Manchester Network

Sponsored By easyJet


Manchester Network

We are excited to return to Manchester for an afternoon of networking!
 
Join us in the heart of Manchester for a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals over an engaging afternoon of networking and traditional afternoon tea. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, share ideas, or simply enjoy meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting, this event promises to provide valuable insights into the latest trends in business travel.
 
Key Takeaways:
 
• Establish and build valuable connections
• Learn from our diverse community and raise your profile within the business travel sector
• Develop collaborations that contribute to positive change across the industry
 
What to Expect:
 
• A warm welcome to all delegates, with refreshments available throughout the event
• Networking opportunities, including a traditional afternoon tea with soft drinks

Agenda

Thu 21st Nov

2:00 PM
Session

Looking Though the Macroscope

We open our all-member afternoon tea with an informative and insightful interactive session.


The session will delve into key industry trends and what these mean for travel programmes, sales propositions and partnerships moving forward.

agenda speaker image
Louise Kilgannon-Patel
Consultant | FESTIVE ROAD
2:40 PM
Networking

Afternoon Tea and Networking

3:30 PM
Session

Embedding Effective Partnerships

We hear from an expert panel on their views of what makes successful partnerships in today’s evolving travel landscape. 


The panel will discuss what they believe are the dos and don’ts across forging new relationships and within existing ones.

agenda speaker image
Daniel Cockton
VP - Global Travel Services | Wood PLC
agenda speaker image
Emma Jones
Vice President, Multinational Client Management EMEA | Amex GBT
agenda speaker image
Richard Tams
Founder & Director | Tailwind Advisory
agenda speaker image
Rachel Ward
Corporate Travel Manager | JD Sports

Partners & Sponsors

Other
edyn Group

Title Sponsor

easyJet

Speakers

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Rachel Ward

Corporate Travel Manager | JD Sports

[3:30 PM - 4:00 PM]

Emma Jones

Vice President, Multinational Client Management EMEA | Amex GBT

[3:30 PM - 4:00 PM]

Richard Tams

Founder & Director | Tailwind Advisory

[3:30 PM - 4:00 PM]

Venue

Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre

About Venue

Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre has quickly become a landmark building on Portland Street in the centre of Manchester. The hotel is perfectly located within walking distance of the city’s amenities, transport links, shopping, art galleries, bars & restaurants.

Address

55 Portland St

Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom, M1 3HP

View On Map

Public Transportation

By Train

By Tube

Parking

Location On Map

Registration Fee
Business - Supplier Free
Non Member £ 39.00 (Ex. VAT)
Connect - IP Supplier £ 29.00 (Ex. VAT)
Connect - IP Buyer Free
Connect - Buyer Free
Business - IP Supplier Free
Business - IP Buyer Free
Business - Buyer Free
Connect - Supplier £ 29.00 (Ex. VAT)
Registration Closes

Thursday Nov 21, 2024

10:00 AM Europe/London
Event Time

Thursday Nov 21, 2024

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Europe/London
Venue

Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre

Manchester

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Showcase

Buyer Only 12 March 2026

TMC Showcase

This quick-fire format pushes each presenter to demonstrate what makes them an ideal partner. They’ll highlight key developments and innovations, and show how their solutions have adapted to meet the evolving needs of travel buyers and travellers in a constantly shifting landscape. Key takeaways * Benchmark suppliers and understand how they compare. * Discover what’s new across both established and emerging providers. * Ask anonymous questions directly to each presenter. What to expect * A Zoom event featuring concise, punchy presentations or demos from our selected suppliers, followed by a dedicated Q&A. * The option to ask anonymous questions throughout, helping you obtain the insights that matter most. * Chat functionality to share thoughts and discuss propositions with fellow buyer members on the call. Register for Part Two here [https://www.itm.org.uk/events/evt-001044]
Virtual | Learn more
Webinar

All Member 18 March 2026

Neurodiversity & Air Travel

Are travellers’ neurodiversity needs truly being met throughout the air travel journey? What more must be done to ensure that airlines and their service models fully accommodate travellers with diverse cognitive, sensory, and communication needs? As part of our ongoing commitment to support our wonderfully diverse community, we continue to work with partners across the travel ecosystem to inspire genuinely inclusive programmes, products, and services. Following our recent webinar exploring Neurodiversity & the Airport Traveller Experience, this follow-up session turns the focus to Airlines & Neurodiversity. We will look at the onboard experience, pre-flight communication, crew training, seating and cabin considerations, environmental triggers, and the practical steps airlines are taking — or need to take — to support neurodiverse travellers more effectively. Join Tiffany Casson of Inntel as she leads a discussion with accessibility experts Anna-Ruth Cockerham and Christianna Best, sharing lived experiences, current initiatives, and opportunities for meaningful improvement within the airline environment.
Virtual | Learn more
Networking

All Member 19 March 2026

Evening Tea Bus Tour

Join us for a unique and quintessentially British experience for Brigit's Bakery "Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour", hosted aboard a beautifully restored 1960s Routemaster bus and open to all ITM Business members. Departing from Brigit’s Bakery in Covent Garden, this afternoon experience combines relaxed networking with sightseeing, offering guests the chance to enjoy high-quality catering while taking in London’s iconic streets from a truly memorable setting. Guests will be welcomed at the bakery before boarding the bus for an 80–90 minute journey through the capital, enjoying a classic afternoon tea served on board. Designed to comfortably accommodate around 26 guests, the experience offers an intimate and informal environment, ideal for connecting with fellow members in a distinctive setting.
In Person | Learn more
Meeting

Buyer Only 24 March 2026

Buyer Knowledge Exchange

Virtual confidential forum for buyers to meet, share challenges and sense check their approach to key travel management issues. Each month 25+ like-minded buyers come together to discuss current priorities, compare thinking, and explore practical solutions. It’s an opportunity to gain reassurance, broaden your perspective, and raise concerns in a trusted space. Key takeaways * A sounding board for the latest industry changes * Confidence that your focus is on the right areas * Peer-to-peer advice and practical considerations * Shared experiences to help anticipate challenges What to expect * Zoom meeting format, with cameras encouraged to support participation * The option to suggest topics for discussion during registration * Time allocated for additional questions and follow-up connections * Option to contribute via the chat function if you prefer not to speak * Closed Captioning available Rated by your peers "I find these sessions invaluable. It’s great to have a safe space to ask
Virtual | Learn more
Webinar

Supplier Only 26 March 2026

Buyer Insights

HOSTED BY KERRY DOUGLAS AND A TRAVEL BUYER GUEST, THIS CONCISE 30-MINUTE INDUSTRY UPDATE DELIVERS KEY INSIGHTS SOURCED DIRECTLY FROM OUR BUYER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE (BKE) HELD JUST TWO DAYS PRIOR. GAIN VALUABLE, TIMELY PERSPECTIVES TO STAY INFORMED ON THE LATEST TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IMPACTING THE INDUSTRY. GAIN A PERSPECTIVE ON HOW THE INDUSTRY IS RESPONDING BY ASKING QUESTIONS AND GETTING FURTHER CONTEXT ON THE TOPICS THAT WERE DISCUSSED. Key takeaways * Identify opportunities directly from your target audience. * Get a better understanding of the drivers and barriers to key buyer decisions. * Take advantage of a consolidated overview of the buyer challenges your customers are facing. What to expect * Zoom webinar format with discussion points and poll results presented for further clarity. * Chat function available during the event for peer networking. * Ask questions throughout the event using the Q&A tab. * Closed Captioning is available for this event. Rated by
Virtual | Learn more
Conference

All Member 29 April 2026

ITM Spring Conference 2026

SPRINGBOARD TAKES PLACE BETWEEN 29 - 30 APRIL 2026 IN BRIGHTON To see our full event agenda, speakers and much more, visit our dedicated Conference site: S [http://itm.org.uk/springboard]pringboard [http://itm.org.uk/springboard] Educational Highlights In addition to the plenaries on the main stage, we provide focused sessions to deliver content relevant to your role. • Plenaries: Be inspired by travel leaders and influential speakers globally recognised for their pioneering thinking and ingenuity. • Buyer Knowledge Exchange: An in-person edition of our renowned Buyer Knowledge Exchange, uniting buyers with a topical agenda to help overcome common challenges and foster connections. • ITM Cares Session: Previously known as our buyer/sponsor session, this connects our partners with the buyer community through an interactive activity that supports local charities. • Industry Sessions: Choose from a variety of concise educational breakouts covering topics relevant across all sectors. Networking & Socials With over 19 hours of networking opportunities, you’ll have plenty of ways
In Person | Learn more
Meeting

Buyer Only 20 May 2026

Manchester Buyer Lunch

Join fellow corporate travel buyers in Manchester for an intimate lunchtime discussion designed to spark meaningful conversation, new connections and shared learning. This small-group format provides the perfect setting to explore current challenges, exchange perspectives and hear how peers are shaping their travel programmes. Whether you’re new to the industry or well established in your role, this session offers the space to reflect, seek advice and contribute to a collaborative conversation relevant to all programme sizes. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Build valuable connections with fellow buyers in your region * Gain insight into real-world programme challenges and approaches * Share experiences and explore practical solutions together * Strengthen your professional network in a relaxed, supportive setting WHAT TO EXPECT * Round-table meeting format for up to 15 buyers * A hosted discussion encouraging open dialogue and participation * A complimentary lunch served in a private room * Dietary requirements can be accommodated
In Person | Learn more
Webinar

All Member 09 June 2026

Inside the Mind of the Buyer

An open, honest and safe space for both buyers and suppliers to gain direct insight from experienced buyer voices. For suppliers, this session offers a rare chance to reverse the dynamic and ask buyers the questions that matter to you. For buyers, it’s an opportunity to hear how peers are thinking, what they’re working on and the challenges currently shaping their programmes. This is a live-only event and encourages open discussion. Submit your questions during registration to ensure they are covered, or ask them live on the day for full flexibility. Key takeaways * Validate best practices and gain invaluable insights. * Get to the heart of the issues affecting your sector. * Ask any question in confidence without being judged. What to expect * Zoom webinar format with tiled speakers and chat functionality. * Topics are collated from questions submitted during registration. * Questions submitted in advance take priority, however you can ask
Virtual | Learn more
Meeting

Buyer Only 16 June 2026

Buyer Knowledge Exchange

Virtual confidential forum for buyers to meet, share challenges and sense check their approach to key travel management issues. Each month 25+ like-minded buyers come together to discuss current priorities, compare thinking, and explore practical solutions. It’s an opportunity to gain reassurance, broaden your perspective, and raise concerns in a trusted space. Key takeaways * A sounding board for the latest industry changes * Confidence that your focus is on the right areas * Peer-to-peer advice and practical considerations * Shared experiences to help anticipate challenges What to expect * Zoom meeting format, with cameras encouraged to support participation * The option to suggest topics for discussion during registration * Time allocated for additional questions and follow-up connections * Option to contribute via the chat function if you prefer not to speak * Closed Captioning available Rated by your peers "I find these sessions invaluable. It’s great to have a safe space to ask
Virtual | Learn more
Meeting

Buyer Only 17 June 2026

Creative Industries Group

Connecting media and entertainment buyers who together problem solve and drive positive, purposeful change for their organisation, travellers, and industry alike. This group meets in person to discuss challenges specific to their sector. Key takeaways * An inclusive environment of collaboration, trust and transparency. * Acting with integrity the group aims to raise and address important industry topics. * Utilising experience from the media & entertainment industry, the group shares expertise with those who need it or will benefit from it. What to expect * An informal meeting format, which often concludes with a social. * Open to anyone within the creative industry sector*, the group welcomes new faces. * As a confidential forum actions are only circulated within the group. *This event is exclusively for buyers working within the creative industry sector. Please do not register for this meeting if you do not fall into that category. If you have any questions, please
In Person | Learn more