CRUISE CONVENTION

2 April 2009: ACE has announced the two key industry speakers who will present at this year's UK Cruise Convention in Dover between 17-19 June. Both are highly respected practitioners within the global cruise industry and will cover topics including embracing change and the value proposition of cruising.

Dan Hanrahan is President and CEO of both Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises with responsibility for fleet operations, sales, marketing and brand development. Prior to joining Celebrity Cruises in 1999, Dan held senior positions with Polaroid, Reebok, Nestle and Gallo Winery. Celebrity Cruises launch their latest ship, Celebrity Equinox, on 31 July with her maiden voyage out of Southampton to the Norwegian fjords.

Rick Meadows is Executive Vice President Marketing, Sales and Guest Programmes for Holland America Line with global revenue responsibility for the company. Rick overseas all product pricing and yield management, marketing, sales, reservations, PR and guest relations. Prior to joining HAL he served with Seabourn Cruise Line. 2008 saw the introduction of the company's latest ship Eurodam which will be offering a number of sailings out of Dover this summer to Europe and the Baltic.

Both speakers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge which they will share during the main conference session on Thursday afternoon. Their presentations will include advice on how to sell premium brands and the best way to stay one step ahead within a rapidly changing world.

TV personality Mark Durden Smith will moderate the session. Mark, who has presented ITV 2's Get Me Out of Here Now, Channel 4's Rise and Sky 1's The Match, is the son of Judith Chalmers who presented the popular holiday programme Wish You Were Here.

Three other conference sessions will take place during the UK Cruise Convention with topics including the state of the industry and a review of the cruise year.