Travel Industry Keynote Speaker & Event Host
Twenty years of writing about travel for The Times, The Telegraph, Conde Nast Traveller, National Geographic and the BBC. More than 120 countries reported from. A production company making cinematic brand films for some of the world’s leading hotels and destinations. When I speak at travel industry events, I bring the kind of editorial perspective and on-the-ground knowledge that most conference speakers can only approximate — because it’s how I’ve built my career.
I’m available as a keynote speaker, panel chair, event MC and after-dinner speaker for hospitality conferences, tourism summits, travel trade events and corporate away days. Talks can be drawn from a portfolio of tried-and-tested multimedia presentations, or built entirely around your event’s theme and audience.
What I Offer
Keynote speaking
A narrative-driven keynote built around your event theme — adventure, resilience, the future of travel, the hospitality industry, destination storytelling. Illustrated with award-winning film and photography from 120 countries. Typically 20–30 minutes.
Event hosting & MC
Available to host full-day and multi-day industry events — introductions, transitions, on-stage interviews, audience Q&A. Comfortable across formats, subjects and audience sizes. I bring 20 years of journalistic experience to each and every event.
After-dinner speaking
A lighter, more personal set — the stories that don’t always make it into the keynote. Tailored to the room, the event, the audience. The projectile vomiting in the Pacific Ocean.
Panel chairing & moderation
I’ve chaired panels and moderated debates at industry events including the Frontline Club and the UK Morocco Tourism Summit. I read the room, draw out the best from contributors, and keep a conversation moving with genuine editorial instincts.
Elaine Dellar, CEO, Dellar Davies — UK Morocco Tourism Summit, Agadir
Simon skilfully wove together anecdotes, real-world examples, and visuals from his trip to Toubkal, creating a deeply engaging, relatable and inspiring narrative. His storytelling transported us to the heart of Toubkal, creating a vivid and memorable experience for delegates.
Laura Gane, Editorial Director, The Frontline Club, London
It was a real pleasure having Simon chair an event at the Frontline Club. Not only is he an excellent public speaker with fascinating experiences — he is a great interviewer, bringing the best out of the other filmmakers on the panel.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA
Simon was an engaging and popular presenter at ABTA’s Travel Convention in Türkiye. His personal account of his odyssey brought home to an audience of travel professionals the sense of excitement and adventure that is at the heart of our industry.
Past Events
· ABTA Travel Convention, Türkiye
· UK Morocco Tourism Summit
· World Travel Market
· Visit Sweden Insights
· Financial Times Live
· Royal Geographical Society
· Royal Scottish Geographical Society
· Frontline Club
· TEDx Leamington Spa
· Armchair Adventure Festival
· Wilderness Festival
· Cambridge University
· Oxford University