Meet our London Chapter Leader – Matthew Gardiner

Matthew Gardiner is co-lead of the London Travel Massive. A marketing and ecommerce professional, he has been working in travel for over 10 years and was named by TTG Media as one of the industry’s “30 under 30.” He also sits on the Education and Training Committee of the Institute of Travel & Tourism.

What’s the secret to running a successful Travel Massive Chapter?

Like with all things, it’s not the idea but who you do it with that determines the level of success you have.

If you’re setting up a chapter or taking over an existing one, deciding on your co-lead is the most important decision you’ll make.

Choose someone you trust, with complimentary skills who you know you’ll have fun with. I’ve a great co-lead in Olesya Ma (pictured above) and that makes all the difference.

What next for Travel Massive London?

More of what Travel Massive has always done so well – connecting people with people through great events. But now we also want to put more focus on connecting people with ideas and connecting people with opportunities. For example, in January we’re hosting a panel event discussing what the biggest trends in travel industry marketing will be in 2018 with the marketing agency Vertical Leap.

What’s your day job?

I’m currently leading an ecommerce transformation project for the cargo division of International Airlines Group (the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Are Lingus, Vueling and Level). I’m responsible for an exciting transition establishing a dedicated agile development team – so do get in touch if you’re a UX designer, an analyst or Scrum Master!

Who in the travel industry most inspires you?

I was very fortunate to be named by TTG Media as one of the industry’s ‘30 under 30‘ in an initiative sponsored by TUI Travel and the ITT. Rather than it being a one-off name on a list scenario; they ran a programme of events for us and I got to know the other members of the 30 under 30 well. It really was an impressive group of people. A group of people that continue to inspire me.

And as for 2018, what do you think is the biggest challenge facing travel companies?

I’d suggest it is talent acquisition and retention.

Unemployment in the UK is at an all-time low and the battle for talent is very much on.

I’d predict that we’re going to see more and more focus on culture, employee engagement and employer branding.

Connect with Matthew on Travel Massive, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

(A quick bit of history: The London Chapter was started in 2011 by Michael Ball (co-founder of Traverse) and Kevin May (now PhocusWire editor) and has had a close rivalry with New York City over the years for the largest chapter. The London Travel Massive community has so many incredible members who are leaders and pioneers in the tourism industry – so a big thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this chapter, and to Matthew and Olesya for leading the next adventure in our community.)