Q. As the new Event Manager, what are you hoping to bring to WTCE?
I’ve worked for 14 years in exhibitions in different roles and across a range of industries. With each industry that you serve, you just have to throw yourself it and take the lead from the people around you. With my knowledge of events, combined with the support of the industry, our goal is to develop WTCE each year and to make sure we’re serving the industry and giving attendees the right content. I’ve also got a fantastic support network within the WTCE team, which is important when you come in as a newbie!
Q. What’s new at WTCE this year?
So much is new for 2025. As soon as I started working on the show, I realised how many new products and players are coming into the industry, bringing innovative ideas and solutions. I visited WTCE last year and the New Exhibitor Village is a brilliant concept. There are 80 new exhibitors and you can taste and try new things – marshmallows from Denmark, delicious food from the Loire, and well-known names like Capri-Sun who are making their debut. You’ll definitely be well fed at WTCE!
We also have a new Tech Ambassador, Kai Kosicki, and a new Tech Trail, which has been launched following the success of our Steps to Sustainability and Wellbeing Walk-Through trails. These are designed to make things easier for attendees by highlighting the key exhibitors in those areas.
Q. What are the other highlights?
Of course, the Taste of Travel Theatre has been a key part of the programme for many years now and informs and inspires attendees. It’s a great networking opportunity and delegates will leave armed with information and knowledge they can take back to their role. The line-up for this year is great. There really is something for anyone.
Q. What do you think will be the major talking points at the show?
I think personalisation will be a big theme – looking at customer loyalty and what we can do data to create a more personalised experience for passengers. I think there’ll be a focus on AI, data insights and fraud prevention. People will also be talking about wellness, sustainability, inclusivity and technology. Those are my guesses, but who knows? Something else might come along and surprise us.
Q. What’s your advice to first-time visitors?
My biggest piece of advice is to plan your visit. There is so much to see and do, so you need to come in with a game plan. A first point of call should be the WTCE website, which has directories of all the exhibitors and is split into categories. Our app, WTCE Connect, enables you to browse the exhibitor list and arrange meetings and add them to your calendar. One of the other things I would recommend is to spend some time on the first day just walking around the show and getting familiar with the floor plan, so you know your way around and don’t get lost!
