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Speaker Programme & Workshops

Our 2023 speaker programme was a curated collection of industry experts, sharing invaluable insights and knowledge. From unravelling the mysteries of AI to navigating the intricacies of customer service excellence, and delving into the world of direct bookings, our speakers covered a diverse range of topics crucial to success in today’s dynamic business landscape.

We explored tomorrow’s tourism, legal compliance in the industry, and the art of networking for both business and personal growth. Entertained and enlightened with amusing anecdotes from 45 years of HR in our HR Mash Up session. We also delved into the essential skills needed for growth in business, tourism and hospitality, emphasizing apprenticeships, training, and professional development. Learned the secrets of effective paid advertising, harnessing the power of social and search to propel your business forward. Discovered how to build a brand that not only survives but thrives, and take your first steps towards a sustainable, net-zero future. It was a day of exceptional minds and extraordinary insights at Riviera Connect.

Speaker Programme

KEY
BURDETT
GRACE MURRELL SUITE A-C
GRACE MURRELL SUITE D
10.30am

Topic:

A Simple Introduction to AI: Using Artificial Intelligence for Growth and Efficiency for Torbay Businesses

Presenter:

Peter Blackler, Director of Insignia and Alan Gardiner, Lead Programmer at Insignia

Topic:

Innovate for Growth

Presenter:

Chris Baker, Director, Studio Zao
11.30am

Topic:

Connecting the Dots: Building a Brand that Thrives

Presenter:

Lee Potter, Creative Director, Bigwave Marketing

Topic:

Net Zero – Taking your first steps. Make it Net Zero Torbay Support Programme

Presenter:

Paul Gilbert, SWMAS
12.30pm

Topic:

A Guide to Paid Advertising – Using Social and Search to Grow your Business

Presenter:

Gemma Ross, Head of Paid Media, Bigwave Marketing

Topic:

Skills for Growth in Tourism and Hospitality. Apprenticeships, Training and Professional Development

Presenter:

Ben Pountney, Head of Apprenticeships and Business Solutions at South Devon College
1.30pm

Topic:

HR Mash Up - Funny and Salutary Stories from 45 years of HR

Presenter:

Holly Mapstone and Alison Benny, HR Specialist & Owner, Enlighten HR

Topic:

Grow your Direct Bookings

Presenter:

Heather Scott – Account Manager freetobook
2.30pm

Topic:

Tomorrow's Tourism

Presenter:

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive, English Riviera BID Company

Topic:

Networking for Business & Life

Presenter:

John Harvey, The Samphire Club. Business Development Expert.
3.30pm

Topic:

Delivering Customer Service Excellence. Unleashing the Power of Customer Service for Enhanced Experience and Brand Loyalty

Presenter:

James Revell, Director of Contact Solutions, Whistl

Topic:

Staying Legal in Tourism

Presenter:

Jon Dunkley, Partner and Head of Employment and Corporate and Commercial, Wollens

Workshops

In addition to our distinguished speaker sessions, Riviera Connect offers a series of engaging workshops designed to provide hands-on, practical knowledge. Learn the art of being discovered on TikTok, the platform that’s reshaping the social media landscape. Discover top strategies for viral response on LinkedIn and optimise your profile to stand out in the professional realm. Our networking experts will also share invaluable tips for forging meaningful connections that lead to lasting business relationships. Join us for a day of dynamic learning and networking opportunities that promise to elevate your business, tourism, and hospitality ventures.

Time:

11.00 am

Topic:

Exceptional Minds, Extraordinary Lives

Presenter:

Vic Williams

Time:

12 noon

Topic:

Maximising your LinkedIn Profile

Presenter:

Vic Williams, LinkedIn Local Trainer & Host

Time:

1.00pm

Topic:

Top Tips for Posting on LinkedIn for a Viral Response

Presenter:

Vic Williams, LinkedIn Local Trainer & Host

Time:

2.30pm

Topic:

How to be Discovered on TikTok

Presenter:

Flo Eggins, Senior Content Manager, Bigwave Marketing

Time:

3.30pm

Topic:

How to be Discovered on TikTok

Presenter:

Flo Eggins, Senior Content Manager, Bigwave Marketing
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