Other highlights included Kris Hall, CEO of The Burnt Chef Project, who spoke on the importance of ensuring and supporting good employee mental health in the tourism and hospitality sector, Professor Marcjanna Augustyn and Dr Peter Mason, who discussed the development of sustainable tourism, and Dr Philip Stone, who discussed his research on the growing interest in dark tourism.

Richard Veal of headline sponsor Simpleview provided key insights on the exciting potential of maximising a location's exposure in film and TV production for increasing visitor numbers, while Kevin Millington from Acorn T-stats and Pete Saunders from Zonal High-Level Software, both lead sponsors of the event, discussed the ways in which data and research can be used to improve tourism outcomes.

Additional headline sponsors Booking.com were represented by Anna Hunt and Vicky Liggins, who discussed industry trends and travel predictions, and Laura Wakelin from Bluesail and Duncan Stewart of 56 Degree Insights spoke about consumer trends.

Becky Frall, vice president of the TMI and head of tourism at West Midlands Growth Company, who supported the Convention, linked this to the vital role played by institutions such as University College Birmingham: "We are passionate about progress here at the TMI, and about the graduates can help the industry to evolve through their knowledge and research experience," she said.

"In the West Midlands we're privileged to have a tourism sector that brings over 16 billion pounds to the local economy, and University College Birmingham is well placed to utilise this."

TMI president Kathryn Davis thanked the University for hosting this year's event, and was full of praise for it and its students: "Sitting at the heart of the city, with established and respected courses in tourism, alongside established industry connections, experienced academics and top-class facilities, the University was an ideal choice," she said.

"It was brilliant to see so many passionate and knowledgeable students here, and it's my hope that they'll leave today feeling invigorated, inspired and ready to do great things."

Find out more about courses within the Department of Hospitality and Tourism.