable insights from industry experts but also had ample opportunities to network with their peers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The event provided a space for members to share experiences, discuss challenges, and build lasting relationships. A delightful evening dinner offered a more casual setting for continued networking and forging new connections. The conference concluded with a sense of camaraderie and inspiration, leaving participants eager to apply the knowledge and connections gained to their own businesses.
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