HIT Scotland is inviting senior leaders from across Scotland’s tourism, hospitality and wider visitor economy to attend its Industry Leadership Summit: Journey to Excellence, this November.
Taking place on Thursday 19th November 2026 at Crossbasket Castle, near Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, the summit aims to provide a “dedicated opportunity for attendees to step away from the day-to-day demands of business, connect with peers and explore practical solutions to the economic, operational and workforce challenges facing Scotland’s visitor economy”.
The summit promises to focus on “actionable strategies to strengthen commercial performance, protect operating margins, empower teams and build positive, high-performing workplace cultures”.
Hosted by BBC broadcaster and HIT Scotland supporter Stephen Jardine, the day will feature three interactive workshops, a keynote address from former RAF fighter pilot and leadership expert Sarah Furness, and the launch of HIT Scotland’s 2027 Executive & Leadership Programme.
Divided into three cohorts of 50, delegates will rotate through the three 80-minute workshops. Each session will encourage peer-to-peer discussion, shared learning and the exploration of practical approaches that they can take back to their own businesses.
- The Future of Workforce Design, facilitated by Gary Crawford and Rebecca Hastings of Owendale Advisory, will explore how businesses can move beyond reactive recruitment and develop workforce strategies that attract and retain talent;
- The Value Paradox, facilitated by Victoria Taylor and Phil Rumbol, will examine how businesses can respond to rising operating costs and increasing guest price sensitivity while protecting profitability;
- Culture by Design, Not Default, facilitated by The Culture Builders, will explore how workplace culture can become a driver of business performance rather than something left to chance.
Furness’s keynote address will share insights into decision-making, resilience and leadership under pressure, exploring how leaders can navigate uncertainty, respond to challenges and maintain performance when the pressure is on.
There are approximately 150 places available at the November 19th summit, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
HIT Scotland is inviting applications from senior leaders across Scotland’s visitor economy, including hospitality and accommodation, visitor attractions, culture and heritage, outdoor leisure, food and drink, events and venues, destination management and the wider industry supply chain.
Senior leaders interested in attending can find out more and book here. Funds raised will help support future scholarships and development opportunities for emerging talent across Scotland’s hospitality industry.
The November event will also see the official launch of HIT Scotland’s 2027 Executive & Leadership Programme Prospectus, giving delegates an early look at upcoming leadership development opportunities designed to support talent across Scotland’s hospitality industry.
These programmes promise to provide access to ‘world-class executive coaching and tailored leadership development opportunities’, helping participants strengthen their skills, build confidence and develop their leadership capabilities.
Offered at what is described as a ‘heavily subsidised rate’, they aim to make high-quality professional development more accessible to leaders across Scotland’s hospitality industry.
The introduction of the leadership programmes has been made possible through HIT Scotland”s long-standing partnership with the Crerar Family Trust, which is supporting HIT Scotland in developing and delivering leadership training.
