Speakers
We are extremely excited to announce the Proposition and Opposition speakers for the debate on 12th January 2023.
Proposition
Opposition
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Hamish Reid
Associate Director, MMGY Hills Balfour
Hamish is part of the senior leadership team at MMGY Hills Balfour, part of the world’s largest integrated marketing company specialising in tourism and hospitality providing integrated marketing solutions for brands across the globe.
Creatively driven by insight, MMGY provide a holistic approach to sales and marketing strategy, from branding through deployment. Our focus on research, data and analytics results in a uniquely innovative and custom approach for brands that drives measurable success.
Hamish leads the Business Events team developing outbound sales and lead generation for convention bureaus in cities and destinations as diverse as New York, Brussels, Copenhagen, Thailand, Korea, Los Angeles and he heads up European market activity for Dubai Business Events.

Steve Jones
Managing Director of Wyboston Lakes Limited and of Wyboston Venue Management and current Chair of the Meetings Industry Association
With 30 years of sector experience, protecting Wyboston Lakes multi award winning culture and setting the strategic vision for the next decade are Steve’s two biggest priorities. Full refurbishments have recently been completed on both of the Resorts conference venues as well as their four star hotel, with further expansion of the facilities at advanced stages, including ambitious plans to produce enough renewable energy to power the Resort, which will help reduce climate change and provide significant returns simultaneously, along with the creation of a Business Park to expand the already successful serviced office business. Prior to this he was on the internal board of a group of six meetings-led hotels with over 900 bedrooms where he oversaw the two largest sites, so is well versed at managing complex business and leisure operations with high guest volumes and numerous outlets. He also runs Wyboston Venue Management assisting others in the sector on a consultancy or management contract basis, as well as volunteering by Chairing of The Meetings Industry Association (The MIA), so is used to managing several challenging functions simultaneously. Steve maintains a stable team by inspiring them, using his strength of character and strong interpersonal skills.
“There is no denying the UK has its challenges right now but so does the rest of the world and I am looking forward to discussing why I still believe this country has so much to offer".

Michael Dominguez
President & CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)
Michael Dominguez serves as the President & CEO for Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). ALHI is the largest Global Sales Organization with a team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe. Prior to joining ALHI, Michael served in executive sales leadership roles with MGM Resorts International as Chief Sales Officer and many brand and independent branded companies.
Michael is an-award winning hospitality industry veteran. He has received multiple honors for his leadership and influence and has been recognized as a change agent by his peers. He’s also been a speaker with Fortune 100 Companies on topics ranging from disruption to the economy and a passion around Leadership and was an invited speaker at SXSW in 2018.

Philip Greer
Commercial Director of University Arms Hotel & Parkers Tavern
Philip Greer is the Commercial Director for University Arms, a luxury hotel in the heart of Cambridge. Philip has worked in the hospitality industry for the past 18 years, beginning his hotel journey with Sprowston Manor in Norwich before working with Marriott Hotels in Huntingdon, Birmingham and Cardiff before moving over to Abu Dhabi and working for Ritz Carlton. Philip joined University Arms as part of the pre-opening team in 2017 and has seen it grow into a strong MICE property with group business making up over 30% of the business.

Joss Croft
CEO of UKinBound
Joss is an accomplished, entrepreneurial leader, who is delivery focused. His experience has given him a strong understanding of the international visitor economy and wider business, and the challenges facing organisations. He has a passion for developing people and delivering outstanding customer service.
As CEO of UKinbound, Joss leads the award-winning trade association that advocates and lobbies for policies that drive the UK’s second largest service export sector, and plays a crucial role in developing its members inbound businesses, connecting buyers and sellers to drive profitable outcomes.
Before joining UKinbound in November 2018, Joss was Managing Director of Marketing at the Department for International Trade, responsible for the marketing and communications programme for UK exports and investment. He was previously Marketing Director of VisitBritain, involved in the development of the award-winning GREAT Britain campaign. Campaign successes include two gold and one silver awards at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity. Prior to that he held various roles at VisitBritain and contracting sales for global theme parks.

Rachael Boraston
Head of Destination, UK, London & Partners
Rachael is a passionate promoter of London, bringing a wealth of experience from the agency and DMC side. Her enthusiasm for the opportunities that the city can offer is demonstrated in her commitment to collaborating with the London & Partners network to bring real value and insight to her domestic clients. With an appreciation for the opportunity London affords across industry and for creative, memorable business events, she also strives to support in the evolution of London’s offering, particularly from a sustainability perspective.