UKinbound is delighted to announce that business chief Barbara Cassani will provide the keynote address at its 2009 Convention taking place in February in Manchester. The trade association hopes that with Cassani’s varied knowledge of the tourism industry and her vast entrepreneurial experience, she will be able be to provide its members with business solutions and optimism in the face of economic gloom.  Cassani will join other high-profile speakers at the annual event including Lord Sebastian Coe, Tobias Ellwood MP and Don Foster MP.

The founder and former Chief Executive of Go, BA’s budget airline, was also leader of the London 2012 Bid Team, and non-executive Chairman of Spanish airline Vueling. Cassani is now serving as the Chair of hotel chain and UKinbound member Jurys Inns.

Barbara Cassani said: “Overseas visitors to UK are incredibly important to Jurys Inns, so I’m delighted to be able to address UKinbound’s members at their Convention in February.” Mary Rance Chief Executive of UKinbound said: “Barbara Cassani will be a fantastic addition to the UKinbound Convention programme. She has had immeasurable success at leading businesses and will be able to inspire our members during this time of financial worry.”

The annual event will this year take place from the 11th to 13th February at the Ramada Manchester Piccadilly. The event is supported by Marketing Manchester, Ramada Jarvis, Tourism Ireland and Hard Rock Cafe.