Hays Travel Independence Group Conference 2025
As a valued member of our consortia, we look forward to welcoming you to the stunning Carden Park Hotel - a luxury country hotel in the heart of the Cheshire countryside - for our Hays Travel Independence Group UK Conference 2025.
We have a packed agenda to explore our theme: Strategy and Investment for Business Growth; and the inspirational and informative speakers we have lined up are set to share insider insight and practical tools to support you and your business growth ambitions. We are also delighted that our headline partners TUI, P&O Cruises, and Riviera Travel will join us on stage.
With a supplier showcase, gala dinner, and plenty of opportunities for networking with fellow members of our Hays Travel Independence Group consortia, we are sure you will agree that there is much to look forward to.
Travel to the hotel
Address:
Carden Park Hotel, Broxton Rd, Chester CH3 9DQ
Travelling by Car:
Sat nav postcode: SY14 7HZ
Carden Park offers free on-site car parking and electric charging points available.
Travelling by Rail:
Crewe Station is only 30 minutes away by taxi; Chester Station is 14 miles from Carden Park.
Arrival Time
11:00 Arrival and check-in
12:00 Informal buffet lunch
12:45 Conference sessions open
Dress Code
Conference sessions: Business wear
Gala dinner: Black tie
Trade Exhibition appointments
We know that networking with fellow Independence Group members and supplier partners is an important part of your Conference experience.
Booking a slot with suppliers attending our trade exhibition will guarantee that you will meet everyone you need to. Look out for an email from events@hays-travel.co.uk containing your unique log-in credentials to arrange your appointments.
Monday 31st March
All sessions take place in the Carden Suite.
|
Time |
Presentation title |
Presenter |
Open / Closed Session |
|
12:45 - 12:50 |
Welcome and open |
Harriet Thompson |
Closed |
|
12:50 - 13:20 |
P&O Cruises |
Lynsey Roberts & Sharnie Bruce |
Closed |
|
Suppliers to Enter Conference Room |
|||
|
13:25 - 13:40 |
Industry Update |
Dame Irene Hays |
Open |
|
13:40 - 13:55 |
Strategy for Growth |
Lisa McAuley |
Open |
|
13:55 - 14:10 |
Investment for Growth |
Jonathon Woodall-Johnston |
Open |
|
14:10 - 14:20 |
Viva Holidays |
Shubhang Gupta |
Open |
|
14:20 - 14:30 |
Mel's Travel |
Mel Robson |
Open |
|
14:30 - 14:45 |
Member Panel |
Lisa McAuley |
Open |
|
Tea / Coffee Break 14:45 - 15:00 |
|||
|
15:00 - 15:15 |
Business Update |
Jonathon Woodall-Johnston |
Closed |
|
15:15 - 15:30 |
Independence Group Results |
Harriet Thompson |
Closed |
|
15:30 - 16:00 |
TUI |
Andrew Isherwood & Hayley Vaughan |
Closed |
|
16:00 - 16:20 |
Commercial Update |
Claire Gibson |
Closed |
|
16:20 - 16:50 |
Riviera Travel |
Claire Hills & Lloyd Morris |
Closed |
|
16:50 - 17:10 |
Cruise Update |
Catriona Parsons |
Closed |
|
17:10 - 17:15 |
Summary & Close |
Harriet Thompson |
Closed |
Evening Arrangements
Theme: Black tie
|
Time |
Activity |
Location |
Open / Closed Session |
|
19:30 - 20:00 |
Pre-Dinner Drinks |
Goldies Lounge |
Open |
|
20:00 - 20:15 |
Awards |
Carden Suite |
Open |
|
20:15 - 22:15 |
Gala Dinner |
Carden Suite |
Open |
|
22:15 - 00:00 |
Evening Entertainment |
DJ & Casino Tables |
Open |
Tuesday 1st April
|
Time |
Presentation title |
Presenter |
Open / Closed Session |
|
09:00 – 10:45 |
Supplier Trade Exhibition |
Open |
|
|
10:45 – 11:15 Coffee Break |
|||
|
11:15 – 12:30 |
Supplier Trade Exhibition |
Open |
|
|
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch |
|||
Our supplier partners are welcome to attend all open sessions.
If you have any questions, please email events@hays-travel.co.uk or call Steph Cope Head of Events on 07464 548 093 or Harriet Thompson Head of Independence Group on 07885 897 275.
We look forward to welcoming you at Carden Park Hotel.