The ROLLER team had an amazing time at the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show 2024! Packed with professionals from the attractions, tourism, leisure, and hospitality industries, this year’s event was the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and share ideas.
Keep reading for all the highlights, key takeaways, and insights from an event that brought together the very best of our industry.
Event recap: A gathering of industry leaders
The Land, Leisure and Tourism Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham was a two-day celebration of innovation, networking, and collaboration. With over 11,500 attendees, 400+ exhibitors, and 50+ seminar sessions, Europe’s largest B2B exhibition for the tourism, leisure, hospitality, and rural industries certainly lived up to its reputation.
This dynamic event brought together professionals from all corners of the leisure and hospitality sectors. From iconic theme parks like Legoland and Blackpool Pleasure Beach to renowned cultural landmarks such as the Natural History Museum and Stonehenge, the show provided a great opportunity to connect with decision-makers and spark meaningful conversations.
Gaby Proctor and Dimitrios Papoutsis, Account Executives at ROLLER, kick off the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show at the ROLLER booth
It was an inspiring hub for sharing ideas, discovering new solutions, and celebrating the creativity driving this vibrant industry forward. Let’s dive into the highlights from our time at the show.
Educational sessions
The Land, Leisure and Tourism Show wasn’t just about networking and discovering new products—it was also a hub for learning. Seminar sessions tackled some of the biggest opportunities and challenges facing the industry today, offering actionable advice for venues looking to stay ahead.
Here are a few key themes that stood out:
- Eco-friendly practices to align with sustainability goals. Sustainability is top of mind for many venues as they respond to guest expectations and environmental priorities. Practical tips and strategies for reducing waste and improving energy efficiency were big topics this year.
- Digital transformation to streamline operations and connect with tech-savvy guests. From mobile ticketing to integrated venue management platforms, the focus was on technology that enhances both guest experiences and operational efficiency.
- Design innovations to elevate holiday parks and family attractions. Creative design ideas explored how venues can make a lasting impression, from Instagram-worthy aesthetics to accessibility improvements.
Key trends in leisure and tourism
While walking the show floor and chatting with attendees at our booth, we kept hearing about three pressing topics that are shaping the future of the industry:
Membership management to drive repeat visits
Operators are investing in membership programs to build loyalty and ensure repeat visits. Memberships offer steady revenue and a chance to provide personalized perks that keep guests coming back. It’s clear that venues are seeing memberships as an essential tool for long-term success.
Digital waivers to streamline guest check-ins
The convenience and efficiency of digital waivers were a hot topic. Venues are looking for ways to reduce wait times at check-in while maintaining a seamless experience for guests. Digital waivers help by cutting down paperwork and allowing guests to sign forms in advance, speeding up the process and enhancing first impressions. They’re also a valuable source of guest data that can be used to personalize marketing campaigns and strengthen customer relationships.
Online checkout solutions to increase conversion rates and improve guest experiences
Many operators expressed a desire to optimize their online booking processes. With user-friendly checkout systems, venues can not only boost conversion rates but also create a smoother experience for guests, making it easier for them to book tickets, purchase add-ons, and plan their visits in just a few clicks.
These recurring themes reflect a clear industry focus on efficiency, guest satisfaction, and loyalty-building strategies—essential ingredients for success in today’s competitive landscape.
ROLLER Account Executive Dimitrios Papoutsis welcomes attendees to the ROLLER booth
ROLLER booth highlights
Our team showcased the ROLLER features that help businesses thrive, conducting live demos and engaging with operators to discuss how we can meet their specific needs.
A standout moment was a demo for the owners of Mapperton House, a historic estate in Dorset. Their enthusiasm for our platform underscored the growing interest in modernizing even the most traditional venues.
Dimitrios Papoutsis showcases ROLLER’s platform to representatives from Mapperton House during a live demo
It was clear that attendees were eager to discover services that drive operational efficiency and elevate guest experiences. Whether it was software solutions, beverage offerings, or design innovations, the show highlighted a collective focus on growth and adaptability in the leisure industry.
Smooth Operators Dinner with ROLLER and AIP
One of the highlights of our time at the show was co-hosting the Smooth Operators Dinner with the Association for Indoor Play (AIP). Held at Resorts World, the dinner brought together indoor play industry leaders for an evening of networking, connection, and collaboration.
The Smooth Operators Dinner, cohosted by ROLLER and AIP, brought industry leaders together for an evening of networking and collaboration
It was wonderful to see so many passionate operators come together to share ideas, celebrate successes, and discuss the future of indoor play. Everyone had a great time, and it was truly inspiring to be surrounded by such dedicated and innovative individuals. Events like these remind us how vital it is to support the operators who make this industry thrive. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we're honored to be part of such an incredible community!
What’s next for the industry?
The Land, Leisure and Tourism Show showcased just how quickly the leisure and tourism industry is evolving. From eco-conscious initiatives that reflect growing environmental priorities to digital-first strategies designed to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, the event spotlighted the trends shaping the future of our sector.
For the ROLLER team, this was more than just an exhibition—it was a chance to engage with the heart of the industry. We connected with incredible operators, shared our vision for smarter, more seamless venue management, and celebrated the people driving innovation in leisure and tourism.
A big thank you to everyone who visited our booth, participated in insightful conversations, or joined us at the Smooth Operators Dinner. Your energy and ideas made this event a true success.
We’re already counting down to next year’s show and the chance to strengthen the connections we’ve built and continue supporting the operators who make this industry thrive. In the meantime, let’s keep pushing the bar, creating memorable guest experiences, and driving the industry forward.
Excited about what’s next for your venue? Book a demo to see how we can help your venue thrive.
