Velma Corcoran is an accomplished leader with over 15 years of international experience spanning tech, tourism, and the creative industries. She has a proven track record of steering cross-functional teams to achieve strategic, creative, and commercial success while navigating complex and ambiguous environments to build businesses and drive efficiency, engagement, and revenue growth.
A dynamic presenter and relationship builder, Velma excels at fostering strong connections with stakeholders and strategic partners. She is deeply committed to maintaining exceptionally high standards and takes pride in mentoring and coaching others to reach their full potential.
Velma is a problem-solver who thrives on resourcefulness and solution-driven approaches. She is passionate about leveraging technology to promote inclusive growth and entrepreneurship across Africa, championing innovation that creates meaningful impact in the region.
Sessions
March 12, Wednesday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
3.00PM – 5.00PM
Next Generation Leaders Roundtable (By Invite Only)
An intimate, sharing session for under-35 rising stars of travel to meet and learn from current generation travel leaders. How will the next generation of travel evolve? What changed mindsets and new skills will it require? What will it demand from professionals who have chosen to make travel their life’s calling? Learn valuable lessons and pick up useful insights so you can take your career in travel to new heights.
This by-invite session will include panel discussions with global and local travel leaders on how they have navigated their careers and the opportunities they see in the industry for young talent.
It will also include coaching circles where attendees can learn at a more personal level from our coaches, as well as reverse mentoring where travel leaders can learn from the next generation attendees.
Speakers/Coaches:
Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director, Go2Africa
Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow
Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead, Middle East and Africa Airbnb
Liezl Gericke, Head of International, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Virgin Airways
March 13, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
3.00PM – 3.30PM
Changing It Up In The New Age of Hospitality
Accommodation is now as diverse as traveller types – from chains to independents to alternative accommodation. We speak to a spectrum of players to find out how they are transforming for the next wave of travellers.
Speakers:
Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead, Middle East and Africa Airbnb