Delegates take their seats aboard a ride with a difference at Alton Towers!
25/02/2010
"New Vision, again, provided a stimulating forum, to hear and discuss developments in destination management technology, with colleagues from across the industry."
Andrew Daines, Visit Britain
New Vision welcomed clients and guests from across the UK for the 9th Tourism Technology Forum held at Alton Towers on 25 February 2010.
"We thank all our clients who travelled by various means to the rolling countryside of Staffordshire to join us for this hugely popular event. Our clients always tell us how worthwhile and extremely useful the day is - and this year was no exception" said Ben Tagg, MD.
An unsual venue!
"Excellent venue choice!"
Craig Nattress, Ryedale District Council
The somewhat unconventional conference venue of Alton Towers provided an exceptional backdrop to a stimulating and thought-provoking event; delegates were treated to an exhilarating ride through the latest technology advancements supporting the UK tourism industry. But there were no high speed thrills on this ride, instead plenty of time for delegates to network, mingle and share ideas with their peers from other destinations.
Anyone for a drink?
Before we got down to business, the New Vision team and clients got together socially for a drink or two on Wednesday evening at the poolside drinks reception where we had exclusive access to the Cariba Creek Water Park by night! The unusual setting certainly provoked some light-hearted banter and provided an opportunity for our clients to meet and chat with members of the New Vision Support, Web and Development teams in a relaxed environment.
Social Media - fad or revolution?
"If Facebook were a country it would be the 4th biggest in the world"
Just one extract from a powerful and energetic presentation by Alex Rehm, Deputy Web Team Leader at New Vision on why Social Media is a compelling element of an effective marketing strategy.
Andy Jones from Alton Towers' PR Department provided a real-life example of social media marketing in action by demonstrating how they're marketing their latest £15m ride via their online community.
Helping our clients get a better return on investment
"The [New Vision] e-marketing system generates more money than anything we do online"
David Clarke, East of England Tourism
Arguably the greatest benefit delegates took away with them was a host of tips, advice and information on how to get a better return on their DMS investment. We've responded to today's challenging economic climate by helping our clients make the most of the tools and modules already available to them.
The panel discussion provided a platform to debate, probe and analyse the issues driving Tourism today. The day was rounded off with a tantalising look at the some of the New Vision system developments in the pipeline or on the drawing board for the coming months.
A valuable information gathering and sharing opportunity
"A very useful day - well worth the time out of the office"
Roy Cooper, CV One
By lunch time there was already lots to talk about! The relaxed informal break provided a perfect opportunity for delegates to share thoughts on the morning session and to continue discussions with New Vision team members. They also had an opportunity to talk to New Vision Partners about their latest service and product offering.
Many of our clients say this is a particularly useful element of the conference.
Informative workshop sessions
"It was difficult to choose which workshop to attend - they're all so interesting!"
Muriel Marty, Shakespeare Country
With the wide range of topics including the latest content management system - Modular CMS, top tips for your website, generating revenue from Events and Better Business Communications, it's not surprising some delegates couldn't choose!
Our tip for next year's event is to bring along several of your colleagues so that you can really benefit from all the sessions offered. But in the meantime you can access all the presentations from DC.net > Your Account > Online Resources.
And the lucky winners....
Before everyone headed home, there was one more very important part of the day - awarding the three pairs of free passes to the Alton Towers Resort.
Our congratulations go to the lucky winners, Christina Whelan from Leicester Shire Promotions, Stephen Goodall from Rugby Borough Council and Rebekah Hall from Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.
We're sure you're all eager to try out the latest ride ‘Th13teen' - combining the ultimate elements of physical and psychological fear, experts have dubbed it a 'psychoaster'. Enjoy!
If you couldn't join us this time....
If you're a destionation-centre user remember you can access notes, information and presentations online from Your Account > Onlilne Resources.
...but want to join us next time?
Planning is already underway for the 2011 Tourism Technology Forum - make a note of the date, Thursday 10 February, and register your interest today to receive further details as soon as they are published.