AGTO Showcase 2025 Highlights: Business, Banter & a Bracing Sea Breeze Back with a Splash in Bournemouth!
After a hiatus of several years primarily due to the COVID situation, the much‑missed AGTO Showcase made its triumphant return from 4–6 February 2025 at the stunning Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth. With fresh sea breeze, conference fun, and fam-trip adventures, this was the event nobody wanted to miss. The Marsham Court Hotel lived up to its billing: a charming, family‑run seafront retreat with an outdoor pool that daring souls braved for a brisk February dip! Its location right on the Dorset coastline made it ideal for exploring Bournemouth’s attractions.
It’s been several years since we have held a Showcase mini break so we wanted to make it something to remember and of course enjoy.
Around 100 delegates attended and there was a real excitement and buzz throughout the whole time we were there.
Tuesday – Arrival, Welcome & Interesting Sessions
Guests started arriving at Marsham Court Hotel from late morning, greeted by the welcoming AGTO team, giving them ample time to chat, get their bearings, have tea/coffee/drink and investigate their Welcome Bag before settling into their rooms.
Proceedings started at 4pm and we were overwhelmed by the number of people that had turned up for it, unprecedented – we had to bring in extra chairs!
The CEO Wendy Hartley-Scarff welcomed everyone as did the wonderful Marsham Court Hotel, James Dixon-Box, Operations Director/ hotel Owner and Jane Langridge, Business Development Director.
Wendy was excited to present the refreshed brand of AGTO for the first time, new colours and refreshed imagery, which looked modern and inviting. The branding was welcomed by Members who unanimously agreed it was an improvement.
This was followed by our social media guru Sam Oliver, who gave delegates hints and tips on the best way to get into social media, very interesting topic and something we want to capitalise on with the new branding.
A new element introduced at the Showcase: delegates broke into smaller discussion groups, with an AGTO director at each table. The aim was to find out what people wanted from their Association, several groups were so deep in conversations they only got half way through the topics but it certainly proved interesting and a great way to break the ice, especially for newcomers.
The Formal welcome completed, we gathered that evening for drinks, the evening was a relaxed affair, a room full of GTOs & Partners swapping tips, sipping something bubbly and getting to know each other. Reception was kindly sponsored by the Marsham Court Hotel.
Wednesday – Where Business meets Banter!
This was all about connecting suppliers and organisers, and the exhibition hall buzzed like a travel beehive.
Deals were struck, ideas were pitched, and someone may have accidentally promised to organise a coach trip to the moon!
In the afternoon, the fam trips showcased the best of Dorset, thanks must go to James Maidment of Visit Dorset and Jane from the Marsham Court Hotel for their invaluable help arranging these.
- Nautical Discovery – Boats, lighthouses, and the occasional strategically aimed seagull.
- Battlefield & Justice – Historic drama and courtrooms where even the chairs had stories.
- Art & Architecture – Perfect for anyone who can say “neo-Gothic” without tripping.
As with all group organising, we had a couple of unexpected challenges, but all was sorted and our guests were non the wiser with everyone enjoying their FAM trips and gaining inspiration for future trips.
Evening saw the Classic Hollywood Gala Dinner, where feathers, sequins, and bow ties all got a rare outing. There was music, laughter, and—if you listened carefully—the distant sound of Bournemouth wondering who let this lot in, with the dance floor witnessing moves best described as “enthusiastic”.
The Movie Stars quiz was enjoyed by all, except those too young to know the Classic Hollywood stars, better luck next year! Wendy was dismayed with a conversation with one delegate who didn’t know who Humphrey Bogart was nor Audrey Hepburn!
A great enjoyable evening being entertained, learning what classic film stars looked like!, and dancing the night away with friends.
Thursday : Coffee, Conclusions and One Last Adventure
Some of the Branches met for catch up meetings prior to the formal Conclusion of the AGTO Showcase 2025. The Showcase was concluded remembering points from the presentations, admiring the new branding, and presenting prizes for the Classic Movie Star Quizzers, amongst much hilarity on some of the answer papers, identities were concealed to save total embarrassment! The prizes were very kindly donated by some of our Partners, Travel Counsellors, Riviera Travel, Potters Resorts and the Marsham Court Hotel.
Delegates started their journeys home apart from about 32 GTOs who took advantage of the final FAM trip, Heritage & Herbs, which was exceedingly good fun, and Poole Museum offered alternative activities for those who were unable to cope with the hard hat tour.
Quote from one of the GTOs
“what a wonderful, informative, enjoyable and full-filled afternoon, enjoyed by everyone who attended!”
Summary
The AGTO Showcase 2025 didn’t just return—it roared back! Three packed days, unforgettable networking, and hands‑on exploration of Dorset made it a winner. Whether you came for business, banter or an invigorating dip in a chilly sea/pool —it was certainly the highlight of the AGTO calendar.
See you in Leicester in 2026
Plans are already underway for the next AGTO Showcase, heading to Leicester, 27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026.
Expect the same winning mix of business, banter, and unforgettable local discoveries—just without the seagulls.