1,126 days since their last national conference in 2019 in Perth, the home-based TravelManagers network, including 170 Personal Travel Managers (PTMs) and partner suppliers, have “come together” in Sydney to celebrate their reunion and enjoy their 13th annual conference.
Held at Sydney’s Masonic Centre, the big reunion began on Wednesday evening with a heartfelt gathering sponsored by Collette before the official conference commenced on Thursday morning.
The energy, emotion and excitement levels were peaking as around three hundred delegates walked into the arena to be greeted by a live band that finished their set with a rousing sing-along rendition of John Farnham’s “You’re the Voice.”
Opening the conference, TravelManagers CEO Joe Araullo said the theme of ‘Together’ was one TravelManagers had decided on for their 2020 conference but believed “It was more appropriate than ever.”
Applauding TravelManagers continued records sales in the last couple of months and the recent launch of their stellar TCF (TravelManagers Compensation Fund), he said customers were now “Truly valuing using a Personal Travel Manager more than ever.”
“August wasn’t just a record sales month,” said Araullo. “August was also a record month for average sales and commission per PTM and the eighth-best month in the company’s history.”
Acknowledging that selling travel in recent times had been tough with more uncertainty ahead, Araullo said, “The good news is that as an organisation, we know that we can meet these challenges and come out stronger than ever, as you all did through COVID.”
“We are fortunate that we are a cost-flexible and capable business. No one is better positioned, and I’m glad we don’t have brick-and-mortar stores. What we do have is each other.”
The focus at the conference would be on the future, said Araullo, adding, “Let’s try and not talk too much about the last few years. Normally we will be planning for two or three years out. But with all the uncertainty that still exists, our focus at the moment is actually on the short term.”
As such, Araullo highlighted that Travelmanagers’ short-term focuses would include maximising managers’ income to offset airline commission reductions and working more closely with cruise lines.
The company’s Network Assistance Program (or NAP for short), launched four years ago, which enables access to a team of psychologists across the country with mental health support, will also be extended for 12 months.
In his opening address, an emotional and upbeat Michael Gazal, TravelManagers Executive General Manager, spoke of his admiration for the number of diverse ways the PTMs had found to help them get through the last two years.
Gazal noted that some PTMs had taken on volunteering roles in health and community support. In contrast, others had become fitness instructors, delivery drivers, and farm workers while dealing in tandem with client credits and refunds and still managing to book some travel.
Learning and development were other essential aspects that PTMs had invested time and energy into to advance their skill sets in several areas.
Gazal proudly said that he felt having “the right attitude” approach throughout the last two years made the difference. “1,126 days later, here we all are, together and with the right attitude.
“Our industry still has a long way to go. Things are messy and complicated. But the signs are extremely positive,” he said.
Gazal said that a PTM had recently told him they were telling their clients to “Pack their bags with patience. Everyone just needs to take a breath at the moment because it’s not easy,” they had told him.
Speaking about the continued pent-up demand for travel, Gazal said, “There is a resurgence to come back to real human beings, especially a Personal Travel Manager.”
“You can name your price because clients will pay,” he said.
Closing his address, Gazal said, “My message for you is to take advantage of being together again for the first time in three years and reconnect with old friends and colleagues old and new.”
Over the next two days, headline speakers will include customer experience thought leader Amanda Stevens, returning as the keynote speaker and MC, and 2021 Sports Hall of Fame inductee Jana Pittman.
Ms Pittman will deliver the closing address and provide an uplifting and inspiring conclusion to the conference before the Studio 54-themed gala dinner on Friday, 9 September.
The conference schedule will also offer workshops, a supplier trade show, and the opportunity for attendees to participate in an open-forum discussion along with celebratory and networking events.
The event’s Five Platinum sponsors include The Travel Corporation, Qantas, Amadeus, Worlds Leading Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International.
To find out more, visit travelmanagers.com.au
