The Sussex Visitor Economy Conference: Skills & Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality is a focused, practical morning for leaders, managers, and partners shaping the visitor experience across Sussex. We’ll look squarely at the skills your teams need now and next, how AI and digital marketing are changing the game, and what a shared Sussex vision for visitors could look like—so we can grow sustainably and compete confidently.
You’ll hear a welcome from Ana Christie, Chief Executive of Sussex Chamber, and a scene-setting update from Jo Williams on Experience Sussex investment and the LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) framework, what it means for local businesses, destinations, and collaboration in 2026 and beyond. From there, we move into a high-energy panel and interactive sessions, designed to leave you with tools, contacts, and clear next steps.
Opening Panel: Skills & Innovation
Our panel explores three big questions:
- Skills for the future—where the gaps are, what’s working, and how to build resilient, customer-ready teams.
- Marketing with AI—how to blend human creativity with AI tools to reach the right audiences, including international visitors and Gen Z.
- A whole-Sussex visitor vision—what coordinated action looks like across attractions, hospitality, destinations, and transport.
We’ll capture live input via Slido (Q1: What are your challenges?)
Workshops / Panel Chats: Deep Dives
After a short break, choose from two concurrent workshop sessions that take the panel themes further:
-
Skills: What’s happening & what’s available
A practical deep dive led by two panelists. Expect signposting to current training, apprenticeship pathways, flexible options for small teams, and approaches to retention and progression. Outcome: know which programmes you can use and how to access them quickly. -
AI & Marketing: Reaching international markets + rise of Gen Z
A fast, hands-on discussion focused on content, channels, and simple AI workflows (e.g., audience research, creative testing, and multilingual support). Outcome: a lightweight marketing toolkit you can apply next week—plus tips for measuring impact.
Final Q&A: Shaping 2026 Together
We’ll bring everyone back for final Q&A and Slido questions, capturing what you want to see next year
(Q2: What potential do you see for 2026?) and your big message to Government
(Q3: What is your big message to Gov for 2026?).
We’ll summarise the live votes, share thanks, and move straight into networking, with the Business Support team available for quick follow-up conversations.
What You’ll Take Away
- Clarity on skills pathways relevant to Sussex tourism & hospitality, with named providers and contacts.
- A simple AI-enabled marketing toolkit (channels, content ideas, and measurement basics) tailored to international audiences and Gen Z.
- A shared set of priorities for 2026, captured live via Slido and published post-event.
- New connections: peers, partners, and support services that can help you act now..
Who Should Attend
Leaders and managers in hospitality, attractions, venues, events, destinations, transport, and business services supporting the visitor economy. If you own, manage, or market a visitor-facing experience in Sussex, this morning is for you.
How We’ll Use Your Input
Your Slido answers and room contributions will be compiled into a short post-event brief:
- Top challenges and priority actions.
- Practical offers from partners and training providers.
On-the-Day Practicalities
- Registration & refreshments from 08:30 (doors open), with name tags ready.
- Photos: we’ll ask on arrival if you’re happy to be included; photography supports post-event sharing.
- Accessibility & dietary needs: let us know in advance and at registration, we’ll accommodate.
- Bring: a few notes on your current skills gaps, a recent marketing example, and one priority you want solved in 2026.