Coming Home for Conference: A Weekend in Liverpool

Staycity & City Strolls

We stayed at Staycity, a modern apartment-style hotel tucked just half a block from the iconic Liver Buildings. The building itself was once Liverpool’s Corn Exchange, now transformed into a functional eight-storey space with a minimalist 1970s design. Our room had everything we needed: a compact kitchenette with a fridge, dishwasher, and sink—perfect for a few nights’ stay during a busy conference weekend.

Though the venue was about a mile away, the pleasant weather on Friday and Saturday made walking enjoyable. By Sunday, the chill set in, and Uber became our go-to. Coming from sleepy Lincolnshire, I appreciated how quick and easy it was to get a ride—no waiting around in cold doorways.

Highlights from the Travel Counsellors Conference

The conference itself was a fantastic blend of inspiration, learning, and connection. Held over three days, it featured:

• Motivational speakers such as Sara Davies MBE, Katherine Ryan and on Sunday David Meade.  Sara and David are both clients of other TC’s and I like that they understand how each person is a separate businessperson. 
• Workshops With the subject of the conference being ‘Your Story, Our Journey.’ We had plenty of workshops about how to engage with clients and helping them with their experiences.  We also had an introduction to the launch of Travel Counsellor’s all new AI powered application, this is going to help me plan and manage an enquiry for a potential client.
• Networking opportunities with fellow Travel Counsellors from across the UK.  It was energising to be surrounded by passionate professionals, all committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences. Over the last 2 years in business, I have made some very good friends.  The sessions reminded me why I love what I do—and gave me fresh ideas to bring back to my clients, also how I can grow my business in the coming year.

A Taste of Liverpool’s Cosmopolitan Charm

We arrived a day early and stayed a few days after the conference, giving us time to explore Liverpool’s vibrant food scene. The city is a foodie’s dream, with everything from Irish pubs to Argentinian steakhouses. One memorable moment: dining on Cajun food in an Irish pub, served by a Pakistani gentleman—a perfect snapshot of Liverpool’s cosmopolitan spirit.

Rediscovering the City

It’s been forty years since I lived in Liverpool, and while I’ve visited a few times over the past two decades, the city centre continues to surprise me. We wandered through Mathew Street, home of the legendary Cavern Club where the Beatles began. Though we skipped the £5 entry fee, we found plenty of other pubs with live music and no cover charge—just as lively and welcoming.

Liverpool Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re planning a trip to Liverpool, here are a few personal recommendations:

• Staycity Aparthotel: Great location and amenities for short stays
• Mathew Street: Skip the cover charge and explore nearby pubs with live music
• Uber: Reliable and quick, especially in cooler weather
• Food: Try something unexpected—you’ll find flavours from all over the world.  Including Chinatown, as the largest outside of London.

A Personal Return to Liverpool

Walking the streets of Liverpool again stirred up memories and a sense of nostalgia. The city has evolved, yet still holds the charm and character I remember. It was more than just a conference—it was a reconnection with my roots, a reminder of where I started, and a celebration of how far I’ve come.  I parked opposite my home, I was brought up in.  It's not really changed much in 40 years.

Final Thoughts

This year’s Travel Counsellors conference wasn’t just about professional development—it was a personal journey. Liverpool welcomed me back with open arms, great food, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re attending a conference or just exploring, this city has something for everyone.

📩 Thinking of visiting Liverpool or planning a trip around a conference? I’d love to help you craft the perfect itinerary—get in touch!