After attending countless conferences in my lifetime, I’ve found that the ideal one combines five key elements: education, a future-focused approach, meaningful networking, fun and a connection to the destination we are visiting. Over a few days in Fiji, Karryon’s DANI TUFFIELD finds that Helloworld Travel’s Frontliners Conference absolutely nails the blend.
Set against the warmth of Fijian hospitality, the conference theme – ‘Navigating New Horizons‘ – determined the tone and shared mindset that was woven through the plenary sessions, panels, partner marketplace and possibly even some late-night conversations.
Next gen network in motion
One of the coolest parts of this year’s event was the sheer number of newcomers. An incredible 27% of attendees have been in the industry for just two years or less. Watching and listening to their views on our industry, highlighted by the Rising Star program, was refreshing and energising.
It’s also a good reminder that, even in a complex and constantly shifting industry, we are incredibly fortunate to do what we do. And the Helloworld network is a force. As Australia’s largest travel retailer, they have over 10,000 advisors across the country and New Zealand – and the shared passion was definitely felt.
Leadership sets the tone
Throughout the plenary sessions, the leadership team consistently brought the room back to what Navigating New Horizons truly means for the business, the industry and for each individual agent.
At the heart of it all was the importance of every frontline selling advisor.
Helloworld Travel CEO and Managing Director Andrew Burnes AO highlighted the importance of brand trust and human experience, stating that “we are not selling a product, we are selling a service”.
The confidence of this sentiment is backed by Group GM Retail Network’s Nick Sutherland, who touched on the new stores that opened in 2025 – plus another set to open in December – and the amount of new talent coming into the business.
Chief Operating Officer Cinzia Burnes took the conversation back to the heart of agent ability: knowledge. Real knowledge. Lived knowledge.
She spoke about the growth of famil opportunities across the network, experiences designed to equip agents with depth, nuance and confidence. Helloworld lives by the motto, “We know because we go”. Nothing builds trust with clients quite like firsthand experience.
Partners taking centre stage
Another great part of the program was how meaningfully suppliers were highlighted. From the plenary stage to the buzzing marketplace and through a series of panel sessions, suppliers weren’t just present; they were integrated into the learning.
It was a genuine reminder that supplier-agent relationships sit at the core of this industry. When those partnerships are strong, everyone wins. Especially the customer.
Key takeaways
As with every great industry event, the real magic also happens in the moments between the sessions, laughing over kava ceremonies, trading tips on the dance floor, hugging old friends, welcoming new ones and being reminded again and again that this industry is built on people.
For me, Navigating New Horizons wasn’t about chasing something abstract. It was about acknowledging where we’ve been, embracing what’s changing and collectively stepping into the future with optimism and a little Fijian sunshine thrown in.
Frontliners 2026 host revealed
As the event drew to a close, Andrew Burnes announced the highly anticipated venue for 2026 (drumroll please…). Next year, Frontliners will head west to the beautiful city of Perth, with plenty of amazing pre-famils on offer all over the great state of WA.
“Our strong and long-standing partnership with Tourism WA will ensure an outstanding program, and we know our agents will thoroughly enjoy everything Perth and WA have to offer,” Burnes said.
No doubt, Frontliners will be walking on a dream and navigating new horizons again in 2026.
Karryon was the only media in attendance at the Frontliners conference. The writer was a guest of Helloworld Travel.
