1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG) just pulled off its first-ever joint Australia-UK conference in Hong Kong. With industry leaders, top suppliers, and travel pros in the room, the focus was clear: collaboration, innovation, and staying ahead of the curve.
A theme of fearless evolution
Under the theme ‘Evolving Fearlessly’, the conference encouraged attendees to embrace industry shifts, seek new opportunities, and prepare for what lies ahead. The program included global industry updates, hands-on professional development, and strategic discussions designed to equip travel professionals with fresh insights and tools.
“What a fantastic conference! The energy, passion, and enthusiasm our travel advisors and suppliers brought were truly infectious, evident from Day 1 through to Day 3,” said Lauren Gray, General Manager of 1000MTG Australia.
“Our travel advisors fully embraced our theme, ‘Evolving Fearlessly,’ leaving the conference armed with greater knowledge, enhanced skills, and new relationships—ready to elevate and grow their businesses.”
New partnerships and key industry updates
A major announcement from the event was 1000MTG’s new partnership with Mandarin Oriental, joining the luxury Fan Club. This move aligns with the host agency’s focus on exclusive, high-end travel experiences for its network of advisors.
Attendees also engaged in supplier speed dating sessions, a structured format designed for meaningful connections with key industry partners.
“I was truly blown away by the supplier speed dating,” said Michelle Feilberg, a travel advisor and Top 20 CLIA Cruise Master.
“Having dedicated time to connect with key partners made all the difference in fostering connections and discovering fresh business opportunities.”
Keynotes and expert insights
Among the highlights was a keynote address by Maria Witchell, who shared insights on resilience, leadership, and adaptability.
“Maria’s keynote was a game-changer for me,” said Brian Forster, a 1000MTG travel advisor.
“Hearing from someone who has navigated high-stakes environments was a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and adaptability.”
Roundtable discussions further enabled travel professionals to exchange knowledge and explore emerging trends.
Recognising excellence and looking ahead
The conference concluded with a celebration of achievements, including the induction of travel advisor Kurt Hufer into the 1000MTG Hall of Fame. The Gala Evening provided an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the event, strengthen relationships, and celebrate shared successes.
“Networking with our peers across the globe was invaluable. We forged long-term connections and uncovered new ways to grow together,” said Alex Locke, General Manager of 1000MTG United Kingdom.
Attendees also explored Hong Kong, with excursions supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Activities included The Peak Tram, a private Junk Boat cruise, and a tour of Disney’s World of Frozen.
“You don’t just attend a 1000 Mile Travel Group conference—you experience it. The energy, the insights, and the people make it truly unforgettable. The magic really does happen within the room,” said Nic Veltman, 1000MTG CEO and Co-founder.
Gold Coast to host 2026 conference
The much-anticipated 2026 conference location was revealed as the Gold Coast, Australia, sparking excitement among attendees.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first conference with 1000MTG. Feeling excited and lucky to be part of this network,” said Leah Allen, a 1000MTG travel advisor. “It was an amazing and valuable few days.”
With its Hong Kong event now wrapped, 1000MTG continues to build on a decade of supporting independent travel professionals. The success of the conference was made possible through the support of Platinum sponsors, including the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Sabre, alongside Gold and Silver sponsors such as Expedia TAAP, TBO, Oceania, Tramada, and others.
