The first-ever Great National Sales Workshop, hosted at the Midlands Park Hotel, was a resounding success, bringing together sales professionals and industry leaders for a day of insightful discussions, actionable workshops, and valuable networking. With keynote speakers such as Bobby Kerr, renowned business leader and entrepreneur, and our moderator Marc Thornton, this event provided a wealth of knowledge on the evolving sales landscape within the hospitality industry.

Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to take part in hands-on workshops, where they collaborated to create actionable sales plans tailored to the unique challenges faced in today’s market. These sessions fostered innovation and strategic thinking, encouraging sales managers to identify new opportunities for growth and success. A presentation from Edward Kelleher of Booking.com provided invaluable insights into digital strategies and how to maximise online bookings, while Philip Allsopp’s session focused on the critical role GDS plays as a core part of your distribution strategy. The engaging atmosphere made it clear that the participants were eager to adopt these new approaches within their own hotels.

The day culminated in a brilliant panel discussion featuring Christopher Kenny, Chief E-Commerce Officer of Great National Hotels & Resorts, Mark Knowles, Group Resort Director of Gold Coast Holiday Golf & Sports Resort, and Angela Devitt, Commercial Manager of Riverside Park Hotel & Leisure Club, Crown Quarter & Newtown Park Hotel Wexford. This interactive session brought forward honest, direct questions, providing a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Overall, the event was a fantastic success, offering attendees a chance to learn, connect, and leave with a fresh perspective on driving sales and growth in the ever-changing hospitality landscape.