CLIA has announced that MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, will be among the keynote speakers for the association’s upcoming conference.

The three-day CLIA Conference 2020 will take place in Southampton from 26-28 April.

Vago – who served as the chairman of CLIA Europe twice – will join Holland America Line president Orlando Ashford, and Group Voyagers chief marketing officer Steve Born, as part of the speaker lineup.

The event will include ship visits, a trade fair and a full day of business sessions, followed by a gala dinner with entertainment. Delegates will have the chance to visit two ships in port – P&O Cruises’ Britannia and MSC Cruises’ MSC Meraviglia.

There will also be two complimentary masterclasses during conference, to enhance the learning opportunities available to event delegates.  The masterclasses will focus on cruise sales techniques and social media and marketing tips to help grow sales.

The theme for this year’s conference is Cruise Heroes, designed to celebrate those in the cruise community “who go above and beyond to create incredible cruise holidays”, according to CLIA UK & Ireland director Andy Harmer.

Harmer added: “We are delighted to announce MSC Cruises’ Pierfrancesco Vago as a keynote speaker for this year’s conference.

“With the growth of MSC Cruises in the UK and the line’s commitment to sustainability, Vago will share his expertise and insight of the ever-evolving cruise industry.

“With so many cruise lines and sponsors joining the event, and with targeted content across the three days, this is the must-attend event of 2020 for those serious about growing their cruise sales, with information and inspiration for those new to cruise, those who are experts in cruise, and everything in between.”

CLIA travel agent members can register for a space at the conference via https://cruiseexperts.org/clia-agents/uk-ireland-events/

Those wishing to nominate a cruise hero should visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk.