Events

Tourism Society President’s Dinner 2026

We are delighted to return to the banks of the River Thames in London on Wednesday 14 October 2026 for our prestigious President’s Dinner, hosted by the Society’s President, Lord Thurso.

This highly anticipated evening is a highlight of the Tourism Society’s calendar — bringing together members, partners, and friends from across the industry for a special night of celebration, connection, and conversation in one of the EVOLV Collection’s (formerly Conran) venues. Framed by stunning riverside views, Blueprint London combines contemporary design with the charm of the Thames and Tower Bridge. A delicious classic French menu will be prepared by the chefs of sister restaurant, the Pont de la Tour.

Evening Highlights

• Inspirational guest speaker
• Tourism Award Presentation
• Networking reception with industry peers
• Three-course dinner with wine
• Fundraising in support of the Society’s work

We are delighted to announce that Sarah Roots is the recipient of this year’s prestigious Tourism Society Award.

Former Executive Vice President, Worldwide Studio Tours and Retail, Global Experiences at Warner Bros. Discovery, Sarah has enjoyed an exceptional career at the forefront of tourism, entertainment and visitor experiences.

Sarah will receive the Award at the President’s Dinner on 14 October, where she will share highlights and insights from her career, as well as her perspective on the tourism industry today — and what she believes the future holds.

Sarah is currently Non-Executive Chair of Visit Kent and Invest Kent, having previously served on the Board of GoToPlaces, which operated Visit Kent and Visit Hertfordshire. She has also been a passionate supporter of tourism in London and Hertfordshire, not least through her senior role at Warner Bros.

During her career with Warner Bros., Sarah led the launch and growth of its Worldwide Studio Tours & Experiential Retail division, encompassing some of the world’s most successful visitor experiences. These included Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, a 5* TripAdvisor experience with over 27m visitors to date,  as well as the launch and development of Studio Tours in Tokyo and Hollywood and Harry Potter retail experiences at King’s Cross, New York, Chicago, Harajuku, and soon-to-be London’s Oxford Street.

Her contribution to the wider visitor economy is equally impressive. Sarah served on the ALVA Board from 2014–2021 and as a Non-Executive Director of the London Museum Trading Board from 2013–2018. Earlier in her career, she held senior visitor experience, operations, communications and marketing roles at the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich, alongside roles with the National Trust and The Tussauds Group (now Merlin Entertainments). She was also a Board Director of Visit Kent from 2006–2008, and continues to support her love of Kent with current Trustee positions at Leeds Castle and the Chatham Historic Dockyard.

With a career spanning many of Britain’s best-known attractions and visitor brands, Sarah has made an outstanding contribution to tourism and the visitor economy.

We very much look forward to celebrating her achievements at the President’s Dinner — and hearing her thoughts on where our industry goes next.

Book now

Ticket Prices:

Early bird tickets (up to 14 September):

Members – £135
Non-members – £155

After 14 September:
Members – £145
Non-members – £175

Table of 10: £1350 before 14/09 and after £1450 – Please contact the Secretariat

This event is also a vital fundraising opportunity, with limited event sponsorship packages available.

Sponsors will be acknowledged on invitations and tickets, in the Society’s newsletter, and in a feature article in The Journal,

reaching over 60,000 professionals across the tourism sector.

For further information, please contact the Secretariat.