Sanderson Phillips Mock Trial Event 2026

Sanderson Phillips is delighted to announce that tickets for our highly anticipated 2026 Mock Trial Event are now available.

We are proud to introduce DWF as our venue partner and ABTOT as our headline sponsor for this year's event which offers a unique, thought provoking and highly practical perspective on the risks and opportunities facing travel brands today.

We are pleased to welcome back Danny Callaghan, CEO of LATA, who will moderate the event and guide delegates through the day's proceedings. Throughout the trial, David Atkin, Managing Director of Sanderson Phillips, will provide live commentary and analysis, helping attendees understand the key lessons and best-practice approaches emerging from the case.

About the event

Rather than discussing health and safety management in theory, we'll take delegates inside a realistic courtroom setting and bring a travel industry case to life through a professionally delivered Mock Trial.

This immersive experience will demonstrate how incidents can be scrutinised in court, how evidence is tested in the witness box, and how decisions made before an incident can have significant consequences when examined under legal scrutiny.

It will provide valuable insights into:

• How risk and safety management decisions are examined in legal proceedings
• The importance of effective planning, staff training and auditing processes
• The practical realities of defending business decisions in court
• Lessons that can help strengthen your organisation's risk management framework
  

Who should attend?

This seminar is targeted at travel professionals involved in risk and operational management, customer experience and/or health and safety management for UK-based tour operators, travel providers, and other travel businesses.

Mock Trial Schedule (exact timings and order may change)

10 am Registration and refreshments

Welcome and introduction from David Atkin (Sanderson Phillips) and Danny Callaghan (LATA) and our sponsors (ABTOT) - Setting the scene and introducing the legal and advocacy teams

Case Overview & Factual Background - Outlining the core dispute, witness summaries, and key evidence and consideration of H&S issues and risks.

Examination in Chief & Cross-Examination - Live demonstration of advocate questioning, focusing on witness credibility, inconsistencies in statements, and handling evidence. Reflecting on learnings for risk managers and the need to be aware of the use of AI and fraud in the context of incidents.

1 pm Lunch

Submissions & Judicial Ruling - Closing legal arguments and the judge’s verdict.

Interactive Debrief & Industry Insights - A breakdown of the tactical decisions made, strategic takeaways for tour operators, and how to apply risk management and claims considerations to holidays/trips.

Refreshments break

Presentations from Martin Alderton from Clarity and Safer Tourism Foundation

Q&A and closing remarks

5:30 pm Networking Drinks Reception 

Testimonials from our 2025 event
“I found the variety of topics helpful and interesting and liked that there was audience engagement.”

“It was a great opportunity to share knowledge and concerns with the speakers and topics giving opportunity to create a real community environment. I think everyone felt less 'alone' in approaching risk, safety and crisis management following this.”

“The variety of speakers was excellent. I found it really informative all round..”

Ticket information
• Clients and Members* £195 (exc VAT and a small booking fee) with a valid discount code
• Non-members £225 (exc VAT and small booking fee)

Tickets include refreshments, lunch and a drinks reception.

Discounts
Members will receive a discount code for booking in communication from Sanderson Phillips, tranquilico, Atkin Jones or one of our associated organisations. If you have not received a discount code but qualify for one, please get in touch at marketing@sandersonphillips.co.uk

*Members are current, signed-up clients, customers and members of any of the following: Sanderson Phillips, tranquilico, Just, Good Travel, Atkin Jones, ABTOT, Travel & General Insurance Services, DWF, Women in Travel, TRP or LATA

Address
DWF Law
20 Fenchurch Street
London
EC3M 3BY
Nearest Tube Stations - Monument and Bank

Terms and conditions
Tickets are non-refundable but in the event of a delegate being no longer able to attend, tickets can be transferred to a colleague at the same company with prior agreement from Sanderson Phillips.

Delegates will be required to present one form of valid photo ID on the day of the seminar at registration.