We`re delighted to announce that Opportunities in Business Jets, 9th Annual Conference, will take place in Malta on Wednesday, 23rd March, 2022. After a brief hiatus, we are looking forward to seeing you in person at Quaynote`s leading networking and business development forum.
Opportunities in Business Jets, 9th Annual Conference, will bring together thought-leaders from across the globe for a long-anticipated programme of panels, roundtables and keynote presentations. What`s more, the conference Cocktail Party, Networking Lunch and Refreshment Breaks will offer enhanced opportunities to meet and forge relationships with key business contacts.
Topics up for discussion include:
Owners and their proxies: What are your clients and their closest advisors saying?
Technology: What are the challenges and how is the business aviation industry reacting to these?
Maintenance programmes: Mitigating risks in a challenging environment
Buying & Financing your plane: Tips from the experts
Can`t get the staff?: Tackling the talent shortage
Business aircraft interiors: Selecting the right interior from the get-go
The environment: What is the sustainable future for business aviation?
Worth noting is that Opportunities in Superyachts, the sister conference to Opportunities in Business Jets, will take place on Thursday, 24th March, 2022, so that delegates at both events will be able to take advantage of these back-to-back events to network and develop business across allied industries.
As in previous years we will be holding a joint drinks reception for all delegates from the two conferences taking place from 18.30 – 22.20 kindly hosted by Von der Heyden Yachting.
If you are interested in getting involved either as a speaker, sponsor or delegate then please email alison@quaynote.com or lorna@quaynote.ca
COVID INFORMATION
We are working closely with the hotel and will be adhering to all the latest guidance and rules from the Maltese Government. This currently means that you must be fully vaccinated to attend the conference and masks must be worn at all times unless you are eating or drinking.
For information on travel to Malta and Covid information during your stay follow this link for all the up-to-date information. Malta Covid Information
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Session One: Welcome to the conference
09.00
Registration and Coffee
10.00
Conference Organiser's opening remarks
Lorna Titley, Director, Quaynote Communications
Session Two: The Future for Business Aviation
10.05
Panel Discussion
What is the future for Business Aviation?
*Are we set for a long growth period?
*Which markets and sectors are set to grow
*How can we attract more buyers into the market?
*What if anything will be the lasting impact of COVID?
Moderated by:
Glen Heavens, Chair, Synergy Aviation
Panellists include:
Ryan Waguespack, Senior Vice-President, National Air Transport Association
Michael Skov Christensen, Satcom Direct
Richard Hekker, Founder & CEO, OPES JET Dawit Lemma, Chief Executive Officer, Krimson
10.55
Break
Sponsored by:


Session Three: New versus Old
11.25
Presentation: New versus Old
*The advantages of refurbishment as an alternative to the new jet
The current lead time to a new jet or yacht can be years, which is hard to digest as an owner, anxiously waiting for your “new” asset or toy to arrive. What`s the answer? This presentation focuses on the advantages of refurbishment, as a pleasant alternative cutting down the
wait time and getting your vision realised a lot quicker. Not very many people are aware that a refurbished aircraft (with good pedigree!) can be just as exciting.Tom Chatfield, CEO, Camber Aviation Management
11.50
Questions
Session Four: Buying & financing your plane
12.00
Panel discussion: Top tips for first-time buyers
Tips for buyers from the experts
*Pre-Purchase Inspection, purchase, financing, insurance, crew & operation.
* What are the real costs of ownership?
* Looking at finance in the current market
*What else do Owners need to know about chartering and other facets of jet ownership?
*Back-to-back deals *Independent consulting (is it worth it?)
Moderated by: David T. Norton, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP
Panellists include:
Mark Bisset, Partner, Clyde & Co
Eric Weisskopf, Hyperion Aviation/Flying Group Michael Schuler, Deputy Head of Aviation & Yacht Finance, Credit Suisse Fabrice Roger, Sales Director, Jetcraft
Juris Zacs, Insurance Broker & Branch Manager, Marine Insurance Services
12.50
Lunch
Session Five: The environment: What is the sustainable future for business aviation
14.05
Panel Discussion
Moderated by:
Camilla Bonfield, DLA Piper
Panellists Include:
Gwen Edwards, Partner, CMS
Razvan Stefan, CEO & Accountable Manager, Emperor Aviation
Borna Vrdoljak, Airbus Corporate Jets
Session Six: What will the future of the cabin look like?
14.50
Panel Discussion
*Where are we going with cabins?
*What`s possible? (And what isn`t?)
*How will cabins look and function in 5-10 years` time?
Moderated by:
Mélanie Prince, Head of Innovation, F/LIST
Panellists to include:
Jay McGrath, CEO, Spectrum Networks & Managing Partner, SkyCinema Aviation
Tom Chatfield, CEO, Camber Aviation Management
Yuri Dzun, Sales & Marketing Europe, ArcosJet
Andy Pearce, Flying Colours
15.40
Chairman's closing statement
15.50
Break
Sponsored by:


Session Eight : Roundtables
16.30
Roundtable discussions enable delegates to debate specialist topics of interest. Delegates choose which roundtable they join and each discussion is moderated by a speaker or industry leader.
Roundtable topics include:
*Digitalization in the business aviation space
Hosted by: Casey Davey, OPES JET
*Where should you register your aircraft – and why?
Hosted by: David T. Norton, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP
*Maintenance: Mitigating Risks in a challenging environment
How are programmes evolving?
Hosted by: James Carroll, Director of Business development, JSSI
*How are the Empty Leg and Jet Sharing sectors evolving?
Hosted by: Roberto Hlaca, Director, GetJet
*Business aircraft interiors: Selecting the right interior from the get-go
Hosted by: Yuri Dzun, Arcos Jet
What are the effects of the Russian - Ukrainian conflict on business aviation in Europe?
Katrina Abela, Vaia Legal
17.30
End of Conference and transfer to drinks reception. Transportation for 6pm
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Glen Heavens
Chair, Synergy Aviation
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Glen Heavens
Chair, Synergy Aviation
Glen Heavens is the Managing Director of Synergy Aviation which he founded in 2004. Glen started his aviation career at Fairoaks Airport as a flying instructor, an airport fire fighter and in the tower as a flight information service officer. As Glen’s flying experience grew he made the decision to apply for an AOC and began operating and managing aircraft. Synergy acquired the flying school at Fairoaks in 2006 which is now established as one of London’s leading flight training organisations. Glen’s previous customer service and management skill’s have been invaluable in building one of Europe’s most resilient and well respected Aircraft Charter, Management and Training companies – the company is currently expanding and now manages large cabin aircraft as well as its fleet of King Airs and smaller Jet aircraft. Whilst still maintaining its enviable reputation as a leading VIP operator Synergy also specialises in air ambulance operations, urgent cargo and special missions in war/conflict zones.
Ryan Waguespack
Senior Vice-President, National Air Transportation Association
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Ryan Waguespack
Senior Vice-President, National Air Transportation Association
Ryan Waguespack joined the staff of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) as Senior Vice President in November 2018. A long-time supporter of the aviation business community and NATA, Ryan Waguespack served as the Chair of NATA’s WorkForce Development Committee and Illegal Charter Task Force, as well as Vice Chair of the Air Charter Committee as an association member. As Vice President, Ryan leads the Association and industry effort to combat illegal charter, working with the FAA and its Field Offices to educate the public on the risks, assisting the FAA in enforcement through data collection and reporting, and leveraging existing data sources to help the agency focus enforcement efforts.
Previously, he served in various operational roles for charter management companies, as well as aircraft sales, working closely with clients to educate them throughout the purchasing process and help them attain the best aviation solution for their needs. Prior to NATA, Waguespack held the position of Vice President of Business Development of Summit Aviation.
Waguespack is the founder of the Alabama Business Aviation Association, an organization dedicated to promoting the value of business aviation throughout the state, educating stakeholders on the value of business aircraft and community airports, and advocating on behalf of aviation businesses.
A staunch champion for promoting aviation workforce development, Ryan travels the country to speak at industry events dedicated to reaching the next generation of pilots, maintainers and business aviation leaders. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at universities nationwide, including Auburn University in the Harbert College of Business, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Dubuque. Through Waguespack’s community-building initiatives at the universities, he is working to develop channels to connect rising students with aviation businesses.
Ryan is a recreational pilot who lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Amanda and two children.
Dawit Lemma
Chief Executive Officer, Krimson
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Dawit Lemma
Chief Executive Officer, Krimson
Dawit Lemma is the Founder and CEO of Krimson Aviation – an aviation support services company based in Ethiopia and Switzerland. He is a Swiss citizen, of Ethiopian origin, and has lived and/or worked all over the world; from Zambia to Afghanistan, the USA to Switzerland – making him a true global citizen. Dawit returned to Ethiopia in 2012, after almost 30 years abroad, recognizing the thriving potential and opportunities displayed by Ethiopia’s economic resurgence.
He is a graduate of Purdue University in the USA, where he received a degree in Aeronautical Engineering & Flight Technology. In addition, he received a MSc. degree in Aviation Management & Marketing from the Basel Business College in Switzerland. Dawit also holds an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic’s License (American FAA), Commercial Pilot’s License (American FAA, South African CAA, Swiss FOCA/EASA), and an EASA Frozen ATPL. He has close to 20 years of experience in the aviation sector across four continents, with a cache of notable experience garnered at leading companies including TAG Aviation, Emirates Airlines, MAF, and Ethiopian Airlines, to name a few.
Dawit’s commitment to excellence and achievement has led to Krimson’s growth and sound reputation in a short period of time. Krimson’s mantra of Achievement through Quality & Integrity of Service serves as more than just a philosophy, it is a lifestyle and deep-rooted value that Dawit has applied throughout his education and professional career.
As he develops his own career he is investing in the future of aviation. In September of 2021 he launched a scholarship endowment at Purdue University to support the application and financing of students from diverse backgrounds. He believes very much in encouraging the younger generation to commit to the future of aerospace.
Dawit serves on African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) Board of Directors, is President of the AfBAA Ethiopia Chapter, and sits on the IS-BAH standards Board and represents Krimson for the EBAA Ambassadors Programme. In addition, he volunteer teaches for the Brevet d’Initiation Aéronautique (BIA) course at the Lycée Guebre-Mariam, in Addis Ababa.
Michael Skov Christensen
Satcom Direct
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Michael Skov Christensen
Satcom Direct
Michael Skou Christensen has over ten years of experience with satellite communications within the private aviation industry. In 2013, Michael led the opening of SD’s Australasia office, where he acted as Managing Director until 2016. He is now the Vice President for SD International, where he is responsible for establishing and growing the sales, support, marketing and training presence across the international business. His various roles throughout his time in aviation have seen him involved with many different parts of the value chain, from OEMs and completion centers to end-customers. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and a master’s degree in International Management.
Tom Chatfield
CEO, Camber Aviation Management
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Tom Chatfield
CEO, Camber Aviation Management
Thomas Chatfield is a leader in aircraft completions and refurbishment management with 35 years of aviation experience. He founded Camber Aviation Management in 2014, focused on
managing the outfitting of large private jets and providing tailored technical advisory services, reflecting his business philosophy in the four pillars of company values – knowledge,
experience, innovation and trust.
Thomas was a member of the senior management teams that created DaimlerChrysler Aviation, Santos Dumont and Qatar Executive. He has led operations, maintenance and engineering
departments; managed complex completions; performed aircraft acceptances and recovered aircraft from challenging situations.
He holds Transport Canada and EASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer licences, with an MSc in Airline Transport Management from Cranfield University.
David T. Norton
Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP
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David T. Norton
Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP
David T. Norton is a partner and head of the aviation practice at the law firm of Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, in Dallas, Texas. He received his B.A. from the United States Air Force Academy, his M.B.A. from Louisiana Tech University, and his J.D., cum laude, from Southern Methodist University, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Air Law & Commerce, published by the SMU Law Review Association.
While his firm offers a broad array of legal services, Mr. Norton focuses solely on aviation law, having an internationally recognized practice that encompasses a broad range of business aviation regulatory, risk management, transactional, tax, and commercial dispute resolution matters. He is a frequent speaker at various business aviation conferences addressing current hot-topics in the industry, and actively participates in many business aviation industry-related committees and groups, including previously serving as: Manager of the 2015 Fair Sales Tax Initiative for Texas Aircraft, LLC, a coalition that interfaced with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and resulted in new statutory provisions designed to bring much more clarity and fairness to the assessment of sales/use taxes on aircraft in Texas; Industry Co-Chair of the joint FAA/Industry RVSM LOA Process Enhancement Team of the Performance based Advisory Rule Marketing Committee and the subsequent related efforts to re-write AC 91-85; a member of the Applicability Working Group of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 135/125 Advisory Rulemaking Committee; and as the founding Chair of the National Business Aviation Association’s Domestic Operations Committee. He currently serves as a member of the American Bar Association’s General Aviation Committee; the National Air Transportation Association’s President’s Council, Air Charter Committee and Illegal Charter Task Force; the NBAA’s Tax Committee and Regulatory Issues Advisory Group and Chair of the NBAA’s Operational Excellence Strategic Focus Team; and as a member of Texans for General Aviation. He is a past Chair of the Aviation Section of the State Bar of Texas, and is an advisory board member for the Journal of Air Law & Commerce, published by the Law Review Association of the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Mr. Norton is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. He is also active in many community organizations, previously serving, for example, as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Challenger Air for Kids & Friends, Inc., as well as the Frontiers of Flight Museum, located at the Dallas Love Field Airport.
Mr. Norton was a regular commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force from 1984 to 1993, serving primarily as a KC-10A pilot and aircraft commander. Before becoming a pilot, he also briefly served as a KC-135A navigator. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (the first Gulf war), Operation Southern Watch (the Middle East no-fly zone), and Operation Restore Hope. Mr. Norton currently holds many civil pilot certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. He is an airline transport pilot (multi-engine land) with a DC-10 type rating, and a commercial pilot (single-engine land). He also maintains certification as a certified flight instructor, instrument and multi-engine, as well as an advanced ground and instrument instructor. When not spending time with his beautiful wife of over thirty years, Martha, or flying his Cessna C-177B Cardinal around North Texas on the weekends, he can be frequently found strumming one of his several favorite Ukuleles to the delight of all (or so he thinks).
Juris Zacs
Insurance Broker & Branch Manager, Marine Insurance Services
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Juris Zacs
Insurance Broker & Branch Manager, Marine Insurance Services
Being a branch manager and director of aviation and marine insurance in Spain, he is representing specialized insurance brokerage Marine Insurance Services SIA Sucursal en España (Branch in Spain) which is a part of the Marine Services Group™ (MSG), a unique group of companies covering more than 25 products for the maritime, aviation and transport industry in 4 general business lines: Insurance, Legal, Shipsale and Survey.
Juris has almost 20 years of insurance brokering experience and more than a decade working closely with Marine Insurance Services to develop general and business aviation solutions for the aviation industry.
By closely working with business aviation market, Juris has been a key person for many business jet owners and operators helping successfully to place adapted insurance programs with well know and reputed insurance companies across the globe.
Mark Bisset
Partner, Clyde & Co
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Mark Bisset
Partner, Clyde & Co
Mark’s experience extends for over 20 years and includes loan and lease financing, operating leases and tax-based leases, export credit finance, and aircraft trading, in a wide variety of jurisdictions. Mark is very active in the business jet market (acting for banks, owners and operators). Mark’s Finance team won Airline Economics – Law Firm of the Year in 2016.
Mark also has extensive aviation regulatory experience.
Mark is recognised as a leading aviation/asset finance practitioner in the UK directories. Who’s Who Legal Aviation has commented that Mark is an “exceptional finance lawyer with extensive knowledge of both the commercial airline and business jet market” and lists him as a global Thought Leader for aircraft finance.
Mark is contributing editor of the annual publication “Getting the Deal Through – Aviation Finance and Leasing” and co-editor of “Getting the Deal Through – Air Transport”.
Mark is a Guest Lecturer in aircraft finance at the International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden University.
Mark is recognised as a Thought Leader in Who’s Who Legal 2020: Global Elite 2020 – Aviation.
Johan Blitz
UBS
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Johan Blitz
UBS
Johan was approached by UBS to set-up and head the Corporate Aircraft Finance team, and joined the bank in 2005 in Zurich.
Since the team was established in 2006, UBS has, under Johan’s leadership, grown its portfolio of business jets extensively. UBS was awarded “Best Financier Europe 2013” and “Best Private Bank in EMEA 2014” for corporate jet financings, “Best Business Jet Financier 2015” and “Best Business Support Services 2015” in APAC.
Johan started his career in commodity trading, and joined a large Swiss bank in 1999 to specialise in aircraft financing. He has since put his significant experience and understanding of the aircraft financing market at the disposal of the bank’s clients and, with his team, supports the bank’s WM business. Johan speaks German, French, English and Swedish.
Johan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Banking and Finance) from the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich. Furthermore, Johan is also an Export Specialist with Swiss Federal Certificate and a certified Corporate Banker.
Camilla Bonfield
Senior Disputes Associate, DLA Piper
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Camilla Bonfield
Senior Disputes Associate, DLA Piper
Camilla represents the interests of airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, insurers, and other aviation stakeholders in domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes. She specialises in cross border litigation and arbitration, recently successfully defending a major aircraft manufacturer in complex litigation in the English Commercial Court. Camilla has a well-developed practice advising lessors and airports on the detention of aircraft worldwide. Following completion of a judicial secondment to the High Court in London, Camilla has first-hand experience of the English court system.
In addition, Camilla provides regulatory and commercial advice to clients within the aviation sector in respect of liability under the Chicago Convention, EC Regulation 261/2004 and the Montreal Convention 1999, including in the context of accident investigations.
Gwen Edwards
Partner, CMS
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Gwen Edwards
Partner, CMS
Gwen specialises in debt finance and leasing for both corporate and commercial aircraft. She advises financiers, lessors, airlines and owners across a broad range of cross-border aircraft transactions, including portfolio migrations, aircraft acquisitions and disposals, lease and loan financings, sale and leaseback transactions, export credit and PDP facilities. She also has significant experience of distressed debt, restructuring and aircraft repossessions.
Razvan Stefan
CEO & Accountable Manager, Emperor Aviation
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Razvan Stefan
CEO & Accountable Manager, Emperor Aviation
Borna Vrdoljak
Airbus Corporate Jet
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Borna Vrdoljak
Airbus Corporate Jet
Borna Vrdoljak is Head of Marketing at ACJ. He is an Aeronautical Engineer with over 20 years of experience in various positions at Airbus, including Commercial, Programme and Operations. Borna‘s goals include the successful launch of the ACJ TwoTwenty in business aviation and to promote sustainability in our industry.
Mélanie Prince
Head of Innovation, F/LIST
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Mélanie Prince
Head of Innovation, F/LIST
Mélanie Prince is a Canadian aerospace professional with over 20 years of experience in business jet interiors. She is the Head of Innovation at F/LIST, guiding the research and development team towards creating the next generation of unique & innovative cabin interior products. She is also a seaplane pilot and is dedicated to an environmentally responsible future.
Jay McGrath
CEO, Spectrum Networks & Managing Partner, SkyCinema Aviation
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Jay McGrath
CEO, Spectrum Networks & Managing Partner, SkyCinema Aviation
Jay McGrath is the Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Networks LLC, a provider of light fidelity (LiFi) and Far UV sanitization lighting solutions for private and commercial aircraft. Spectrum Networks recently closed their Series A round in October 2021 and their development is fully funded to bring these revolutionary wireless cabin technologies to market in 2022. He is also a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SkyCinema Aviation, a firm determined to shift the cabin audio paradigm from “good enough” to “best in class” via strategic partnerships such as Dolby Labs.
Most of Jay’s commercial career has been spent in private aviation, focusing on cabin technology such as in-flight entertainment (IFE) and cabin management systems. From his days as a Sales Engineer with Airshow Incorporated in 2001 to, most recently, the Vice President of Business Development at Astronics Custom Control Concepts, he has had the opportunity to lead market technology entries, both linefit and retrofit, from King Air 350s to 747 head-of-state aircraft.
Prior to this, Jay was an officer in the United States Air Force, managing GPS development programs and coordinating international test cooperation efforts at the highest levels within United States and allied governments. He earned his undergraduate degree from the United States Air Force Academy and his Executive MBA from the University of Southern California.
Yuri Dzun
Sales & Marketing Europe, ArcosJet
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Yuri Dzun
Sales & Marketing Europe, ArcosJet
Aviation passionate, working in the industry since 2010. Responsible for Sales and Marketing activities in Europe at ArcosJet. Born in Siberia in 1985, accomplished first degree in Haifa University (Israel), and has continued to Moscow, where used to work in the business aviation field, including charters, business development and sales fields. In 2014 he moved to Rome (Italy), where he completed MBA Aviation Management degree at LUISS Business School. Today he is based in Bergamo (Italy) and happily working with the business aviation market.
James Carroll
Director of Business Development, JSSI
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James Carroll
Director of Business Development, JSSI
As Director of Business Development for Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI®), James Carroll implements and oversees sales initiatives, develops relationships and promotes JSSI programs and services throughout Western Europe. Previously at JSSI, Mr. Carroll had responsibility for Account Management and advised on financial and contractual problems. Mr. Carroll started his aviation career at BAA Heathrow where he was promoted to Duty Manager of Terminal 4 and then held the position of Crisis Manager for the online travel company lastminute.com. James holds a BA Honours Degree in French and Spanish, is an accredited Senior Aircraft Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers and enjoys playing tennis in his spare time.
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Corinthia Hotel St George's Bay
St. George's Bay St. Julian’s STJ 3301 Malta
Corinthia St. George’s Bay is one of the best luxury hotels in Malta, bringing together outstanding sea views, enchanting luxury and unbeatable service it stands like a beacon of luxury accommodation on a promontory overlooking St. George’s Bay in Malta
You can see full details on the hotel here - ,https://www.corinthia.com/stgeorges/
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM
We are pleased to have secured hotel rooms at the hotel for conference attendees for the rate of 130 Euros for single occupancy. To book your room directly please use this link here https://www.corinthia.com/st-georges-bay/meetings-and-events/quaynote/ Please note that this rate is guaranteed until 4th March 2022.
Future Events
