Industry professionals from Australia got their thinking caps on and headed to Hong Kong over the weekend for the rebranded helloworld business Summit.
Held over Saturday and Sunday at the The Langham Place Hotel, the event – formerly known as the Corporate Symposium – invited delegates to delve into conversations around leadership and technology.
Attendees were also treated to world renowned speakers and a workshop selection.
Donna Barlow Travel’s Jeanette Whitmore said she enjoyed the variety at this year’s conference because it well targeted towards leadership.
“When you’ve been in the industry for a very long time, you need a shot in the arm to refresh you.”
Jeanette Whitmore, Donna Barlow Travel
The two-day Summit focused on Leadership with delegates benefiting from insight and inspiration from Economist Ross Greenwood, Phocuswright’s Tony D’Astolfo, and entrepreneur Brad Seymour.
Managing Director of Twitter Australia Karen Stocks led a content-rich workshop on harnessing the power of social media which also proved a hit with delegates.
Speaker Brard Seymour.
helloworld CEO Elizabeth Gaines said the Summit had reinforced the significant value of helloworld for business for independent travel businesses.
She explained that when suppliers and travel businesses come together, they can celebrate achievements to date as well as plan ongoing success.
“Many of the initiatives announced over the course of the Summit attest to the leadership position of our network and our Member travel businesses including the very exciting, exclusive pioneering NDC initiative with Qantas around Chauffeur Drive.”
Elizabeth Gaines, helloworld CEO
For the first time in 40 years, Victoria Cross for Gallantry, Mark Donaldson, delivered an account of resilience in leadership.
His story of succeeding in being admitted to the SAS and sharing of courage under fire resonated with delegates.
He said during his speech he encouraged attendees to set goals and chase them, regardless of barriers.
“I was getting up at 2.00am to climb mountains and I wasn’t going out partying with my mates. It wasn’t that they didn’t care but they just didn’t understand.”
Mark Donaldson, Victoria Cross for Gallantry
helloworld’s Head of Associate and Affiliate networks said looking to the future, the company is focused on leading the way with an independent model.
He says the company has built a unique product for Members and overall business.
“Others are now trying to emulate what we are doing but that only makes us go harder and faster in achieving even more.”
David Padman, helloworld Head of Associate and Affiliate
The Summit wrapped with celebratory drinks at Aqua and dinner at Hutong overlooking Hong Kong Harbour.
