New speakers added for trend-setting ttgluxury Seminar

Giovanni Donaldson, the co-founder of SideStory, a new experiential travel company which launched in London last year, is among a range of speakers to be added to the agenda.

SideStory focuses on connecting visitors to London with a range of “Insiders” from the creative, food and fashion communities in the capital. It has so far worked alongside travel partners such as Black Tomato, Mr & Mrs Smith, Onefinestay, Four Seasons, Hyatt and Truffle Pig.

Prior to starting SideStory, Donaldson was advisor to Ustwo.com, corporate development director / SVP for Virgin Group, head of corporate development at Virgin Atlantic, strategy director for TACA Airlines, and strategy consultant with Bain & Company.

Also speaking at the event will be James Wallman, the acclaimed author of Stuffocation, which explores why the world is moving towards the pursuit of experiences rather than the ownership of more "stuff".

A journalist and futurist, Wallman launched the now best-selling book in 2015 and also runs strategy, innovation and futures consultancy The Future is Here.

The annual ttgluxury Seminar, held in partnership with Aruba Tourism, will be taking place on October 20 at the Roof Gardens in Kensington, London and will look at a range of topics along with the experience economy, such as why hotel ratings matter and current trends in luxury travel sales.

Also now joining the line-up are Paula Fitzherbert, group director of public relations for Maybourne Hotel Group - which includes Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley - and John Licence, brand leader for Autograph Collection, Marriott’s fast-developing portfolio of independent hotels.

They join an already announced line-up, including Victoria Loomes, a senior trend analyst with TrendWatching, a leading trends and information provider worldwide.

Using a network of “spotters” in more than 90 countries, TrendWatching regularly delivers reports and forecasts to help businesses understand the new consumer, identify profitable innovation opportunities and create relevant brand experiences.

Along with hearing a presentation from Loomes, all delegates will also receive a copy of TrendWatching’s new book, Trend-Driven Innovation, to help them understand how trends can reconfigure their business.

Looking at how you find a way into consumers’ headspace in a tech-addicted world, but also encourage clients to sometimes switch off, will be the subject of a discussion with digital entrepreneur Tanya Goodin, founder of digital marketing agency Tamar. She has also now launched Time To Log Off, a range of digital-detox retreats.

Debating the issues affecting luxury travel advisors and providers will be Richard Dixon, director and founder of Holidaysplease, the luxury and long-haul homeworking business that now numbers 100 people and launched a new family focus last year.

Now joining Dixon will be Ed Burke, the founder of Seventy Ten Travel, a new luxury tour operator, travel agency and concierge service, which was launched last year.

Born with a passion for travel, Ed gained experience at two of the country’s leading tour operators, Kirker Holidays and Bailey Robinson, before launching Seventy Ten Travel in 2015.

Other previously announced speakers include Chris Fradin, the vice-president, client services Europe for Forbes Travel Guides, which has been rolling out its ratings and guide service across the continent in the past year.

The ttgluxury Seminar will be taking place for the eighth year, and will also be followed by Luxpo, the unique UK agent-supplier luxury meetings event that will take place in the afternoon.

Tickets for the event are £149 (VAT). Agents can attend for £99, as well as complimentary place at Luxpo.