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2017 NTIA AWARDS, 9 THINGS TO EXPECT THIS WEEKEND

We're now less than two days away from the biggest event in the travel industry’s calendar – those National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs)!

We’re now less than two days away from the biggest event in the travel industry’s calendar – those National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs)!

Important stuff aside (finding out which of the finalists will win), based on what we’ve heard, the evening is shaping up to be one of the best with a new venue, more attendees and some awesome giveaways!

We’re so hyped we’ve scoured through all of the information we could find on this year’s event.

Here are nine things you can expect from this weekend’s Gala Dinner:

 

A big fat Greek welcome…

Greece National Tourism Organisation has signed up as the ‘Arrival Sponsor’, which we hope means that beautifully chiseled Greek men will welcome us to the Gala in loosely draped togas.

We’re not entirely sure what Greece’s tourism body has planned for the welcome event, but we predict it to be full of sunshine and hopefully a bit of Ouzo.

Opa!

Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Dr. Stravos Kyrimis, said as ‘Arrival Sponsor’ he hopes attendees get a “sense of the wonderful destination” where “life never sleeps” and there’s “always something magical to experience”.

 

… in an all-new venue

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A Grand Ballroom just for you!

The NTIAs has moved to a larger location this year in the International Convention Centre Sydney, which we imagine will be decorated to reflect the beauty of this year’s attendees.

 

Where there’ll be ideal selfie locations…

Heard of the media wall? It’s where you can get your photo snapped by photographers OR get in for a group selfie with your colleagues. We aren’t 100% sure on this, but we imagine it’s lined with a red carpet – total celebs.

 

… and selfies with Matilda

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Once you’ve had a few bubbles, work up the courage to approach Qantas’ mascot Matilda who’ll be around for selfies.

Don’t forget to share all your pics via the official hashtags #Qantas(heart)sNTIA and #NTIA2017 because they might just end up on KarryOn next week ;).

 

… and specialised Snapchat filters

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WOWWWWW, anyone else as amazed as we are! Qantas will have a special Snapchat filter on the night. Can’t wait to see how it tucks in the double chin, pinches our cheeks and makes us all look even more stunning!

 

A Charlie in the Chocolate Factory-style giveaway

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Golden Tickets aren’t just reserved for little children desperately wanting a tour of Wanka’s digs, it’s also for we travel folk.

AFTA along with Qantas will run a special Golden Ticket Giveaway this year, and no, you don’t need to eat 1,000 candy bars to enter because you’re already in the running!

Every Gala Dinner ticket holder has gone in the draw to win big! How big? We’re not sure yet because AFTA and Qantas are keeping quiet.

“In order to surprise guests prizes are being kept hush-hush, but AFTA assures guests it is well worth the surprise,” AFTA explained.

 

Flights, flights & more flights to WIN!

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The guys over at Star Alliance are giving not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, BUT SIX lucky guests the chance to win return tickets for two to Asia, Canada, America, Europe, Japan or South Africa!

What do you need to do to win? Simply peel open your Star Alliance-branded napkin holder to reveal a number, this will automatically put you in the running for the Star Alliance 20th Anniversary Draw.

During the evening, six numbers will be randomly selected, with prizes including return tickets to: Toronto with Air Canada; Tokyo and Nagoya, Osaka or Fukuhara flying ANA; Asia on EVA Air; South Africa courtesy of South African Airways; Europe via Bangkok with Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines; and New York flying United.

Star Alliance = everyone’s new best friend.

 

A wilder after party…

After the party there’s the after party!

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents and After Party sponsor Singapore Airlines are moving everyone to an all-new venue this year where we expect things may get a little cray-zay.

Not too far from the International Convention Centre is the waterfront venue, The Port, which apparently oozes a chic, contemporary vibe and spectacular city views.

After Partiers are reminded to put on their wrist bands and not to forget their free drink voucher! Woot Woot!

 

… where at least one person will be going hard on the dance floor

We’re looking at your Sandra from InPlace 🙂

Gala Dinner Guests are invited to arrive from 5.00pm to enjoy the welcome function in the Grand Ballroom welcome area on Level 5, of the International Convention Centre Sydney. Formalities will begin at 6.00pm sharp.

And we’ll be there too – See you on the dancefloor!

Are you attending the NTIA’s this weekend?