Highlights from the Big Tourism Conference

On the 15th January 2026, we had the opportunity to exhibit at the Big Tourism Conference hosted at Uttoxeter Racecourse in Staffordshire.

As a Midlands-based consultancy, we believe regional events like this are where the real conversations happen. There’s no algorithm, funnel, or click-through rate that compares to:

1. Meeting key decision-makers face to face

2. Hearing live feedback from those working in the sector

3. Building trust through real interaction

This was our first exhibition as Hartley Consulting & Events and it reaffirmed what we’ve believed for a while: local venues and suppliers are ambitious, ready to grow, and looking for the kind of support we provide.

Alongside showcasing our commercial and strategic offer, we also introduced three of our trusted delivery partners - each selected for their specialist focus in supporting venues to operate better, grow revenue, and stay compliant.

LineClenze

A more sustainable and cost‑effective way to clean beer lines in pubs, bars, hotels and other hospitality venues. Their EcoZenze System28 extends the time between cleans from the traditional 7‑day cycle to 28 days, reducing the frequency of cleaning by three‑quarters and cutting waste beer, water use and staff time in the process. System28 combines a pH‑neutral cleaning powder with an electronic yeast growth inhibitor to keep lines clean for longer, improve beer quality and deliver significant ongoing savings on utilities, waste and labour. Many venues that use LineClenze’s technology see immediate reductions in cost and effort, with savings typically covering the cost of installation and rental within the first month of use.

omnigo

Payment technology is often overlooked in venue strategy, yet it plays a crucial role in how smoothly events run and how quickly revenue lands. omnigo delivers smart, DOJO-powered payment solutions tailored to the events and hospitality sector. We showcased their work across independent venues and multi-site groups, and shared how we’ve supported their outreach with qualified leads and new partnerships through our network.

KUNU Studio

We also featured the work of KUNU Studio, our creative and digital delivery partner. From social media management and campaign rollout to email marketing and Framer-built websites, they’ve helped us elevate the digital presence of venues like Drapers’ Hall and Beaconside. Their creative approach, coupled with commercial awareness, makes them an ideal partner for venue teams looking to raise their profile without hiring in-house.

Each of these partnerships reflects our belief that venues don’t need to do it all alone. With the right external support plugged in, they can stay focused on what they do best - while we take care of the rest.