Member Events

Latest meeting held 23rd November 2020

During our last meeting Lisa Bone explained how Visit Essex is planning for business recovery over the coming months, the latest consumer research and tips on how best to promote yourself in these uncertain times. You can download the presentation slides here 

We also heard from two Essex businesses, West Street Vineyard and Wivenhoe House, on how they have survived and adapted their business this year which was very inspiring.  The session ended with members divided into breakout groups where they could discuss the following topics:

• What opportunities have occurred as a result of COVID  e.g. new audiences, product, ways of operating?
• Do you have anything new for next year planned?
• Were you busier over the summer than you expected?
• What are your concerns regarding BREXIT or COVID?

Previous meetings

This years conference, planned for April at Chelmsford City Racecourse was sadly cancelled due to Covid -19 restrictions. Instead we held two virtual meetings in the spring  to update members on the latest covid-19 advice and present our marketing strategies for the summer. Lisa Bone's presentation from our June meeting is available to download here.

We were pleased in May to be joined by the Tourism Minister, Nigel Huddelston MP who answered members questions and listened to their growing concerns. In June members had the opportunity to hear from Marks Hall Gardens, who had already opened, to find out what lessons they had learnt and Mary Tebje ran a short session on how best to communicate your changes to customers.

The 2019 Visit Essex Annual Conference took place on Tuesday 26th March at Layer Marney Tower, nr Colchester.  The event began with a National update and BREXIT predictions from Kurt Janson, Tourism Alliance, followed by Lisa Bone, Strategic Manager Visit Essex, explaining the opportunities for the coming year. Emma Tatlow then gave an interesting talk on how to create bookable experiences and commercial opportunities.  The final presentation  was given by Eoin Culligan, Expedia, who demonstrated how they could work with members to increase their reach.

After a networking lunch members were given the opportunity to attend a series of workshops from "How to turn your offer into an experience and bookable product" by Emma Tatlow, "Grow your Travel Trade" by Mike Newman, b2me Tourism Marketing to "What does Essex mean to you/Creating a sense of place" by Go to Places.

Presentations available to download

►  Kurt Janson, Tourism Alliance    ►  Lisa Bone, Visit Essex 

►  Emma Tatlow     ►  Eoin Culigan, Expedia

Each summer we organise a networking event, kindly hosted at one of our members venues. This is a great opportunity for members to meet, find out the latest information from Visit Essex whilst enjoying a barbecue or activity in great surroundings.

Last summer was hosted by Clayhill Vineyard. With its fantastic views across the Crouch valley it was a perfect backdrop on a sunny afternoon to meet and hear the presentations. As part of the end of the European Interreg Profit project, Lisa Bone presented the findings and awards were given to the company who devised the best Profit Innovation plan. Congratulations went to the winners Mark Hall Estate, and runners up Browing Bros(Tey Brook Orchard Glamping) and Compasses at Pattiswick. Afterwards we all had the opportunity to connect and chat over a wonderful barbecue.