The Expedition Cruise Network (ECN) has announced a host of industry leaders and experts will take part in its first conference in London next month.
Taking place on 1-2 October at Bankside Hotel in London, the conference will run plenary sessions and optional seminar programmes for around 100 travel trade delegates.
The sessions will look at the industry landscape and issues it faces, as well as different sectors.
Polar Latitudes Director of Sales & Business Development UK/Europe Conny Bartl and AE Expeditions Senior Business Development Manager Katie Harbour will join a panel to discuss expedition cruising in Antarctica.
A luxury expedition cruising panel will feature Ponant General Manager UK and Ireland Anthony Daniels, Scenic Director of Discovery Operations Jason Flesher, Silversea Managing Director Peter Shanks and Hapag Lloyd Cruises International Sales Manager Karen Lentz.
On day two there will a session to discuss insights and tips on selling expedition cruising.
Speakers include Mundy Cruising Director of Sales Alex Loizou, Kenwood Travel Head of Cruise Emma Sanger-Horwell, Wildfoot Travel Commercial Director James Turner and John Galligan, Owner of John Galligan Travel.
There will also be a chance to learn about expedition cruising to warmer weather destinations with Swan Hellenic General Manager UK & Ireland Mario Bounas, and a focus on the Arctic with the likes of Quark Expeditions National Strategic Key Account Manager for UK & Ireland Sarah Schlederer.
ECN has already announced polar adventurer Tudor Morgan and broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls will also be speaking at the event.
ECN CEO Akvile Marozaite said: “I’m so excited to hear from these fascinating professionals who make up the most dynamic sector in travel. We’ve gathered speakers from 14 different nationalities, 15 different expedition cruise operators, senior industry figures, expedition team leaders and insiders, who will all come together to speak to travel trade professionals who will hold 750 face-to-face meetings with expedition cruise operator members and who are keen to improve their knowledge and forge vital commercial connections in the expedition cruise sector.”
To view the full conference line up and speaker line up click here.