With their expert guidance, this year’s event promises to be more relevant, impactful, and inspiring than ever before, delivering content and connections that will help rural and leisure businesses grow, evolve, and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.  

Meet the experts behind this year’s event:  

Ian Clappison – Chief Executive Officer, Experience UK 

With over 25 years of experience, Ian has worked closely with businesses in experience economy to drive growth both domestically and internationally. As CEO, Ian oversees the strategic direction of the association, championing the interests of member companies and facilitating access to global opportunities. His role involves forging partnerships with industry stakeholders, advocating for the sector’s needs at a policy level, and ensuring members receive vital insights and support to enhance their competitiveness.  

Sam Beech – Co-Founder, Laughing Bulldog Events  

Using his experience in working with some of the UK’s biggest brands, Sam helps to deliver bespoke entertainment and event solutions from festivals to Halloween experiences. This led to Sam co-founding Laughing Bulldog Events - a turn-key event partner offering full event support from conceptualisation through to marketing and delivery - helping venues find new ways to entertain their guests whilst also increasing revenue and footfall year on year.  

Marie Rayne – Director of Project Development at Storyland Studios  

Marie Rayner is Director of Project Development at Storyland Studios. She shapes sustainability strategy within experience design, moderating industry panels at events like IAAPA Middle East and contributing to thought leadership through sustainability dialogues and interviews on projects like Bluestone Resort and Parques Reunidos. 

Commenting on the show, Marie said, “The land Leisure and Tourism show is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, collaborate with businesses throughout the supply chain, and understand how we can keep evolving the sector. Attending the show last year highlighted the breadth, diversity, and scale of organisations shaping the industry today. I am therefore delighted to be part of this year’s steering group, working alongside sector leaders to ensure the 2026 conference addresses the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the leisure industry.” 

Derry Green - Founder & Owner, The Secret Garden Glamping  

Derry Green is the Founder & Owner of The Secret Garden Glamping, an award-winning luxury glamping site known for its unique, immersive outdoor experiences. With a background in hospitality and a passion for creating unforgettable stays, Derry has built a brand that combines five-star comfort with nature, offering bespoke retreats that attract guests from across the UK. His innovative approach has earned him national recognition, including an investment on Dragons’ Den and becoming the most viewed, most followed and most booked site in the UK.  

Jessica Marson - Head of Sales & Marketing, Walter Geering Ltd  

Jessica is Head of Sales and Marketing at Walter Geering. With an extensive history of working within the hospitality sector, Jessica’s passion is in human behaviour motivated by the emotions of customers she uses this for her marketing strategies and customer satisfaction. This is synonymous with Walter Geering’s offering, providing those added extras to improve customer stays, specialising in eco-friendly toiletries and welcome packs including kitchen and bathroom packs, pet packs, games night packs, birthday parks, to name but a few. Walter Geering also offers a comprehensive collection of bedroom and bathroom accessories, bedding, linen and towels.  

Danielle Nicholls - Senior Content Manager, Merlin 

With extensive experience in marketing teams across the attractions and leisure industry, Danielle specialises in bringing brands and experiences to life through high‑impact content and social‑first campaigns.  As Senior Content Manager at Merlin, Danielle delivers content at a global scale across some of the world’s most iconic attraction brands - such as LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds and Alton Towers Resort. Through compelling storytelling and audience‑focused content, her work builds excitement, strengthens brand presence, and connects millions of guests worldwide with unforgettable experiences.  

Commenting on the show, Danielle said, “The Land Leisure & Tourism Show plays a vital role in connecting people, ideas, and innovation across the leisure industry. It’s a brilliant platform for sharing insight and celebrating the work happening across our sector. I’m proud to be part of the steering group helping to shape the future of such an impactful event".  

Brodie Farrow - Brand Marketing Manager, Pitchup  

Before joining Pitchup in August 2020, Brodie worked in marketing at a travel start-up, at an award-winning PR agency for food and hospitality clients and in event management. Having camped on Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis, she now lives at a lower altitude in Bristol.  

With guidance from this talented group, the 2026 Land Leisure & Tourism Show will deliver:  

• Relevant, insight-led content across our panels and sessions  

• Real business value for holiday parks, attractions, and rural entrepreneurs  

• Opportunities to meet like-minded peers and trusted suppliers who understand your sector  

Whether you’re looking to enhance your business, improve visitor experience, elevate your marketing, or simply future-proof your offering, this is the can’t-miss event of the year, and it's been shaped with your success in mind.  

Join us at the Land Leisure & Tourism Show 2026!  

Claim your free pass today