The Blackpool-based agency and cruise specialist, which operates the Southampton Cruise Centre brand, has promised to “reset the compass” regarding conferences, arguing there are too many in the calendar. It has now switched to a biennial format and will hold the 2026 event at Ibiza’s Grand Palladium Palace hotel from 6-9 May.
Chief executive Phil Nuttall said: “Earlier this year, I shared my concerns about the unsustainable pace our industry has set for supplier partners with events, awards, conferences, etc, especially in the months leading up to Christmas.”
He claimed hosting the event in May was “smarter timing”, avoiding high-pressure periods for both operators and agents. “We have reflected on this and taken the decision to play our part by moving to an early season date," he continued.
"This conference will not be an expectation placed on our suppliers, but an invitation to partner in a way that is valuable, respectful and energising.”
Nuttall has in the past argued funds used to attend a series of conferences by operators could be redirected towards marketing support for agents, and warned the industry was in danger of "breaking" sales and business development managers due to their punishing schedules.
He added: “We have implemented a ‘Respectful Supplier Participation’ invitation. Our supplier partners will not be expected to attend as a given. Instead, they will be invited to evaluate the opportunity and invest only if they see clear, mutual value – both financially and relationally.”
The event is entitled Building Tomorrow’s Travel Business and will major on embracing Artificial Intelligence.
Managing director Paula Nuttall also hinted at a change of format. "While we can’t give too much away, we have moved forward from what we did and learned in Cyprus, which at the time was quite innovative and relaxed, to a format that is heavily weighted towards ROI [return on investment] between our business owners and our suppliers.”
The pair hope the event will embody a “sustainable and human approach to business”, adding: “The 2026 conference will reflect that – not just in destination, but in design.”
