Anne Ackord is the Chief Executive of the Brighton Pier Group which owns the iconic Brighton Palace Pier and a diverse portfolio of businesses across the UK. A Brighton resident for 20 years she has been actively involved in the visitor economy through her work with the Pier but also as Chair of the Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance and a member of the Destination Experience Group (DEG). She has held non-executive roles within a variety of leisure businesses, as an independent Governor at GB MET and is currently a Charity Trustee for the Engineerium in Hove.

Sarah is a highly experienced leader and communications professional with a strong background in corporate PR, issue management and tourism. She is also an experienced media spokesperson. Sarah is the founder of Swallowtail Hill, an award-winning glamping business that successfully integrates conservation and eco-tourism.  She is the Chair of destination marketing organisation 1066 Country, Vice Chair of Rye Chamber of Commerce and a director of Rye News. Sarah is passionate about sustainable tourism and supporting small businesses in the visitor economy.

Lucy became CEO of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival in January 2025. Previously, she was Executive Director and co-CEO at the Young Vic, and Executive Producer at the Royal Court Theatre, producing over 100 world premieres. She was also the founding Executive Producer at National Theatre Wales, producing The Passion with Michael Sheen. Her past roles include Executive Producer at the Donmar Warehouse and Head of Studio at the National Theatre. Lucy is Co-Chair of Soho Theatre Walthamstow and has been recognised as a Creative Climate Leader and Creative Green Champion.

Formerly a European marketing and finance expert at American Express, Nigel has spent the past 15 years leading So Sussex and launching initiatives to connect people with nature and outdoor activity. His ventures include Elderflower Fields Festival, Into The Trees, Schools Without Walls, Spithurst Hub, Bybikes and Insure4Nature, working with local authorities, the South Downs National Park, National Trust, and YHA. A board member of The UNESCO Living Coast, Nigel is especially passionate about improving cycling infrastructure to support regional tourism.

Mark is co-founder of Woodfire Camping, a gastro campsite rooted in the South Downs National Park. Before launching Woodfire in 2018, Mark had a background in advertising and communications. He now combines his love of food, nature, and community to create immersive outdoor experiences centred around live-fire cooking and sustainable living. Passionate about reconnecting people with the land, Mark also champions local sourcing and environmental stewardship across Woodfire’s three award-winning sites.

Chris is Strategy Lead at the South Downs National Park Authority covering the rural economy. He coordinates Our South Downs, a sustainable business network with 450 members, connecting food & drink, the visitor economy and land-based businesses. Chris sits on the National Parks UK Sustainable Tourism Officers group and previously served on the Sussex Visitor Economy Industry Group and interim LVEP board. Based in Shoreham-by-Sea, he is passionate about sustainability and growing Sussex’s visitor economy in ways that enhance its natural spaces, communities, and sense of place.

Nathaniel has worked in Sussex’s cultural sector for over a decade, first as Director of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft and, since 2017, as Chief Executive and Director of Charleston. He founded Visit Ditchling and co-founded Sussex Modern, securing over £2 million in public funding. He led a consortium with the South Downs National Park, Plumpton College, and Sussex Wineries to develop the Sussex Wine Strategy, which was launched in the Houses of Parliament in 2023. Nathaniel is deputy chair of the Association of Independent Museums, an executive member of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and has served on Culture East Sussex since 2014.

Kim is Head of Marketing & Communications at Shoreham Port and a senior tourism and marketing leader with over 25 years’ experience across the UK, EMEA, North America, and the Caribbean. She has led sustainable, inclusive campaigns for the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, NBC Universal, and most recently at CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association). A Certified Tea Sommelier, Kim founded Tea & Grazing Ltd, an award-winning tea experience brand. She also supports the creative sector through Soho House’s Creative Mentor Network and Brighton & Hove’s Creative Alliance Governance Group.