The 2025 Helloworld Travel Owner Managers Conference (OMC) has officially concluded in Vancouver, Canada, after three full days of insights, networking, celebration and a clear message: travel agents are still the essential ingredient in the travel mix.
Held at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, this year’s theme, ‘Travel Agents – The Essential Ingredient’, flowed through every keynote, session and event across the action-packed program.
Over 400 delegates from Australia and New Zealand attended, alongside preferred partners, Helloworld senior execs and some very special guests.
Helloworld Travel CEO and Managing Director Andrew Burnes AO opened the conference with a business update, touching on fresh data, tech innovations and new growth opportunities. He also acknowledged the ongoing work of owner-managers.
Among the highlights of day one was a high-energy red-and-white themed party at BC Place stadium – complete with Canadian sporting scarves, a 360-degree LED welcome and delegates getting the jumbo screen treatment.
But that was just the start. Across the weekend, delegates heard from industry leaders, connected with preferred partners and explored a buzzing networking lounge filled with giveaways, coffee, Caesars, merch and more.
On the tradeshow floor, the Air Canada and Vancouver booths proved particularly popular, where support dogs from Vancouver Airport stole the show (and a few hearts).
MC Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann kept the energy up across the three days, running the show with humour and heart.
Big prize highlights at OMC included luxury Arctic cruises, business class flights, Euro holidays and top-tier travel gear.
The final night wrapped the event in style with a black-tie gala dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, backed by a ten-piece band and a packed dancefloor.
Burnes closed the conference by announcing Cairns as the 2026 host city, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, from 11–14 June.
Helloworld Travel says OMC 2025 not only celebrated the resilience and value of travel agents but also showcased the strength of the Helloworld network in particular.
OMC 2025 was supported by Destination Canada, Destination British Columbia, Destination Vancouver, Air Canada and United Airlines.
For more info on Helloworld Travel, click here.
