Key stakeholders
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West Essex Tourism Conference
Wednesday 22nd July, 9.30am - 1pm
Epping Forest Civic Offices
About The Event - Why Attend?
Tourism plays a vital role in the West Essex economy, supporting local employment, driving footfall across our high streets, and showcasing the district’s unique natural, cultural and heritage offer. As the sector continues to grow, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen how businesses collaborate, promote the area, and shape future investment.
This conference marks an important moment for the district - bringing together hospitality providers, attractions, leisure operators and key partners to explore how we collectively grow West Essex as a destination, while ensuring that local businesses benefit from that success.
Taking place on Thursday 22nd July (9.30am - 1:00pm), the event will:
- Officially launch the new Epping Forest District Visitor Guide
- Support the formation of a new Tourism Board, giving local businesses a voice in shaping future strategy
- Provide opportunities to connect, collaborate and influence the direction of the visitor economy
Whether you are part of the hospitality sector, run an attraction, or support tourism in any capacity, this event offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the future of West Essex tourism.
9.30am
The Visitor Economy: Local Growth & Expansion
The tourism, hospitality and visitor economy sector faces a number of significant challenges: workforce shortages, seasonal demand fluctuations, and increasing competition for talent. Changing consumer expectations, economic pressures and evolving business models are also reshaping how organisations recruit, train and retain their workforce.
In West Essex, proximity to London creates additional pressure, with local businesses competing for staff against higher wages and broader opportunities in the capital. This often results in the loss of skilled and emerging talent from the district. How can we build stronger, more sustainable local talent pipelines to support future growth in tourism?
Attend this session to hear from key employers and sector leaders as they share their perspectives on current and future workforce needs, alongside their plans and ambitions for growing and developing their organisations within the visitor economy.
Jon joined the Authority in 1999 and is responsible for all aspects of the natural environment, including site and land management, the commercial farm, fisheries, campsites and marinas. He holds a Diploma in Countryside Recreation from Merrist Wood College (1990) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Protected Landscape Management from Birkbeck University (2004). Jon began his career in ranger and land management roles with the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the National Trust at Box Hill, and Bedfordshire County Council.
Elected to the City of London Corporation in 2017 following a lifelong career in education, Caroline Haines chairs the Epping Forest and Commons Committee. She sits on the Board of the Financial Services Skills Commission, the HM Treasury Skills Compact Steering Group, and chairs the Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce. A Past Master Educator and Chair of Governors of NCS6, she also serves as Chair of EEDI and Deputy Chair of GSMD.
Speaker to be announced shortly. Register for latest announcements!
10.30am
Opportunity & Challenges In The Tourism Sector
West Essex is uniquely positioned to grow its visitor economy, with world‑class natural assets such as Epping Forest, strong proximity to London, and a diverse mix of independent hospitality, attractions and experiences.
However, businesses face persistent challenges around recruitment, retention and seasonality, alongside increasing competition from neighbouring destinations and the capital. Rising operating costs and shifting visitor expectations - particularly around digital access and sustainability - are also reshaping how tourism businesses operate.
At the same time, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the sector, improve promotion of the district, and build a more coordinated approach to growth.
Attend this session to hear from key employers and stakeholders as they share their plans, challenges and future vision for growing and sustaining the tourism workforce across West Essex.
I have the privilege of leading and supporting the volunteer team at one of English Heritage’s flagship sites, Audley End House and Gardens. Over 350 volunteers bring history to life as house explainers, photographers, gardeners, and more. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication make Audley End a special place for our visitors and staff, creating a workplace rich in heritage, history, and heart. I also look after community engagement.
Supported by Kirstie Horne, Property Manager
Speaker to be announced shortly. Register for latest announcements!
Speaker to be announced shortly. Register for latest announcements!
11.30am
A New West Essex Tourist Board - Your Input!
This interactive session marks the next step in shaping the future of tourism in West Essex. Following an introduction from Epping Forest District Council – introducing the new Visitor Guide and its strategic direction - the focus turns to you - the businesses and stakeholders who will shape what comes next.
Through a facilitated breakout discussion, you’ll be invited to share your ideas, priorities and ambitions for the sector, from immediate actions to longer-term opportunities.
This is your opportunity to help define the purpose, structure and direction of a new West Essex Tourism Board - and to play a direct role in how it is developed.
If you want to influence the future of tourism locally, attend this session to make sure your voice is heard!
Attending Organisations
Join and network with other leading organisations:
Event Details:
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Business Networking
Meet fellow attendees and forge new connections.
You are invited to an informal business lunch, networking with business leaders, executives and decision makers.
Visitor Guide – Explore it Now!
Discover everything West Essex has to offer with the new Epping Forest District Visitor Guide — your gateway to one of the most diverse and accessible destinations on London’s doorstep.
From the ancient landscapes of Epping Forest, with over 8,000 acres of woodland and 180 miles of trails, to vibrant market towns, historic landmarks and unique experiences, the district offers something for every visitor. Whether it’s walking through centuries of history in Waltham Abbey, exploring heritage attractions such as the Epping Ongar Railway, or enjoying independent shops, cafés and restaurants, the guide showcases the very best of the area.
Designed to inspire exploration and support local businesses, the Visitor Guide is a key step in strengthening the district’s visitor economy — helping more people discover, stay and spend in West Essex.
Explore the guide now and see how we can collectively promote and grow West Essex as a destination.
