Early Bird Tickets now available for the 2024 ASVA Conference! Find out more about this key industry event and book your tickets here.
ASVA Annual Conference 2024
🕒09:00 – 09:30 | Registration & Trade Exhibition Opens
Join us for an engaging start to the day as registration opens and the trade exhibition kicks off. Enjoy a selection of teas and coffees while you network with fellow attendees and explore the exhibition. This is the perfect opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and get a head start on the day’s events.
We look forward to welcoming you and setting the stage for an inspiring conference ahead!
🕒09:30 – 09:45 | Welcome & Introductions
Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business
Michael Golding, Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA)
Marc Crothall MBE, The Scottish Tourism Alliance
🕒09:45 – 10:45 | Beyond the Welcome: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences
Behind the Scenes of a 5 Star Attraction: The Britannia Way
Angie Fowler, The Royal Yacht Britannia
From working to support businesses all over Scotland to reach and maintain 5 Star standards, to operating at the 5 Star level on a daily basis; Angie will share insight and tips on how ‘The Britannia Way’ provides an exceptional visitor experience.
From Social Distancing to Emotional Connection: Post-pandemic Recovery at the Roman Baths
Simon Addison, Roman Baths
Drawing on insights from the Roman Baths, Simon will reveal strategies to enhance visitor enjoyment and drive operational excellence. Discover how the Roman Baths are not just recovering but aiming higher than their pre-pandemic status, and learn how their approach can inspire your own journey toward excellence.
Reinterpreting an Icon: New Public Tours at Big Ben
Abbie Fox-Smith, House of Commons
Explore the new public tours of Big Ben, looking at the challenges of planning, designing and installing a new permanent exhibition in one of the world’s most iconic buildings in the middle of a global pandemic, and the journey to reopening.
🕒10:45 – 11:15 | Morning Networking Break
Sponsored by Circle Heritage
🕒11:15 – 12:15 | Session 1
Attend the theme you chose during booking
The Charm of Compact: Maximising Your Small Attraction’s Potential
Daily Life at the Scottish Dolphin Centre: Dolphin & Dishwashing
Alison Rose, Scottish Dolphin Centre
Are Industrial Skills at Risk in the Heritage Sector?
Ross McKirdy, Grampian Transport Museum
Trimontium: from “Shooglie Cases” to a Thistle award
Thania M. Flores, The Trimontium Trust & Museum
Blueprints for Brilliance: Best Practice in Larger Attractions
Do you Dance in Rain or Shine in the Sun?
Paul Nixon, The Real Mary King’s Close & The Loch Ness Centre
Tangible takeaways from marketing Burrell to Banksy, Mary Quant to Discovering Degas
Alex Harvie, Glasgow Life & Moira McCall, Glasgow Life
Flying Scotsman Stories: How Commercial Can Lead a Museum Project
Amy Harbour, Science Museum Group & Sarah Ottewill, Science Museum Group
🕒12:15 – 12:45 | Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards
Join us to celebrate the exceptional individuals who make our attractions world-class.
🕒12:45 – 13:40 | Lunch Break
Sponsored by ATS
🕒13:40 – 14:45 | Session 2
Attend the theme you chose during booking
Digital Horizons: The Future of Tech & AI for Scottish Attractions
Thinking Beyond 2024: AI Strategies for Attractions
Joshua Ryan-Saha, Traveltech for Scotland
In-Spire-Ing Innovative Collaborations and New Audiences
Stephen Preston, St Giles’ Cathedral & Lesley Judge, Interface
Speaker will be announced soon!
Together we Thrive: Better Outcomes Through Strategic Connection
Going Behind the Wheel: Crafting & Training a Touring Experience
Ross McMillan, Scottish Canals & Alyce Paton, Complete Works
The Power of Partnering with Your Local Community
Russell Fraser, SCOTO
Banishing the Boring: A Front of House Case Study
Amy Akino-Wittering, Young V&A
🕒14:45 – 15:45 | Session 3
Attend the theme you chose during booking
Building a Sustainable Future for Visitor Attractions
Striving to be Certain in an Uncertain World
Mike Benson, Scottish Crannog Centre
Wildlife Conservation and
Sustainability go Hand in Hand
Ben Supple, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Future Makers
Allison Everett, Fruitmarket Gallery
Inclusion Unlocked: Creating Accessible & Diverse Visitor Experiences
Breaking Down Barriers: Essential Accessibility Tips for Visitor Attractions
Spencer Clark, ATS & Steve Dering, Direct Access
Supporting Diverse Audiences
Steve Owens, Glasgow Science Centre
How a Thriving, Happy Team Attracts Success: The Mercat Deal
Kat Brogan, Mercat Tours
🕒15:45 – 16:15 | Afternoon Networking Break
Sponsored by BVA BDRC
🕒16:15 – 17:15 | Future of Tourism: Vision to Support World Class Scottish Attractions
Capitalising on the Experience Economy to Drive Growth
Vicki Miller, VisitScotland
In a world where people are increasingly bombarded with choices, businesses need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. The experience economy is one way to do just that. By creating unique and memorable experiences, businesses can tap into the emotional needs of their customers. What are Scotland’s visitors looking for and what opportunities does that present to drive business growth and the value of the visitor economy.
🕒17:15 – 17:30 | Conference Close
🕒18:00 – 20:00 | Join us at Perth Museum for our evening drinks reception
Sponsored by Timberplay Scotland
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Perth Museum! Enjoy drinks from local suppliers while networking with industry peers in a unique and inspiring setting.
Explore Perth Museum’s fascinating exhibits and take a guided tour of the iconic Stone of Destiny.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect, unwind, and experience the best of Perth’s Cultural Heritage.
*Please note programme & timings are subject to change