The free-to-attend Seminar Theatre is once again set to be a major draw at the Group Leisure & Travel Show, with an inspiring line-up of speakers ready to share stories, expertise and advice when the event returns to Arena MK on 8th October.
From global exploration and antiques expertise to practical travel guidance, this year’s speakers are looking forward to meeting visitors and helping group travel organisers discover new ideas for future trips and holidays. The Seminar Theatre is free to attend for all visitors to the GLT Show which takes place at Arena MK, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes on Thursday 8th October.
The line-up is:
- 11.30am - Paul Rose: A special Q&A with a global explorer
- 1.00pm - Simon Calder: What to do when things go wrong
- 2.20pm - Eric Knowles: Historic venues for group visits
Paul Rose: inspiring people to discover the world
Broadcaster, author and explorer Paul Rose will take to the Seminar Theatre stage at 11.30am for a special Q&A, drawing on a remarkable career that has taken him from Antarctica to some of the planet’s most remote destinations.
Paul is currently on our screens with his four-part series on BBC Four and iPlayer this month called The Lakes with Paul Rose which sees him explore some of England’s highest mountains and meets some of the people who live and work in the UK’s most-visited National Park. He also appeared on our TV screens earlier this year in the BBC’s Coastal Path series.
Paul said he is excited about speaking to the people who help groups experience new places and adventures at the show.
He said: “Our natural instinct to travel is a beautiful thing and is an irresistible force in me! I love all travel and it can be local, national, or to the most remote and challenging places on the planet.
“I will be taking a short break from leading an ocean science expedition to be with you and I look forward to sharing the love of travel and my experiences with you all at the Group Leisure & Travel Show.”
Read our interview with Paul here.
If you’d like to submit a question for Paul Rose to answer at the GLT Show, email it to info@grouptravelshow.com
Simon Calder: returning to a show full of energy
Travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder will once again be sharing his expertise with visitors during his afternoon session called ‘What to do when things go wrong’.
A long-time supporter of the event, Simon said one of the reasons he keeps returning is the atmosphere created by exhibitors and visitors alike.
He told us: “I always look forward to the Group Leisure & Travel Show in Milton Keynes. It’s invariably an interesting event with a diverse range of exhibitors and visitors across the group travel sector. Getting so many people who are passionate about travel under one roof is exciting and I will be there on 8th October to meet everyone and to share some of my own experiences”
Simon’s session is expected to offer practical travel advice as well as the latest insights from one of the UK’s best-known travel commentators.
Eric Knowles: a familiar face for visitors
A favourite with television audiences through appearances on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow, Eric Knowles completes the celebrity speaker line-up for 2026. Visitors can look forward to hearing from Eric about some of his favourite historic venues for group visits.
2026 marks Eric’s 45th year on Antiques Roadshow, an achievement that even he finds hard to believe, especially as he is “73, going on 43” as he puts it. You can read our interview with Eric here.
Eric said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Group Leisure & Travel Show and look forward to sharing insights into some of the many places I have been fortunate enough to visit.”
The 2026 show takes place on Thursday 8th October at Arena MK, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes. Group travel organisers and coach operators will come to discover ideas, offers and experts to help them create memorable group trips and holidays.
For all the latest updates including free visitor registration visit www.grouptravelshow.com.
