About
The annual Tourism Gathering has become the ‘must-attend event’ for anyone involved in tourism and hospitality in Ribble Valley.
It provides an opportunity to-
- Network with colleagues from the local tourism industry
- Meet suppliers of local products and services
- Participate in our business seminar
- Literature Exchange – promote your business and learn about others
- Meet tourism and hospitality representatives from colleges and UCLAN
- Meet students soon to be seeking employment in this sector
- Join our celebration of Tourism in Ribble Valley
- Enjoy lunch at Stirk House Hotel
Programme for the day
10.00 am – Networking and meet exhibitors of local products and services
11.15 am – Business seminar – Theme – details below
12.30 pm – Lunch and further opportunity to network
1.15 pm – 2.15 pm Presentation of ‘Ribble Valley Stars in Tourism Awards’
We are delighted that we have secured three outstanding speakers for this years event
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.
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, MariahCarey, and Britney Spears, bringing a unique perspective gained from her success as a promoter, marketer, and venue manager. Growing up in the Ribble Valley, Gemma started her career in a picturesque yet remote area that’s far removed from the bright lights of live entertainment. This is where she started bringing world names to rural locations that would otherwise be left out of a typical touring route, following her passion to ensure that live music was accessible for all types of fans, no matter where they lived.
More recently, 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 worked for the BBC for more than 30 years and covered many major sport & news events at home & abroad. As an Interviewer, facilitator & host he has hosted several events for major businesses and charities across the region
Outside of his life as a winning journalist and broadcaster Richard is connected to a number of charities and organisations across his native North West region, frequently hosts and MCs at charity events, and has a particular interest in helping to shine a light on mental health issues.
He studied for his first degree in English Literature at Birmingham University, after which he spent two years teaching English in Japan under the Japanese Ministry of Education’s JET Programme, before returning to the North West to undertake a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. Richard has expressed a particular fondness for Ribble Valley, and especially Chipping and the Forest of Bowland
Please note – We recommend booking early – Last year’s event was a sell-out!
The Ribble Valley Tourism Gathering is organised by Ribble Valley Borough Council and Ribble Valley Tourism Association .
Date
Tuesday 20 May 2025 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM (UTC+01)Location
Stirk House Hotel
Gisburn, Lancs BB7 4LJ
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