Lord (Simon) Pitkeathley

Simon has been CEO of the multi-award winning Camden Town Unlimited since 2007. He also leads Camden Collective, Euston Town and currently sits on the London Partnership Board. Simon was made a Life Peer in January 2025.

Simon brings a wealth of experience across business, public policy and the visitor economy. A strong advocate for economic growth, innovation, and regional development, his insights into the role of BIDs in driving investment, collaboration, and long-term prosperity are particularly relevant to the current landscape.

Mayor Claire Ward

Claire is the Mayor of the East Midlands, representing 2.2 million people and leading the East Midlands Combined County Authority. She is responsible for transport, skills, housing, net zero and economic development, using these powers to drive inclusive growth across the region.

Previously MP for Watford (1997–2010) and a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Claire is a strong advocate for devolution. Mayor Claire will talk about the role of deeper devolution in achieving “growth in every postcode”, and will explore how BIDs will thrive in a more devolved country.

Katherine Kennedy

Katherine is the Visitor Levy Manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, where she leads and coordinates across Council teams to implement the levy in the city. From policy definition to the development of £90m of investment programmes using levy funds raised, she is an expert in the practical intricacies of implementation, as well as the significant opportunities which such schemes can bring. 

Her project management experience spans the public, private and third sectors.

Roddy Smith

Roddy is Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh. During the last eleven years he has led the organisation through two hugely successful renewal ballots as well as delivering major events, projects, and initiatives to support over 600 levy payers in the city centre. Engaging with multiple partners across the city, Essential Edinburgh works proactively to ensure the city is a vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Essential Edinburgh has supported, and played a key role, in the major redevelopment of the city centre in recent years with the construction of a new retail and leisure hub in Westfield St James and the reimagining of former department stores into new hotels and visitor attractions. Roddy is a Director of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, a Council member of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and sits on many working groups and committees supporting the economic growth of Scotland’s capital city.

Matthew Fell

Matthew is Director for Competitiveness at BusinessLDN. He is responsible for a programme of work on competitiveness, including regulatory, fiscal and economic measures that support growth and make London a compelling destination for investment. He is leading BusinessLDN's response to the proposed Overnight Visitor Levy. Matthew has considerable experience in engaging with Government, regulators, and senior business leaders.

Prior to joining BusinessLDN, Matthew was Chief Policy Director and interim Director-General at the CBI. Matthew is also a commissioner on the independent Low Pay Commission that advises the Government on the National Living Wage and was a member of the Mayor of London’s Climate Finance Taskforce.

The Venue

This year, we will be returning to 30 Euston Square, one of the best conference and event spaces in Central London.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art Sony HDR 4K laser projector (DCI cinema industry-approved), surround sound speakers, show lights and the opportunity to produce video conferencing and streaming, the Auditorium space will satisfy the most seasoned conference professionals and enhance your ability to deliver the ultimate delegate or cinema screening experience.