Lochaber Ideas Week 2019 returns in November with the chance to join a range of talks, presentations and workshops aimed at inspiring, educating and motivating the businesses and wider community of Lochaber and the Highlands
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce is hosting the programme of events from Monday November 18 to Friday November 22. The events will be staged in Fort William and the wider Lochaber region.
Last year’s Ideas Week attracted more than 1000 people and it’s hoped that this year will be even busier. Frazer Coupland, CEO of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, said: “As we launch our sixth annual Lochaber Ideas Week, it is exciting to see how the week has grown and evolved to become a cornerstone of the chamber’s work that is deeply engaged and owned by our community.
“We believe that events like this can be a catalyst for positive economic and social change and will therefore help to build a better-connected community.
“Lochaber Ideas Week is all about inspiration and creativity in business. It’s a week of events offering everyone the opportunity to think about the big picture and make connections as well as learn new business skills.
“It’s open to the entire community and we’re delighted that so many people come along and get involved.”
Lochaber Ideas Week 2019 programme highlights include:
From shinty to cycling
On Monday 18 November, Russell Jones will entertain the audience with a lively motivational talk based on his experience of making the life change from renowned Kingussie shinty player to globe-crossing long-distance cyclist.
Russell’s humour, attitude and tales of adventure around the world guarantee an uplifting and inspiring evening.
Business Skills Seminars
Also on Monday November 18, there will be a morning session with John Paul Hughes, the guru of creativity in business to encourage attendees to “think differently” in our approach to all areas of our work.
In the afternoon, former international rower and diplomat, Cath Bishop, will draw on her experiences in elite sport and international relations to lead a special session on practical strategies for improving performance and creating strong teams.
Speed networking
On Tuesday November 19, the fast-paced and popular “Around Lochaber in 80 Tables” speed-networking event takes place. Last year’s event led to some new collaborative business ventures, as well as offering a fun and effective way to make direct business to business connections.
Question Time
Also on November 19, there will be a lively evening of debate when a diverse panel from business, community and politics will face wide-ranging Q&A from members of the Lochaber public.
Women in Business Seminar
The inaugural event on Wednesday November 20 is a chance to focus on the topic of “Leaning into Leadership” with special guest speaker, Sarah Heward, owner of the Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum.
Sarah is an inspirational business woman, who turned a derelict Little Chef in Tyndrum into a thriving and innovative fast-food eatery, with a strong ethical and environmental focus.
Charles Kennedy Lecture
Lord David Steel will deliver this year’s Charles Kennedy Lecture, the annual lecture set up in memory of the former Liberal Democrat leader and long-serving Lochaber MP also on November 20.
2019 Tourism Summit
Thursday November 21 sees the 2019 Tourism Summit at the new Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe, where big names from the industry will consider the hot tourism topics of today and future trends for Lochaber and beyond.
The event includes:
- Mountain biker and brand ambassador Hannah Barnes and photographer Brodie Hood will demonstrate how to use social media to best effect to connect with your audience.
- Pat Duglass from Sustrans will discuss the huge opportunities for cycle tourism.
- Stephen Leckie (CEO of Crieff Hydro group of hotels) will inspire attendees with his vision for tourism and doing things the independent way.
- Cat Leaver, director of newly created Brand Scotland, will give delegates an insight into the new Scottish strategy for success.
Motivational seminar
Leadership coach Don MacNaughton will lead a motivational seminar on getting the most from your teams and yourself on Friday November 22.
The week is rounded off by the Lochaber Ideas Week Gala Dinner, hosted by VisitScotland’s Riddell Graham, at the Moorings Hotel, Fort William. This year’s after-dinner speaker is entrepreneur Mike Stevenson, whose journey from a life on the streets to successful entrepreneur is as riveting as it is inspiring and uplifting.
To find out more and to book tickets see Lochaber Ideas Week.