Pictured above: David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Businesses across the Peak District & Derbyshire are being urged to make sure they share the spoils in a global campaign aiming to cash in on the huge potential and profits that could follow the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Delegates at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire's 2011 Tourism Conference will learn how they can use the Olympics as a spring board to a more prosperous future as part of the national tourist board VisitBritain's international Britain You're Invited initiative.

Key speaker on the subject, Joss Croft, Project Director, Britain You're Invited, will reveal how local businesses can reap the long-term rewards of the Olympic legacy in years to come at the conference - which will be held at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, on Thursday March 31.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, will outline changes in the regional and national tourism scene and will explain the Peak District & Derbyshire's pivotal role as a pathfinder Destination of Distinction.

Other headline speakers will be television and radio presenter, journalist and best selling author Stuart Maconie and ever-popular web expert Susan Hallam, who will share her entertaining and user-friendly tips on how to use social networking to boost sales and add value to any business.

VisitEngland Chairman, Penelope Viscountess Cobham, will also join delegates in the afternoon to speak about the strategic importance of tourism to the country's economy.

"We are delighted that so many high-profile and knowledgeable speakers have agreed to join us for what promises to be a profitable and enjoyable day for all local businesses working in the tourism sector," said Jim Oribine, Head of Industry Services at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the area's official tourist board.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for them to meet some of the industry's leading experts to debate how we can all work together to maximise the potential of tourism - not just in the run-up to key events such as the Royal Wedding, the Olympic Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee - but in the years to come.

"There'll also be the chance to put questions directly to some of the speakers during a group session, as well as briefing sessions on current tourism developments, and plenty of time to network with colleagues to find out what's new and how they are tackling current and future challenges." 

David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, and David Thornton, its Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Marketing, will also outline the tourist board's plans for 2011 and beyond.

Key conference sponsor The Camping and Caravanning Club will give an overview of the Club's current and future activities, and the area's Camping & Caravanning Guide 2011 - produced jointly by the Club and the tourist board - will be hot off the press on the day.

Matthew Eastlake, the Club's Marketing & Communications Director, said: "The Club is delighted to be working in partnership with one of the UK's leading tourist boards and we look forward to continuing to support Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, which has been instrumental in promoting sustainable tourism in such a beautiful area.

"The Peak District and Derbyshire are important growth areas for camping, and with this in mind the Club has recently purchased the Star Caravan & Camping Park near Alton Towers.

"As a Club, getting people to experience the great outdoors is very much in tune with our objectives and we will continue to encourage more tourists to visit the area so as to help keep local communities buoyant." 

Around 50 of the tourist board's public and private sector partners - including Chatsworth, the AA, Sheffield International Venues, The National Trust, Yeomans and the YHA - will also be on hand in an exhibition and networking area.

Added Jim Oribine: "Tickets - excellent value at £30 each - are selling fast, and places are limited, so I would urge anyone wanting to attend to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment."

The conference fee includes a restaurant lunch and refreshments. Places can be reserved and paid for by contacting Melissa Downhill, Sales and Membership Administrator at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, on 0845 833 0970 ext. 4867 or at melissa.downhill@visitpeakdistrict.com .