Arrive at the venue, checkin for the day and grab a coffee, then join us at the main stage for a welcome speech from Calum Di Lieto, C&IT Editor.

A fascinating exploration of how events can transport attendees into a different world or mindset. From using lighting and sound to set the mood, to creating interactive installations that encourage exploration and discovery, how can we creatively craft an unforgettable experience? The focus will be on storytelling, creating a sense of awe and wonder, and finding ways to engage all five senses. By using creativity to break free of the standard conference room setup, we can create events that are truly memorable.

There has been much discussion around the topic of sustainability in the industry, but we have yet to pinpoint specific industry actions to make our industry more accountable and more sustainable. The key to this, is agreeing a series of measurements that can be monitored, we need a widely adopted industry-standard for measuring delegate carbon footprints. Our panellists have already made some progress in this area and are now happy to share their experience and processes in a bid to achieve higher adoption of the industry standard. As well as calculating the emissions associated with delegate travel, venues, F&B and exhibit materials, the panel will explore how to reduce delegates’ carbon footprints through thoughtful and practical initiatives that won’t break the budget. We would like this session to lead to an agreement around an industry standard for measuring delegate carbon
footprints so that we can all create more sustainable events.

As corporate event planning continues to evolve, the role of the event planner is becoming more advisory and consultative. How can you build effective relationships with your stakeholders, manage their expectations, and create a consultative approach to your work? The session will get under the skin of the challenge around creating meaningful interactions, we will look at the struggles faced by corporate event planners when managing procurement, and share strategies to help streamline internal processes.

With more and more time being taken up with pitching, it’s essential that you focus your efforts on pitches you are likely to win. The presentation will identify strategies for pitching less and winning more such as building relationships before pitching, being selective with pitches, and using creative strategies to stand out. Focus on quality over quantity, target pitches that are aligned with your agency expertise, and use multimedia elements for engagement.

Exploring emerging trends shaping the luxury travel industry and how these trends will impact incentive travel in the future. From changing priorities, including a growing interest in sustainable and socially responsible travel, to the increasing importance of personalised and curated travel experiences, you will gain a deeper understanding of how incentive travel programmes can adapt to meet the evolving needs and expectations of future luxury travellers.

In a novel approach we look at how you can use data, tools and training to build diverse, equitable and inclusive organisations. From how to improve diversity through hiring, and keeping, different people to ways to be an effective ally in the workplace, the session give you tools and techniques to make a real difference in your organisation.

Featuring Andrew Perrott from Chorus and Becky Harmer, Snap & LinkedIn, this session is a conversation about the importance of creativity in events, how to spark the creative process and why it’s worth pursuing those dangerous ideas.

This fast-paced interactive session is an opportunity to pick up a whole host of practical ideas to implement in your trips. The challenge is to name your most memorable destination, hotel or food experience and why. This is an open mic session. We will start with some ideas from industry leaders to get our creative juices flowing and then you are encouraged to jump up and add your ideas and experiences.

The panel, 50/50 GenZ and GenX/Y, will discuss managing and working in a multigenerational workforce with a focus on how to recruit, motivate and retain GenZ talent.

Brief closing remarks from our C&IT Editor, Calum Di Lieto

Sign off for 2023 Festival of Forums in style at York's only rooftop bar and restaurant - SORA.