Virgin Atlantic’s Andrew Swaffield to speak at Abta Travel Convention

Virgin executive Andrew Swaffield has been announced as one of the speakers for Abta’s Travel Convention on October 13.

He will talk about ‘Success through adversity’ at the first-ever blended Travel Convention, which incorporates a live event at East Wintergarden in London’s Canary Wharf with an online version via a customised digital platform.

As chief commercial officer for the Virgin Group and chief executive for the Virgin Red loyalty scheme, Swaffield has faced leadership and organisational challenges during the pandemic.

At the convention, he will share his personal experiences and lessons for those leading a business through adversity, and the unexpected opportunities that have arisen for the Virgin Group.

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Swaffield joined Virgin in 2018 to head the Virgin Group Loyalty Company. He was previously chief executive of Avios, and chief executive of Monarch up until its collapse in 2017. Before that, he spent 17 years with British Airways and 10 years with Thomas Cook.

The convention theme is ‘Leading the Way’. Already announced as a speaker is Ailsa Pollard, chief executive of dnata Travel Group (UK & Europe), and the moderator will be ITV’s Chris Ship.

The early bird rates are available until Wednesday (September 8).

The in-person early-bird rate for Abta members and partners is £240 + VAT. For non-members it is £340 + VAT.

The online early-bird rate for Abta members and partners is £125 + VAT, while for non-members it is £205 + VAT.

Travel Weekly is official trade media partner of the 2021 Travel Convention.