Take almost 2,000 Flighties from around the world, fly them to Bali for a two-day conference and celebration and what do you get? FCTG Global Gathering 2023. Here’s what went down.
Flight Centre Travel Group’s Global Gathering took over Nusa Dua in Bali from 14 – 16 July, bringing together almost 2,000 agents and support staff from FCTG businesses globally.
With major sponsors Sabre, Cover-More and All-Inclusive Collection, FCTG Global Gathering 2023 also had the largest attendance of suppliers ever.
Compared to the excitement and exuberant atmosphere of last year’s Global in Las Vegas, the first staged since 2019 and described as a “party on steroids”, Bali was a more relaxed scene with plenty to celebrate as FCTG returns to profitability.
It’s also a milestone year for Topdeck, which marks 50 years in 2023 and the start of FCTG.
Themed ‘Playground of the Greats’, the two-day event celebrated the top 10 per cent of FCTG employees worldwide, hosting everyone at either The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Sofitel Nusa Dua or Grand Hyatt Bali.
Flight Fest
Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua was also the location for the opening night Flight Fest with Mengiat Beach as the epic backdrop for a private beach party, complete with thatched beach huts.
Flighties in Global tees and visors partied on the sand with custom cocktails while Aussie dance act PNAU and DJ Scott Pullen got the crowd going.
Sponsors and suppliers also got in on the act with standout activations such as British Airways’ chillout lounge made of sand along with special drinks and face painting.
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand’s ‘Flight Deck’ played into an aviation-themed, neon look and feel. Air NZ served a signature violet cocktail – the Violet Sky – and onboard snacks, also giving guests the chance to win instant prizes by snapping a selfie.
Global Conference
The following day was the conference at Westin Nusa Dua where Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley emceed the event as Indiana Jones and burst through a Balinese temple looking for the ‘Playground of the Greats’.
FCTG Founder and CEO Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner and Global leaders such as Leisure CEO and Managing Director James ‘JK’ Kavanagh, Global Corporate CEO Chris Galanty and Global Supply CEO Greg Parker addressed the conference crowd.
The main message was that the business is back and growing into profitability, doubling sales from last year to $21 billion.
Skroo paid tribute and thanked FCTG consultants for their hard work and also acknowledged suppliers who have also been on the journey to recovery for their commitment.
Mel Waters-Ryan, who retires this year after 35 years with FCTG, was also acknowledged and surprised Flighties with an on-stage visit by her high-school friend, Sonia Kruger.
Aussie comedians Rove McManus (who also emceed the Global Gala Awards Dinner) and Ronny Chieng brought the laughs and light-hearted banter on stage.
Global Gala Awards Dinner & After Party
The Global Gala Awards Dinner saw Flighties swap the beach attire for black-tie or formal wear while Brissie DJs Hot Dub Time Machine brought the tunes for the After Party at Nusa Dua Convention Centre with everyone partying until the early hours.
With the announcement of next year’s Global to be held in Lisbon, Portugal for the first time, Flighties will want to get ready to qualify for that now!
