NITB Industry Development Programme of Events 2011 - 2012

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Northern Ireland

NITB is pleased to offer you The Next Level Programme of Events 2011/12.

This year's Next Level Programme is tailored to the needs of an industry striving to make a big impact within short timescales. We will bring you information and research focusing on areas which we hope will equip you with the information you need to compete in the immediate future. Together we can address gaps and opportunities in the tourism arena through a range of exciting events covering relevant, up-to-date topics and learn from motivational speakers, who are renowned experts in their field.

Our Programme includes 2 Masterclasses; a variety of Business Insights and workshops; a Tourism Conference; Learning Journeys and tailored events specific to niche sectors within our industry.

Designed with busy schedules in mind our programme is perfect for busy professionals.

Programme Calendar

Master Classes

2012 Roadshow
- "Get Ready for 2012"
13th October 2011
- Belfast

10th November 2011
- Londonderry

24th November 2011
- Venue TBA

Learning Journeys

Hospitality Exchange
19th October 2011

The Future of Tourism
Ramada Plaza Hotel, Belfast
10.30am - 12.00pm

Northern Ireland has to attract more visitors and increase tourism spend. We need to understand what makes people want to visit and the role each of us has to play in delivering a positive result. Consumer analyst, Paul Flatters will look at future trends, adapting to changing consumer needs and what is happening on the global tourism front. Ufi Abrahim, head of the British Hospitality Association, will cover the tourism economy and the challenges the industry is facing. Kathryn Thomson from Northern Ireland Tourist Board will speak from this region's perspective and put the trends into a local context, outlining the specific actions NITB is taking to support the industry. Attending this session is testament to your commitment to the future success of your business. A real investment for the genuine hospitality professional. Mark Carruthers will host this event.

For further details visit www.hospitalityexchange.co.uk

 

Business Insights

Customer Service
30th September 2011
- Customer Service Event for the NI training network

26th January 2012
- "Spotlight on Service"

The Year of the Volunteer
27th October 2011

This year's spotlight is on the volunteer. This event will explore Best Practice in how to utilise volunteers ensuring excellence in recruitment, retention and that the best possible matches are made with the volunteer at the heart of decisions.

Tour Guiding NI - Challenges and Opportunities
15th November 2011

With growing visitor numbers and higher visitor expectations the next few years represent challenges and opportunities for the NI Tour Guide. This event aims to explore how we can rise to meet these challenges over the next two years and beyond. This event is targeted towards existing tour guides and those wishing to explore new horizons.

Tourism Conference

"2012" - Are you ready?
22nd March 2012

Last chance to tweak your plans and best position your business for the coming tourist season. NITB will be in a position to share the results of the most recent Visitor Attitude Survey.

A full day event with an inspiration Masterclass in the morning leading into a series of workshops in the afternoon covering key markets and showcasing those businesses who have re-aligned business plans in relation to 2012/13 initiatives.

 

Master Classes

"Tourism and Technology" - The power of visitor information
23rd February 2012

This masterclass will explore the changing role of the internet/search engines/booking engines/social media and challenge the tourism industry to innovate and embrace the challenges of the immediate future.

Sponsorship - Making "The Perfect Pitch!"
17th November 2011 - Belfast

This event is tailored for the needs of the NI Event's Industry aiming to increase the industry skill in pitching to business in order to secure sponsorship monies for NI events. This event will underpin the need to:

  • Support the development of a high quality events industry aligned to tourism
  • To drive up the quality of the tourism experience ensuring the sustainability and profitability of The NI Tourism Industry.

This event will afford you an opportunity to meet and learn from key sponsors and understand best practice behind creating the perfect pitch with insightful feedback from experts. This is a full day event with inspirational speakers and Dragon's Den interactive session.

Get for 2012/2013!

NITB's Tourism Conference in March 2011 set the scene for industry and focused on an urgent call to action in the immediate future. NITB and their partners communicated strongly that 2012 /13 presents Northern Ireland with unique opportunities delivering a year-long celebration of Northern Ireland that will inspire people at home and abroad to make this a must-see destination. 2012 represents a step change, an opportunity to promote the destination as a unique place to live, learn, work and visit. A time to drive up visitor numbers and generate economic impact. Derry~Londonderry UK City Of Culture 2013 extends a range of opportunities and builds a legacy into the future.

What can you do?

  • Get familiar with the 2012/13 programme and understand where and how you can make a difference to your business. Get with the programme!
  • Be an expert - know your products, prices and services and those of your partners. Does your local tour guide really know what you are all about?
  • Revise Business Plans and avail of all the research, insights and toolkits to inform your planning
  • Train staff in new customer service techniques to guarantee the warmest welcome is extended to your visitors.
  • Learn how to cluster and package your products and services to produce inspired experiences by maximising quality and value for money.
  • Know where and how to tap into funding streams and make the most of funding applications.
  • Explore unique opportunities this year such as volunteering and new product knowledge programmes
  • Engage with quality schemes which drive up value for money, offering unique experiences essential for repeat business and growth.
  • Understand technology as a growth delivery mechanism to increase business and drive up the quality of customer service and the visitor experience.
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Northern Ireland Tourist Board
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