Stazione Leopolda
The Data Appeal Company returns to BTO 2024 with two exclusive sessions focused on destinations and the hospitality sector:
- AI and Data for Destination Management
Wednesday, November 27, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Destination Data and AI for Hospitality Management
Thursday, November 28, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
BTO has been Italy’s leading event for digital tourism, innovation, and training for over 15 years. This year’s event will be held at Stazione Leopolda in Florence, on November 27-28 2024.
AI Confluence in Travel: Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Creativity
This year, we’re once again hosting an exclusive selection of international guests who will help us explore how to blend our expertise with the power of artificial intelligence. Moderating the sessions will be Mirko Lalli, CEO and Founder, and Silvia Moggia, Product Marketing Strategist & Data Storyteller at The Data Appeal Company.
During this intensive two-day event titled “AI Confluence in Travel: Navigating the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Human Creativity,” we’ll delve into how data and AI are transforming travel and tourism, and how they can align with the human elements of empathy and creativity that elevate travel experiences.
We’ll examine AI’s evolving role in destination management and hospitality services, providing insights on how data-driven solutions can improve efficiency while fostering genuine human connections.
Blending innovative technologies with the emotional and cultural elements that make travel meaningful is a significant challenge—and one we are ready to embrace.
Our programme at BTO 2024 (Work in progress!)
DAY 1: AI and Data for Destination Management
Wednesday, 27 November, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Hall #3
Data-Driven Decision-Making in Destination Management
Time: 2:00 PM
Featuring insights from industry leaders, this panel will explore practical case studies and real-world applications of AI in managing visitor flows, infrastructure planning, and regional development. The discussion will focus on integrating AI tools with traditional destination management practices.
Speakers:
- Malcolm Bell, Executive Chair, Visit Cornwall UK
- Daniel Santana Verano, Smart Tourism Office, Seville
Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Behavioural Data and AI to Balance the Needs of Travellers and Locals in Tourism
Time: 3:00 PM
This session will explore how behavioural data and AI can provide deeper insights into the needs and behaviours of both travellers and locals, helping to foster more balanced interactions and promote environments where tourism can thrive harmoniously alongside residents’ needs.
Speakers:
- Shaon Talukder, CEO, Geotourist
- Milena Nikolova, Chief Behavioural Officer, BehaviorSmart
- Tim Fairhurst, General Director, ETOA
Leveraging Data and AI for Sustainable Tourism Development
Time: 4:00 PM
How can artificial intelligence support sustainable tourism practices? This session will discuss tools for monitoring environmental impact, optimising resource allocation, and fostering community-based tourism initiatives.
Speaker:
- Nico Nicholas, CEO, Zeero
- Elke Dens, Founder Place Generation – Global programs director at NGO Travel Foundation
Spending data and insights: Transforming Destination Management
Time: 5:00 PM
Tourism spend data: how it is changing the way destinations are managed.
Speaker:
- Katerina Lamprou, VISA Global Director, Data Government Solutions
AI and human creativity: the new face of tourist destinations
Time: 5:25 PM – Italian language
Today, data is the new “gold” and artificial intelligence allows us to reach more and more specific audiences. But how to integrate AI without losing the human and authentic touch in tourism storytelling? This talk offers an insight into how to combine artificial intelligence and human creativity to strengthen the identity of destinations and build communities of conscious and engaged travellers.
Speaker:
- Cristiana Stradella, Social Media and Content Manager | Marketing Strategist | Digital PR
DAY 2: Destination Data and AI for Hospitality Management
Thursday, 28 November, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hall #3
The Future of Hospitality: AI and Guest Experience
Time: 9:00 AM
An overview of how AI can elevate guest interactions and service personalisation in the hospitality sector-balancing automated solutions with the human touch to create memorable guest experiences.
Speakers:
- Linde Borger, Chief Tree Planting Officer, Hotels for Trees
- Valentina Parasmo, Client Growth Specialist, The Hotels Network
Innovations in Hospitality: let’s learn from the best
Time: 10:00 AM
In this session, we’ll step into the shoes of our guests and explore their true feelings towards innovation in the hospitality industry.
Speakers:
- Fabrizio Di Martino, Director of Growth and Marketing, citizenM Hotels
- Jan Louis Metzmeier, Development Manager, MM Berlin Lab – TFE Hotels
Experience is the new black
Time: 11:00 AM
Travellers no longer just want to visit destinations; they seek engaging, personalised, and memorable experiences. This session will explore how businesses can leverage data, AI, and creativity to craft unique experiences that attract modern travellers, while ensuring authenticity and a meaningful connection with local culture.
Speakers:
- Paolo Pedrazzi, OltrePOP founder & CEO
- Tullia Caballero, Founder S-cape Travel e Sloways
- Paolo Pedrazzi, CEO at Digital Visions
- Olga Baratto, Head of Brand and Communications MarketingArena
For the full BTO programme, visit the official website.
