The countdown is on guys, there’s T minus 12 days until members of the travel industry meet for a night of socialising, recognition & dancing (& drinking) at the 2018 National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) Gala.
Returning to the International Conventional Centre Sydney (thank gosh) on 21 July, this year’s awards night has been described by insiders as the ‘best yet’, which has us a little gobsmacked considering the epicness of last year’s dinner (thanks in large part to the exciting performance by pop sensation Ricki-Lee).
Missed the 2017 Gala Night? Click here for all the images & winners
We’ve had our ears to the ground for any NTIA 2018 gossip and heard a rumour that industry professionals will be welcomed to the this year’s event in a completely new, fun way that’ll get them hyped before entering the auditorium.
We also learned that the after-party will return to the spacious Watershed venue this year, which is great news as there’ll be more room to move and dance.
The BIGGEST rumour circulating the trade-vine is that there’ll be a surprise celebrity performance this year! YESSSSS – but who will it be?
Our minds are racing with ideas on who we think it might be, and here’s who we came up with…
We’d LOVE for Kylie Minogue to perform…
Not sure if they can fit her into the budget, but we’d take an inedible meal if it meant dancing the night away with the Princess of Pop.
And LOVE a private performance by the cast of the Book of Mormon…
The musical is currently touring through Australia and we think it’d be pretty cool for the industry to get an exclusive sneak peek. It’d also give Agents a first-hand look at the show, which could prompt them to sell tickets to their clients #justsaying.
We’d LOVE for Ricki-Lee to return…
Who at last year’s NTIA found themselves fan-girling over a singer they’d had little-to-no interest in previously? ???. Ricki-Lee was brilliant #bringherback.
And LOVE for an unlikely appearance by Florence & The Machine…
Look, it’s highly unlikely BUT if we all put it out into the universe, maybe the universe will deliver.
We’d absolutely DIE if Kelly Rowland performed…
Is she still in town? GET HER AFTA!!! We’ll follow her ‘command to dance’ and get our ‘motivation’ to party throughout the evening.
And go into COMPLETE SHOCK if Kendrick Lamar performs…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWfyxw2lf0q/?hl=en&taken-by=kendricklamar
Another unlikely suggestion BUT he is around for Splendour in the Grass so mayyyybbbeee NTIA organisers have booked him (not putting our money on this one).
We’d also LOVE it if Amy Shark stopped by…
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkw31eJj575/?hl=en&taken-by=amysharkmusic
The Aussie hit may be in Byron Bay for Splendour in the Grass, but she might take an hour or two to perform for us at the NTIAs.
And get SUPER EXCITED if it’s Jessica Mauboy…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjHCo3hBVtr/?hl=en&taken-by=jessicamauboy1
Bring that Eurovision-worthy talent to the NTIAs? Yes please!
For ALL NTIA news, pics and updates, be sure to follow KARRYON on Facebook or keep an eye on our website.
READ: Luxury Escapes withdraws as industry award finalist
READ: Who will win at this year’s gala?