During TravelManagers‘ 16th annual conference in Bali, CEO Joe Araullo and Executive GM Michael Gazal sat down with Karryon GM Dani Tuffield to discuss this year’s record-breaking event, building on 20 years of culture, and how the theme of ‘clarity’ will help shape the network’s future.
Australia’s home-based pioneers are celebrating 20 years of operations this year, a milestone that underscores the growth of its Personal Travel Manager (PTM) model and the strength of the tight-knit community it has built over the past two decades.
Explaining why Bali was chosen as this year’s conference destination, TravelManagers CEO Joe Araullo said Australia’s current top outbound hotspot was an obvious pick — practical, appealing, and ideal for fostering togetherness.
“It’s definitely a destination that everyone likes, and we’ve seen that in the numbers. Air capacity from across Australia and the distance from Australia actually works in our favour: the food’s good, the hotel’s good, and so are the activities.
“We’re even doing a community event tomorrow, which we couldn’t easily do at home. So we’re really pleased with the choice,” Araullo explained.
How do you scale an event like this without losing intimacy?
With 510 delegates in attendance, the largest in TravelManagers’ history, keeping the culture authentic is a priority.
“It’s still about being personal. You’ll see me and the team around talking to everybody,” Araullo said.
“Some organisations get criticised for being too big, but for me, it’s not the size of the organisation, it’s how personal you can still make it. Between Grant (Campbell), Michael and myself, we make sure from a leadership perspective that we’re out there and we know everybody’s name, that’s what people expect.”
How does inclusivity shape the PTM conference experience?
Araullo highlighted that inclusiveness is central, especially for first-time PTMs and partners.
“From the first-time conference perspective, we actually have a dedicated event just for them. They get to meet the board and management team before the main functions begin. It’s about making sure everyone feels welcomed and connected,” he said.
Partners are also encouraged to be part of the celebrations. “We’ll have over 500 people at the gala dinner. PTMs love having their partners there. If they’re up for an award, they want to share that with them.”
What does the clarity theme at the conference mean in practice?
Araullo explained that clarity builds on past conference themes, Future Fit and Working Smarter, by encouraging PTMs to focus on balance and sustainability in their businesses.
“This year, when we got to Clarity, it was more around: let’s work out what you really want. For us, it’s not just about driving more business, it’s also about sustainability. We don’t want two really good years and then everyone is too tired to cope. If you look after your people, they’ll look after you.”
What myths about the home-based model still need debunking?
“The myth is that it’s not a true career,” Araullo said. “But when we share the numbers, our top 50 PTMs are averaging $310,000 in commissions, and our top 100 are averaging $250,000. That’s on par with or higher than many senior industry management roles. We’ve shown this can be an aspirational career path for young people entering the industry.”
What are the growth priorities for TravelManagers?
Gazal pointed to three key niches: luxury, cruise and corporate travel.
“We’re targeting an 18 per cent lift in cruise, we’re developing corporate, which is only about 10 per cent of our turnover now, and we’re building out luxury. We see a huge opportunity in those areas,” he said.
But growth also means focus. “It’s about clarity for PTMs, knowing who your customers are, who you want to attract, and just as importantly, who you no longer want in your business if they don’t align with your values.”
Why are PTM speakers at the conference so important?
Gazal said peer-to-peer inspiration is consistently rated the most valuable part of the program.
“When PTMs share their stories, it resonates. It’s not just about how to sell more travel. It’s about their journeys, challenges and wins. Whether it’s someone building a business in regional South Australia or someone overcoming imposter syndrome to make the top 50, those stories inspire others in a way no external keynote can.”
How do suppliers fit into the TravelManagers culture?
Both leaders emphasised that inclusivity extends to suppliers, too.
“Suppliers are integral to this conference,” Gazal said. “We don’t just take sponsorship and put them on stage. We review their presentations, help shape them, and make sure they get the best engagement. That’s part of our vision to be the best partner in travel, for PTMs and for suppliers.”
The shift to a midweek conference has also been well received. “Suppliers give up so many weekends. By moving midweek, we make it easier on them, and we hope others follow suit,” he added.
What does ‘together in travel’ mean for TravelManagers?
“Culture isn’t built overnight, it’s built over years,” Araullo said.
“When you walk into our conference, you feel it: the energy, the smiles, the inclusivity. It’s like family. That’s something we’re really proud of, and it’s what makes TravelManagers unique.”
Read our coverage of the opening session and TravelManager updates here.
The 16th annual TravelManagers conference was held at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali, from September 16 to 18, 2025.
