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Which celebrities did TravelManagers book for its national conference?

TravelManagers heading to this year's National Conference in Darwin are in for a treat with a 'Red Shark' and a decorated serving soldier in the Commonwealth speaking at the three-day September event.

TravelManagers heading to this year’s National Conference in Darwin are in for a treat with a ‘Red Shark’ and a decorated serving soldier in the Commonwealth speaking at the three-day September event.

Naomi Simson aka Red Shark from the ‘Shark Tank’ series has been booked to give a keynote speech and the 2017 conference along with this generation’s most decorated serving soldier in the Commonwealth, Benjamin (Ben) Roberts-Smith.

According to TravelManagers, the pair will inspire and provide insights into leadership and success while focusing on this year’s theme – ONE.

TravelManagers’ Executive General Manager Michael Gazal said he is hugely excited about the impressive caliber of keynote speakers confirmed for its upcoming national conference.

“TravelManagers prides itself on previously having innovative and motivational speakers at our national conferences, who inspire our PTMs, providing relevant content and thought provoking open forum discussions.”

Michael Gazal, TravelManagers Executive General Manager

“This year we really have lifted the bar ever further. Naomi and Ben’s incredible stories of success and tenacity to succeed are nothing short of awe inspiring and our PTM’s are simply buzzing with excitement about this year’s conference.

“We are confident this will be the best TravelManagers conference to date.”

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Simson known as an entrepreneur, author, blogger and innovator is the founder of the brand success story RedBalloon, an online experience gift retailer. She is also well known to Australian’s as being one of five Sharks on Network Ten’s Shark Tank.

Simson started her entrepreneurial journey with RedBalloon in 2001 from her front room with just $25,000 and a second-hand computer. Today it is now considered one of Australia’s online business success stories having sold more than three million experiences.

“Naomi will draw parallels between the ‘one’ dream each and every PTM has in wanting to achieve their own business success and through her experiences will focus on the passion, determination and attention to detail that are critical to succeed,” Gazal added.

Roberts-Smith, an Australian businessman, former Australian Army soldier, and a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia; the highest award in the Australian honours system will compliment Simson as keynote speaker.

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Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during a helicopter assault into Tizak on 11 June 2010 as part of an offensive in the Shah Wali Kot region, while serving with the Special Air Service Regiment in Afghanistan. The medal, together with his Medal for Gallantry awarded during a tour of Afghanistan in 2006, makes him the most highly decorated member of the Australian Defence Force.

As a former commander and key planner for special operations missions, Roberts-Smith has a fascinating insight into the processes and protocols that are critical in producing success in competitive environments. Gazal knows Roberts-Smith’s real life examples from the frontline will provide an insight into leadership and success that will strengthen the PTMs procedures and business discipline providing them with the focus to excel.

Early PTM registrations for the three-day conference is strong, highlighting to Gazal that company engagement is high.

“The concept theme of ‘one’ really resonates with our PTM’s,” he said. “The increase in personal travel manager presentations last year clearly shows the recognition that the relationship between TravelManagers and the PTMs is built on mutual respect and is a true partnership.”

The TravelManagers 2017 national conference will be held 7-9 September in Darwin.

Are you attending this year’s gathering?