According to a press release from the TB, the event provides the public with a unique opportunity to hear from leaders and tourism industry partners incorporated with a host of interactive sessions and discussions to provide participants with the knowledge needed to build our tourism product and the Virgin Islands’ (VI) pillar of tourism.

Keynote speakers and panelists will share their insight during presentations, roundtables and workshops on a variety of topics.

Featured speakers at the Eileen Parsons Auditorium at HLSCC on October 24 include: “Brand BVI” with Chairman Neil Blyden; “Your Culture plus Your Passion Equals Your Business” with Sculptor Aragorn Dick Read; Shabazz Hodge (Bazz’s Juice Stands) and Lawrence Wheatley of Anegada Reef Hotel.

In “Taking Care of Your Customer is Taking Care of Your Business”, and “The State of the International Markets” you’ll hear what experts have to say in regards to what visitors are seeking in a destination, resort, hotel, dining experience and tour. Panelists include Wilbert Mason, General Manager of Peter Island Resort; Julio Henry, BVI360 and transportation operator and Grace Flax-Walters, a seasoned professional formerly of Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort.

Hugh Darley, an expert in branding destinations, will tackle “Cruising to the Next Level. Embracing Cruise Tourism: Port Development and Revenue Streams”, in a presentation addressing how the territory can maximise income from the cruise industry and create a more inviting destination for passengers.

Meet with your BVI Tourism team during Marketplace at Maria’s By the Sea on October 25 where local and international staff will be on hand at 14 different roundtables to hear your 2012 plans and discuss how we can further assist you.

H. Lavity Stoutt Community College hosts the second round of workshops in the Eileen Parsons Auditorium on October 26 beginning with “Business Is Green”, a four-panelist workshop addressing questions such as, “How green does my business need to be for me to honestly market myself as a green company?”

Panelists include: Steve Fox from OBM, Charlotte McDevitt from Green VI, Rosemary Delaney – Smith from VIROTECH; and Kareem Rhymer of Myett’s.

The wedding market will also be covered with Jacqueline Johnson, CTC, President/CEO of Global Bridal Group also a renowned specialist and frequent lecturer on the wedding and honeymoon markets.

She will provide participants with information beneficial to understanding and working in the wedding and honeymoon market; including wedding planner certification.