United front makes Bay's first business Expo huge success

The inaugural Riviera Connect Business, Tourism and Hospitality EXPO has been heralded a resounding success.
It has set a new benchmark for collaborative events in the local community. With an impressive turnout of 460 delegates and a bustling 107 exhibitors, Riviera Connect resonated profoundly with the Bay's dynamic business, tourism, and hospitality landscape.
It was the first time the Torbay Business Forum and English Riviera BID Company had come together to organise the ground-breaking event.
The day began with an early morning breakfast network, captivating 130 engaged participants. Michael Smith of The Venus Group, fresh from their recent accolade at the Food Drink Devon awards, where they earned the prestigious Sustainability Pioneer Special Award, set an inspiring tone for the day.
One of the EXPO's distinctive features was its emphasis on networking, providing an unrivalled platform for forging connections that lead to lasting business relationships. Delegates, breakfast networkers and exhibitors combined, over 600 people were in attendance.
Organisers thanked Gold sponsor Big Wave Marketing, Silver sponsors Torbay Business Forum, English Riviera BID Company, Insignia Creative, South Devon College, Wollens Full Spectrum Law, enlightenHR, TDA, and Bronze sponsors Ocean Group & Inter-line DIY and Building Supplies for for their unwavering support. Special recognition was also given to the Riviera International Centre team, especially Laura Kozaczynski, for their exceptional efforts in ensuring the event's success.
The tireless work of the steering group members, Alison Benney, Simon Beer, Roger Lissenden, Donna Wynne, Alison Bayliss, Kelly Widley, BID Company CEO Carolyn Custerson and Forum chairman Steve Reynolds was instrumental in making Riviera Connect a triumph.
The efforts of the tourism students from South Devon College who assisted with registration and sold raffle tickets, raising funds for chosen charity, Friends of South Devon College, were also commendable. Riviera Connect was proud to top up their fundraising amount to an impressive £500.
A dynamic line-up of 14 speakers and five workshops delivered to the audience with a wealth of expertise. From unravelling the potential of AI to mastering customer service excellence and exploring the world of tomorrows tourism, from building a brand that thrives to taking our first steps to Make It Net Zero, an introduction to Tik Tok to posting on linked in for a viral response, speakers covered a diverse range of topics crucial to thriving in today's ever-evolving business, tourism, and hospitality landscape.
Claire Flower, from Beverly Holidays, praised the EXPO as a dynamic blend of education, networking, and team building. "We took the whole team down for an out-of-office learning experience and arrived early, and the quality of the event and speakers held our attention until the very end. It's a testament to the vibrant spirit of Torbay’s tourism, hospitality and business industries," she said.
“I really enjoyed the day. It was not only useful to meet new contacts at the exhibition but to network with so many people I already knew all in one room. I also found the talks informative and have taken several action points away with me as a result,” said Andy Banner-Price, of The 25 Boutique B&B.
Michael Laukkanen, of South Devon College, added: "'What a great day sponsoring and exhibiting at the very first Riviera Connect EXPO. A representation of the strong links that exist across organisations and business sectors in Torbay and South Devon and the power of 'Bringing Business Together'."
The day concluded with award-winning Bays Brewery and Hunts Cider generously treating attendees to a complimentary drink, creating an ideal atmosphere for informal networking. Throughout the event, Devonia Water ensured everyone stayed refreshed and energised.
Feedback is currently being gathered to enhance and expand the event for 2024, and bookings have already started for Thursday October 17, 2024.
Register your interest: www.riviera-connect.co.uk