The Sussex Visitor Economy Conference: Skills & Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality
🔥 Be part of history – the very first Sussex Visitor Economy Conference!
This is a focused, practical morning for leaders, managers, and partners shaping the visitor experience across Sussex. It’s your chance to influence the future of our sector and take away actionable insights that will help your business thrive.
We’ll explore:
✅ The skills your teams need now and next
✅ How AI and digital marketing are changing the game
✅ How we can connect young people to careers in hospitality and tourism, so we grow sustainably and compete confidently
Welcome
- Ana Christie, Chief Executive of Sussex Chamber.
Ana leads Sussex Chamber of Commerce in driving growth and collaboration across the region’s business community, with a strong focus on the visitor economy. She champions initiatives that support tourism and hospitality businesses, advocates for skills development, and works closely with local and national partners to ensure Sussex remains a competitive and attractive destination for visitors.
- Jo Williams, Manager of Experience Sussex.
Jo leads collaborative initiatives to grow and promote Sussex’s tourism and hospitality sector, bringing together local authorities, businesses, destination organisations, transport partners, and funding bodies to deliver a unified Visitor Economy Plan for Growth.
Jo will give an update on the work of Experience Sussex and the LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) framework, what it means for local businesses, destinations, and collaboration in 2026 and beyond.
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.
- Connecting young people to careers—how employers can engage the next generation and use pathways like apprenticeships and Hospitality Passport.
We’ll capture live input via Slido (Q1: What are your challenges?).
Breakout Conversations: Fireside Style
After a short break, choose from three hosted fireside chats that take the panel themes further:
Breakout 1 – Skills: What’s happening & what’s available
Includes practical signposting to current training, Hospitality Passport, boot camps, apprenticeships pathways, and flexible options for small teams.
Outcome: Know which programmes you can use and how to access them quickly.
Breakout 2 – Marketing, AI & the rise of Gen Z
A fast, hands-on discussion focused on content, channels, and simple AI workflows (audience research, creative testing, multilingual support).
Outcome: A lightweight marketing toolkit you can apply next week—plus tips for measuring impact.
Breakout 3 – Connecting young people to careers in tourism/hospitality
Exploring practical ways to attract and retain the next generation of staff, including apprenticeships and employer engagement.
Outcome: Clear steps for building talent pipelines and partnerships.
Final Q&A: Shaping 2026 Together
We’ll bring everyone back for final Q&A and Slido questions:
- Q2: What potential do you see for 2026?
- Q3: What is your big message to Government?
We’ll summarise 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 tailored to international audiences and Gen Z.
- Practical ideas for connecting young people to careers in hospitality and tourism.
- 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.
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.
- Accessibility & dietary needs: let us know in advance.
- Bring: notes on your current skills gaps, a recent marketing example, and one priority you want solved in 2026.
🔥 This is the first-ever Sussex Visitor Economy Conference – a milestone event for our region. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.