Thank you to everyone who joined us at the ASVA annual conference 2025.
We were pleased to welcome 400 people from across Scotland’s attractions sector to this year’s conference for an unforgettable day of learning, networking, and inspiration.
Speaker Presentations
Welcome and ASVA Update
Michael Golding, CEO, Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone
Philip Long OBE FRSE, Chief Executive, The National Trust for Scotland
Delivering Joy
Helen Smout, Chief Executive, Culture Perth and Kinross (Perth Museum and Perth Art Gallery)
Creating the Perfect Blend
Angela Dineen, Operations Director, The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Mastery of The Macallan: Guest Experience & Satisfaction
Gillian Swan, Experience Manager, The Macallan Estate
Realising the Potential of Scottish Tourism’s Birthplace in Responsible and Inclusive Ways
James Fraser, CEO & Lead Trustee, The Steamship Sir Walter Scott at Loch Katrine
National Museum – Local Impact
Claire Eva, Director of Audiences & Media, V&A Dundee and Julie Muir, Learning Manager, V&A Dundee
“You’re Speaking My Language”. Creating Community, Language Translations at The Burrell Collection
Laura Bauld, Senior Curator, & Michael Mackinnon, Digital Content Producer, Glasgow Life Museums – The Burrell Collection
Panel: Tourism for Everyone
Hosted by: Jillian Schofield, Service Manager for Culture, Events & Tourism, Stirling Council. ASVA board member.
Panel: It isn’t how you do one thing, it’s how you do everything; learn how!
Hosted by: Victoria Taylor, Experience Consultant, VictoriaTaylor UK
All for the Love of Animals: Balancing Commercial and Charitable Mission
Lisa Robshaw, Head of Marketing and Sales, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
The Power of Experience: Turning Vision into Value
Stuart Cassells, Head of Sales – Generations, Gordon & MacPhail
Premium Experiences through Partnership
Adam Kennedy, Commercial Operations Director, Heritage Portfolio
The Play Effect: Sparking Joy and Connection in Visitor Attractions
Mark Grimshaw, Associate Director, Timberplay Scotland & Abbi Ollive, Visitor Attraction Director, Castle Howard
Panel: Irish Innovation: Inspiration that Sparks Change
Hosted by: Catherine Flanagan, CEO Association of Visitor Experiences & Attractions, Ireland
Scotland: Champion – Connect – Invest
Marc Crothall MBE, CEO, The Scottish Tourism Alliance
People, Place & Creative Power – Building a Visitor Economy that Belongs to Scotland
Vicki Miller, Chief Executive, VisitScotland
With thanks to our Conference Partners & Supporters:
