Travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder has been announced as a keynote speaker at the Advantage Conference being held at the Savoy Palace Hotel, Madeira on April 29-May 2.

He will be joined by Advantage CEO, Julia Lo Bue-Said, and Chief Executive of Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade, to look at how the pandemic has changed the industry.   

On day one of the conference, delegates will also hear from a panel of industry leaders, as they discuss ‘their view from the top’.

The panellists include Simon McNamara, IATA; Joanna Kolatsis, Themis Advisory Ltd; Martin Alcock, Travel Trade Consultancy; and Kelly Cookes, Advantage’s own Leisure Director.

Chris Lewis, Founder & CEO of Business Travel data specialists Travelogix, will also share the latest travel statistics.

“This is the first in-person conference Advantage has held in two years and perhaps even more special than usual following the exceptional journey the industry has been on during this time,” said Lo Bue-Said.

“The 2022 conference will be an opportunity to consider where we have been, what we have learned, and what the future holds, all while underscoring the importance of continued government engagement for the sector.  

“We’re very excited to welcome attending members, supplier partners, and media from both the trade and consumer press, and hope everyone will come away inspired by our incredible line-up of speakers, ready to drive the sector forward with actionable insights, and refreshed from the incredible surroundings of Madeira.”  

The three-day conference will also include TedEx style presentations on subjects including sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, and mental health.

The speakers supporting these sessions are founder of Thrust Carbon, Mark Corbett; Uwern Jong, Founder & Experientialist in Chief from Out There magazine; and Bilal Nasim, client partner and senior trainer from mental welfare specialists, Tough Cookie.  

The plenary sessions will end with a keynote deliveredby Jason Bevan, who spent his career pushing the boundaries of creativity at Warner Bros and Disney, working on films ranging from Harry Potter to the DC universe.

Delegates will also be able to network and meet with suppliers during a speed-dating session, Advantages’ infamous Dine-Arounds, as well as the welcome party and farewell dinner.