National Attractions Marketing Conference 2017 — Alton Towers
Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire · One inspirational day, in person
The 2017 National Attractions Marketing Conference welcomed the UK visitor attractions marketing community to Alton Towers Resort for a full day of ideas, advice and practical tips. Hosted by Martin Evans of The Tourism Business, the day was built around a simple premise — getting the marketing “P’s” right — with sessions structured across People, Promotions, Process, Price and beyond.
The morning opened with Max Clapham (Research Director, BDRC Continental) on the state of the market for UK attractions, followed by a keynote on the future of search from Ian Miller (Chief Executive, Crafted). Tom McLoughlin (SEO Travel) tackled Facebook for attractions, Caroline Sanger-Davies (Chester Zoo) shared how to turn an attraction into a TV personality off the back of “The Secret Life of the Zoo,” and Sarah Williamson (Boyes Turner) walked delegates through what the incoming GDPR would mean for direct marketing.
The afternoon ranged across augmented reality for attractions with Nicola Said (Marketing Cheshire) and Catherine Hodgson (Durham Cathedral), capitalising on international tourism growth with Diane Glover (The Beatles Story), selling more tickets and memberships with Debbie Richards (Baker Richards), a digital marketing case study from Anita Waddell (Agility Marketing), and a closing session on marketing with a small budget from Peter Williamson (Merrivale Model Village).
With thanks to the 2017 main sponsor, BDRC Continental; to host venue Alton Towers Resort; and to the supporting organisations — ALVA, VisitEngland, VisitBritain and the Tourism Society — who helped make the day possible.
