Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has revealed a shake-up to the format for its 19th annual conference, which will be held from May 13-15 2027 in Southampton.
The first two days of the conference, the largest of its kind in Europe, will be dedicated to business sessions, taking place at Kings Conference Centre, Hedge End on day one before moving onboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia.
On day three, delegates will be able to tour either Celebrity Apex or Sky Princess, including a brand presentation and lunch.
Four new themed breakout workshops have also been added to the 2027 conference, which will host sessions on topics such as sales and marketing, as well as a new-to-cruise workshop. Delegates can select their preferred workshop at registration.
Meanwhile, the previous ‘Sailaway Party’ will be replaced with smaller-group evening events or activities – hosted by CLIA, cruise lines and suppliers – for delegates to register or apply to directly.
Registration opens on October 8. Details of the theme and keynote speakers will be announced in due course.
CLIA UK & Ireland Managing Director Andy Harmer said: “Our annual conference continues to be incredibly popular with the trade, and we’re always looking at how we can evolve it to deliver even more value.
“The changes we’re introducing for 2027 have been shaped by delegate feedback, with more time for our business sessions and trade fair, new practical workshops and greater choice over how agents spend their time with us. At the same time, the ship visits, networking and access to cruise lines that make the conference so valuable remain firmly at its heart.
“Our aim is for every agent to leave Southampton with new knowledge and connections, as well as practical ideas they can put into action straight away. We’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone in May.”
