Leading figures from the worlds of agriculture and tourism will be taking part in Britain's first ever National Corn Maze Conference on Tuesday, December 4th at Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, Thornhaugh, Peterborough.
The conference, sponsored by Adrian Fisher Mazes Ltd, is a unique one-day seminar aimed at everyone interested in farm tourism.
For the first time, this ground breaking event will bring together leading experts in farm diversification for tourism, leisure and education.
Whether you run an existing agri-tourism business or are considering starting up your own farm attraction it will provide the perfect opportunity to speak directly to the experts.
Presenters include Stuart Beare, Vice Chair of the National Farmers Retail and Markets Association, Barry Davies, Treasurer of the National Farm and Attractions Network, Bill Graham, of Farming and Countryside Education, Nick Farmer, President Elect of TEA (Themed Entertainment Association), Mark Abberley, Senior Analyst of Vision XS, Hugh McCormack, Director of Attract Marketing and Lewis Paterson, of Staunton Country Park, Hampshire and Adrian Fisher, founder of Adrian Fisher Mazes Ltd, the world's leading maze company
The crucial aspects from creating and maintaining a successful rural visitor attraction will be covered, from initial start up to ongoing innovation. Targeting seasonal groups, extending the season, entertainment on a budget and considerations for creating a new attraction and other topics will be explored.
Come and tour Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, and join us for informal networking, a hog roast and barn.
National Corn Maze Conference, Tues Dec 4th, Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre, Thornhaugh, Peterborough. Tickets £69.99 for conference and networking dinner or £49.99 for conference only (+ VAT). Please call 01258 458845 or visit www.fishermazes.com for the full programme and to receive a booking form.
Issued by Adrian Fisher Mazes Ltd. For more information please contact Drew Cunliffe on 01373 836499 or email: drew@drewpr.co.uk.
LIST OF SPEAKERS (in alphabetical order):
Mark Abberley, Vision XS - Mark has almost 20 years experience with a unique operation, management and consultancy mix within sport, entertainment and attractions. His CV includes work at high profile attractions such as British Airways London Eye and The Science Museum. He has also provided input into development projects for sport and golf resorts, waterparks and numerous entertainment concepts.
Stuart Beare, Tulleys Farm, West Sussex, National Farmers' Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) – Stuart has developed the family farm from a successful Pick Your Own operation in 1991 into one of the UK's most successful rural businesses annually attracting around 400,000 visitors to its farm shop, catering and attractions – including a maize maze. Tulleys Farm are proud winners of the UK Farm Retailer of the Year award and the NAFDMA Direct Marketer of the Year Award.
Barry Davies, National Farm Attractions Network – Barry is a Chartered surveyor specialising in rural planning and business rates issues for leisure and tourism in the countryside. Chairman of rural planning division of BIAC he also Represents NFAN on the national planning forum, visitors attraction forum and planning inspectorates stakeholders committee.
Nick Farmer, Themed Entertainment Association – Nick has 30 years experience of working for theme and amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, science centres and many other leisure destinations. His range of expertise includes park development and new attraction planning. He specialises in story, theme and brand development.
Adrian Fisher, Adrian Fisher Mazes Ltd - Adrian is internationally recognised as the world's leading maze designer. He created the first ever corn maze back in 1993 and today his mazes can be found in all corners of the globe. His distinct design style and exquisite puzzles make him the undisputed world-leader in his field.
Bill Graham, Farming and Countryside Education (FACE) – A former science teacher, Bill is head of FACE a charity created to work with all agricultural and rural sectors in order to help young people learn more about food, farming and the countryside. In 2006 he was awarded an OBE for services to education and farming.
Paul Van Heerwaarden, Texel Labyrint – Paul is from the island of Texel off the Dutch coast – a popular holiday destination that relies on tourism for 70% of its income. His core business is in holiday real estate and he has developed a highly successful property business. He has been running a corn maze on the island for the past six years.
Hugh McCormack, AttractMarketing - Attract Marketing is a multi-disciplinary consultancy, providing the tourism sector with solutions to the challenges they face in this economically important market place. Clients include museums, theme parks, stately homes, farms and other visitor attractions. Hugh will describe the priorities current and potential operators should consider to help develop a successful maze-based farm attraction
