In a milestone moment this week at the 25th Annual btTB Travel Conference Gala Dinner & Awards in Sydney, Penny Spencer, Managing Director of Spencer Travel Holdings, received the new ‘Legendary Contribution to Travel’ award, recognising her decades of industry leadership.
In a surprise moment during the ceremony, btTB introduced a brand-new category, Legendary Contribution to Travel, created solely to honour Spencer’s enduring impact on the travel industry. Spencer is the first recipient of this award, which btTB said was strongly supported by nominations from both corporate travel buyers and suppliers.
With nearly 40 years in the travel sector, Spencer’s career is marked by innovation, leadership, and above all, a profound commitment to giving back.
The award specifically celebrates her work through the not-for-profit TIME (Travel Industry Mentor Experience) program, which she founded 16 years ago to foster mentorship, professional development, and community across the Australian travel industry.
Since then, TIME has mentored over 400 future leaders, offering them access to guidance, experience, and genuine care from senior industry professionals. Spencer’s vision and continued stewardship of the program have created lasting, measurable change within the sector.
“I was deeply moved by this recognition,” said Spencer. “TIME is very close to my heart. It began as a simple desire to give back and has grown into something truly special. I’m proud of every mentor, every mentee, and the community we’ve built together.”
The btTB Gala is known for recognising excellence and long-standing contributions to the corporate travel sector. Traditionally, just two awards are presented each year: Legendary Travel Buyer and Legendary Travel Supplier. Spencer’s award marks the first time in the event’s history that a third category has been introduced.
Spencer Travel congratulated Penny Spencer on what it said was a “well-deserved honour” and applauded her for the many years she has devoted to lifting others in the industry. “Under her guidance, the TIME program continues to thrive and evolve, a true legacy of generosity and leadership”, they said.
The 25th Annual btTB Travel Conference and Gala Awards, held at Royal Randwick Racecourse on 7–8 August 2025, marked the first time a third award category was included alongside the traditional Buyer and Supplier Legend accolades.
