Agents invited to attend second annual Icons of Inclusion conference

Travel agents, tour operators and members of the travel trade are eligible for complimentary tickets to the second annual Icons of Inclusion conference on July 21.

The full-day event, hosted at The Dorchester in London by consumer magazine OutThere, aims to inspire an inclusive future for luxury travel through a range of panel sessions, keynote speakers and fireside conversations.

The event will include sessions on hotel leadership, shaping the next generation of talent, women in business, the power of inclusive storytelling, amplifying trans and non-binary voices and the true meaning of authenticity.  

Speakers will include TV presenter and producer Sophie Morgan, Inclu Group chief executive Richard Thompson, PoB Hotels chief executive Kalindi Juneja, Malta Tourism Authority’s director for the UK and Ireland Tolene van der Merwe, Global Travel Moments chief executive Duncan Greenfield-Turk and Corinthia London general manager Charlotte Weatherall.

Sessions will run from 8.30am to 5.30pm and will be followed by networking drinks.

OutThere editor-in-chief Uwern Jong said: “Icons of Inclusion is a rallying call to the tourism industry’s boldest thinkers and changemakers. It’s a gathering of visionary thought leaders, driving the future of travel and hospitality through representation, personalisation and purpose.

“At a time when hard-won progress in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion is under threat, Icons of Inclusion champions disruptive ideas, intersectional dialogue, honest conversations and inspiring voices, to empower luxury travel industry professionals to create meaningful change.”

He added: “The luxury travel industry is one known for its exceptional standards of intuitive hospitality that provides bespoke experiences so that each and every traveller and guest feels more than just welcomed, but that their unique needs are catered for.

“Given hospitality is, by its very nature, inviting to all, a perception prevails that the industry by default is inclusive of all. However, this narrative overlooks the fact that we may not have the life experience to consider the unique needs of diverse communities, and the fact that unconscious bias can negatively impact the way we think and behave towards others. This is echoed by the sentiments of many people – travellers, guests and those who work in the industry – who feel under-represented because of the way the industry operates.”

Aspire is the event’s trade media partner. Other sponsors include Enjoy Illinois, Halal Travel Network, Hertelier, IGLTA, Explore Charleston, Inclu Group, Queer Weddings and Travel Connection Group.

To register for a complimentary ticket, click here. The full schedule and programme can be viewed at iconsofinclusion.com