TBF TUES 4th August

Torbay Business Forum – August Breakfast
Destination Management, Creativity & the Future of Torbay

📅 Tuesday 4th August 2026

🕢 7:45am – 9:30am

📍 The Forum, Riviera International Centre, Torquay

🎟 £17.50 per person (including breakfast & FREE parking)

Join us for our August Torbay Business Forum as we explore two exciting topics that will help shape the future of Torbay’s economy, visitor experience and creative industries.

The morning will begin with Cllr Jackie Thomas, who will introduce the session by highlighting the projects being enabled by Torbay Council and the importance of a business-led approach to shaping the future of the Bay. Jackie will then introduce our keynote speaker, Maureen McAllister, who will explore the Destination Management Plan and share her expertise on strategic tourism development, collaboration and destination growth.

Destination Management Plan (DMP)

Our main focus this month is Torbay’s emerging Destination Management Plan (DMP).Tourism is one of Torbay’s most valuable economic sectors, and the Destination Management Plan will play an important role in shaping the future of the English Riviera as a place to live, work, invest and visit.We’ll share a summary of the Plan, explore its priorities and direction, and discuss what it means for local businesses, tourism operators and the wider economy.

Guest Speaker : Maureen McAllister Chief Executive – The Palace Theatre & McAllister & Co With more than 25 years’ experience in strategic tourism marketing and destination development across both the public and private sectors, Maureen has successfully led the development and delivery of numerous strategic and operational plans.Dynamic, innovative and highly respected within the tourism industry, Maureen will provide valuable insight into the Destination Management Plan, the opportunities ahead and why collaboration across the visitor economy has never been more important.

Spotlight on the Torbay Creative Cluster

We’ll also hear from Simon Beer and Maureen McAllister about the exciting development of the Torbay Creative Cluster.The Creative Cluster is a collaborative network designed to support, connect and grow Torbay’s creative economy, bringing together professionals from advertising, design, digital production, marketing, media and the arts.Chaired by Matthew Blay of Superb, the initiative aims to create a thriving, connected creative community that celebrates local talent, encourages collaboration and positions Torbay as one of the South West’s leading creative destinations.Built around three key themes:🎨 Growing Creativity🌟 Celebrating Creativity🤝 Connecting Creative.

The Cluster is already creating opportunities through regular meet-ups, networking events and collaborative projects, helping strengthen one of the Bay’s fastest-growing sectors.

Why Attend?

✔ Enjoy a delicious breakfast
✔ Hear the latest on Torbay’s Destination Management Plan
✔ Discover the vision behind the new Torbay Creative Cluster
✔ Network with businesses from across Torbay and South Devon
✔ Make valuable new connections
✔ FREE parking

Whether you’re involved in tourism, hospitality, retail, the creative industries or simply have an interest in the future direction of Torbay, this promises to be an informative and engaging morning.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Any questions- please contact Kelly Widley kwidley@outlook.com

FAQs

• Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?Contact Kelly Widley on kwidley@outlook.com or 07877507514
• Is my registration/ticket transferrable? Yes, if you can’t make it at the last minute pass the ticket on to a colleague.
• What is the refund policy?Sorry but no refund after the Friday evening before the event I’m afraid.
  
• Do you cater for dietary requirements? Yes but please email Kelly on kwidley@outlook.com no later than 48 hours before the event please with your requirements, thank you
• How do I join the mailing list to hear about future events? Complete our Join Us form https://torbaybusinessforum.com/join-us/