Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering 

Join us this year

for

 the Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering

at

Stirk House Country Hotel

20th May 2025

10am – 2.15pm

The annual Tourism Gathering has become the ‘must-attend event’ for anyone involved in tourism and hospitality in Ribble Valley.

Book your places now Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering | TryBooking United Kingdom  or please email tom.pridmore@ribblevalley.gov.uk

The price, including hot buffet lunch, is-

  • Members of Ribble Valley Tourism Association – £20 per head
  • Non-members / additional guests – £25 per head.
  • Exhibitor Stands (Good for 2) – £50.00

Please note – We recommend booking early – Last year’s event was a sell-out!

Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering

Programme

10.30 am – Networking and meet exhibitors of local products and services.

11.15 am – Business seminar.

12.30 pm – Lunch and further opportunity to network

1.15 pm – Presentation of ‘Ribble Valley Stars in Tourism Awards’

2.15 pm – Close

The Gathering provides an opportunity to-

  • Network with tourism industry colleagues
  • Meet suppliers of local products and services
  • Participate in our business seminar
  • Literature Exchange – promote your business
  • Meet tourism and hospitality representatives from colleges
  • Meet students soon seeking employment in this sector
  • Join our celebration of Tourism in Ribble Valley
  • Enjoy lunch at Stirk House Hotel
  • Be part of the Stars in Tourism celebration

Speaker Biographies

Camilla Ainsworth – Leading Entrepreneur

Camilla is a proud Lancashire gal and has built several businesses from the ground up, both service and product-based, which she has bootstrapped and exited. Camilla offers consultancy services and works with a large repertoire of clients, ranging from startups to multinational businesses. Camilla prides herself on the bespoke individualistic approach given to each client.

If you are an avid ‘Apprentice’ viewer, you may remember the ‘Yoohoo’ greeting?! (Rest assured, there would never be any dull moments in working together!). Following her Apprentice success, Camilla worked closely with Claude Littner in opening his business school and delivering modules to budding entrepreneurs.

Fun fact: When Camilla isn’t working, she loves taking her miniature goats Vincent Van goat and Nigel for walks.

 

Gemma Vaughan – Entertainments Trailblazer

With 15 years’ experience across including Live Nation, Cuffe & Taylor, and Escape to Freight Island, Gemma has built an extraordinary career. She has worked alongside music legends such as Faithless, Cliff Richard, Mariah Carey, and Britney Spears, bringing a unique perspective gained from her success as a promoter, marketer, and venue manager.

Gemma joined Legends/ASM Global in 2023 as Director of Sales and Marketing during a transformative period for AO Arena. Tasked with navigating the challenges of a £70 million redevelopment and launching The Mezz, the UK’s first celebrity chef-led restaurant and bar within a live music venue, she has led the AO Arena to redefine live entertainment and culinary excellence.

Gemma’s dedication to the city extends beyond the arena. As a board member of Brighter Sound and the Manchester Music City network, she actively contributes to strengthening Manchester’s reputation as a global hub for music and the arts.

 

Richard Askam – Award Winning Broadcaster & Journalist

Richard Askam is a multi-award-winning journalist and broadcaster. In more than thirty years with the BBC, he covered many major sport and news events, at home and abroad. He has reported from numerous Olympic Games, Champions League finals and the Tour de France. Richard now works with a number of charities and businesses, is a Senior Fellow at ‘The John Schofield Trust’ and an ambassador for the charity ‘It’s Mental.’ Brought up in Preston, Richard is a great lover of the Ribble Valley. Family walks and cycle rides in the area, have always been a big part of his life. He also admits to enjoying the odd pint or two, in the Ribble Valley’s many excellent country pubs. Richard is currently writing a book about Sir Tom Finney, who himself was a great admirer of the area’s rolling hills and renowned hospitality.

 

Exhibit at the Gathering

Your opportunity to promote your product to local Tourism Businesses.

If you would also like to exhibit at the gathering and have exhibition and display spaces, this event provides a chance for face-to-face meetings with key contacts the local tourism industry, and an ideal opportunity to promote your business.

To participate in this excellent promotional opportunity, there is a nominal charge of £50 which includes two lunches. You will be provided with a table plus space for any display material such as pop ups and literature.

Please email tom.pridmore@ribblevalley.gov.uk

 

The Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering is organised by Ribble Valley Borough Council and Ribble Valley Tourism Association and is generously sponsored by Harrison Drury.