Delegate Spotlight
This special feature page shines a light on some of the incredible individuals attending this year’s ITT Conference.
Here, you'll discover insights directly from our delegates, why they’re attending, what they’re most looking forward to, and what makes the ITT Conference such a standout event in the travel calendar.
We encourage you to read the below to get a feel for the excitement building around the event – and of course, register to join us in stunning Sardinia if you haven’t already!
Cat Jordan, Communications Director, Travelzoo
As proud members of ITT, Cat believes the annual Conference is the standout event of the year, a perfect opportunity to learn, network, and explore new business opportunities.
Travelzoo is delighted to be a sponsor and Cat is looking forward to enjoying the stunning food, beautiful setting, and engaging conversations it promises.
From start to finish, Cat sees the Conference as an invaluable chance to connect with fellow travel professionals and be inspired by the talented and thought-provoking speakers ITT brings together.
As proud members of ITT, Cat believes the annual Conference is the standout event of the year, a perfect opportunity to learn, network, and explore new business opportunities.
Travelzoo is delighted to be a sponsor and Cat is looking forward to enjoying the stunning food, beautiful setting, and engaging conversations it promises.
From start to finish, Cat sees the Conference as an invaluable chance to connect with fellow travel professionals and be inspired by the talented and thought-provoking speakers ITT brings together.
Leon McQuaid, Director Aviation Development, Newcastle International Airport
This year’s line-up is no exception, with Leon particularly looking forward to sessions from Dame Irene Hays, Garry Wilson, Alan Cross and, on a personal note, Kevin Sinfield.
His main goal is to reconnect with existing contacts and build new relationships, with the Welcome Party standing out as a key networking opportunity.
Leon believes the Conference is vital for the industry, offering rare access to senior decision makers and opening doors that wouldn’t be possible without face-to-face engagement.
Ben Duhig, Managing Director, Bluesoup
Returning for the fifth time since 2014, Ben is heading back to the ITT Conference, and for him, it’s always been about one thing: the people.
From catching up with industry colleagues to making new connections, Ben values the chance to build relationships that truly matter.
This year, he’s particularly looking forward to hearing from Kevin Sinfield. As a rugby fan and someone who believes in the power of people to do good, that session is top of his list.
Ben’s goal for the conference is to reconnect, strengthen ties, and meet potential new partners for Bluesoup. With a strong mix of formal and informal networking throughout, he believes the real value of the ITT Conference lies in the quality of people it brings together.
From catching up with industry colleagues to making new connections, Ben values the chance to build relationships that truly matter.
This year, he’s particularly looking forward to hearing from Kevin Sinfield. As a rugby fan and someone who believes in the power of people to do good, that session is top of his list.
Ben’s goal for the conference is to reconnect, strengthen ties, and meet potential new partners for Bluesoup. With a strong mix of formal and informal networking throughout, he believes the real value of the ITT Conference lies in the quality of people it brings together.
Iain Baillie, Vice President International Sales, Carnival Cruise Line
Iain is returning to the ITT Conference for 2025, he’s been able to carve out time to attend this year and is looking forward to catching up with familiar faces, making new connections and seeing how the Conference has evolved since his last visit.
For Iain, the value of the conference lies in the opportunity to hear live industry updates and spend quality time face-to-face with decision-makers from across the travel sector, all with the aim of exploring future growth opportunities and strengthening partnerships.
Iain is returning to the ITT Conference for 2025, he’s been able to carve out time to attend this year and is looking forward to catching up with familiar faces, making new connections and seeing how the Conference has evolved since his last visit.
For Iain, the value of the conference lies in the opportunity to hear live industry updates and spend quality time face-to-face with decision-makers from across the travel sector, all with the aim of exploring future growth opportunities and strengthening partnerships.
Lee Ainsworth, Director of Strategy, Advantage Travel Partnership
Lee is attending the ITT Conference for its uniquely diverse delegate list and the exceptional networking opportunities that come with it.
He values the wide range of conference sessions, which reflect the breadth of attendees and offer a well-rounded view of the latest industry insights and discussions. Lee is particularly excited about the session ‘AI in Travel – A revolution bigger than the Internet’, recognising it as a hot topic that has the potential to transform the travel industry. He sees AI as a pivotal tool for unlocking the next phase of growth, with the power to shape the future success and ambition of travel businesses of all sizes.
Roger Mallock, Chichester Branch Manager, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents
A Fellow of the Institute for over 15 years, Roger is attending his first ITT Conference, drawn by the impressive destination and venue. He’s particularly looking forward to hearing from speakers like John Bevan and Antonio Paradiso, while making valuable new connections and reconnecting with industry peers.
Roger hopes to raise the profile of Fred. Olsen Travel within the ITT community and gain insights into new trends, products, and opportunities to drive greater efficiency. A passionate networker, he believes the Conference offers a powerful platform for engagement and describes it as the aspirational flagship event the industry needs – with Sardinia providing the perfect setting.
A Fellow of the Institute for over 15 years, Roger is attending his first ITT Conference, drawn by the impressive destination and venue. He’s particularly looking forward to hearing from speakers like John Bevan and Antonio Paradiso, while making valuable new connections and reconnecting with industry peers.
Roger hopes to raise the profile of Fred. Olsen Travel within the ITT community and gain insights into new trends, products, and opportunities to drive greater efficiency. A passionate networker, he believes the Conference offers a powerful platform for engagement and describes it as the aspirational flagship event the industry needs – with Sardinia providing the perfect setting.
Gail Kenny, Chair, Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment
Gail Kenny, Chair of Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment, was inspired to attend the conference largely due to its location, Sardinia, a destination she’s never visited despite a lifelong career in travel.
She’s excited about several speakers, particularly Cat Jones for her insights on eco-travel, and Bart Quinton Smith, the new CMO at TUI and former Google exec. However, Kevin Sinfield stands out most for her, his legendary rugby career and remarkable efforts raising awareness and funds for MND are truly inspiring.
Gail’s goal is to learn new things and meet new people, and she’s looking forward to all the networking opportunities. She believes the conference is vital for the industry, which constantly faces challenges beyond its control, and values the chance to share perspectives and gain fresh insight.
Gail Kenny, Chair of Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment, was inspired to attend the conference largely due to its location, Sardinia, a destination she’s never visited despite a lifelong career in travel.
She’s excited about several speakers, particularly Cat Jones for her insights on eco-travel, and Bart Quinton Smith, the new CMO at TUI and former Google exec. However, Kevin Sinfield stands out most for her, his legendary rugby career and remarkable efforts raising awareness and funds for MND are truly inspiring.
Gail’s goal is to learn new things and meet new people, and she’s looking forward to all the networking opportunities. She believes the conference is vital for the industry, which constantly faces challenges beyond its control, and values the chance to share perspectives and gain fresh insight.