Designer Travel to host festival-style overnight event for agents

Designer Travel will host its inaugural Designer Fest on Thursday (September 25), with nearly 200 people expected to attend.

The event, taking place at Nailcote Hall, near Berkswell, Warwickshire, on September 25, will host a combination of the agency’s team and more than 37 industry partners.

The daytime section will give agents a chance to meet suppliers in a “relaxed and informal environment”, while the evening portion will offer a “full-scale festival experience” including live performances.

Designer Travel joint managing director Amanda Matthews said: “It’s shaping up to be a high-octane, fun-filled event.”

From midday, agents will have the opportunity to meet “leading” brands as well as newer operators offering non-mainstream products.

There will also be updates on the luxury travel market, the cruise sector and a range of “niche and specialist suppliers”.

In the evening, in addition to the live performances, the venue will host fairground attractions, a tombola recognising the top-performing homeworkers in the lates season, a glitter station and festival-style food and drink.

The event will also operate a ‘Loved Again Boutique’ offering people the chance to buy and sell new and “preloved” items, with proceeds going to worthy causes.

“It’s a great chance to grab a bargain, support sustainability and give back,” said joint managing director Karen Pocock.

Matthews added: “At the start of the year, our team expressed a wish to gather more often – beyond just our annual conference and Christmas.

“We explored many options and a festival that includes our key partners felt like the perfect way to do something immersive, inclusive and truly different.”

Overnight accommodation will be provided.