When Link Travel Group’s owners and their partners came together at Palm Cove’s Reef House for Owners Retreat, it wasn’t just another conference for the calendar; it was a celebration of connection, collaboration, and the unique ties that bind this group of travel professionals. So says Link Travel Group GM Scott Darlow. Speaking to Karryon, Darlow gave us an inside look at a retreat that showcased the benefits of partnership, the value of knowledge sharing, and the power of a strong professional network.
For two days, attendees shared insights, debated strategies, and toasted their shared success in an event that stayed true to Link’s name: forging meaningful links between its members.
Collaboration in action
While the weekend’s agenda promised a mix of business and leisure, the foundation of the retreat was laid firmly on the principle of collaboration.
“Networking, collaborating, and learning from industry leaders is what I look forward to the most,” Andrew Want, Managing Director of Eden Corporate Travel and a Link member since 2022, said ahead of the event.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals of this calibre.”
And the general consensus was that Link Travel Group’s Owners Retreat was “one of the best networking events we’ve attended”.
Linktranet and beyond
While the social aspects of the retreat were a highlight, the core focus was on reviewing and discussing Link’s FY24 financial performance, future strategy, and upcoming initiatives. These sessions provided members with open access to information and facilitated meaningful discussions about the group’s direction.
“When you plan events such as this you always look to raise the bar, we have successfully done that this year in terms of the event, and I take great delight in some of the newer members commenting on how they appreciate such open and transparent access to the groups performance,’ Darlow said.
“It’s extremely pleasing when all members, even industry stalwarts, say they’ve learnt something from their fellow owners.”
One of the key initiatives announced during the retreat was the launch of the ‘Linktranet’, a dedicated intranet platform designed to improve communication and resource sharing across the group.
According to Darlow, this tool aims to foster greater collaboration between members, supporting the group’s ongoing growth.
The benefits of partnership
Darlow credited the success of the event to the support of sponsors AMA Waterways, Viking Cruises, and The Reef House. Each sponsor played a significant role, contributing not just to the event’s logistics but also to its spirit of collaboration.
A standout moment of the weekend came when Viking Cruises gifted each Link attendee a complimentary eight-night river or ocean cruise for two. Presented by Viking’s Keira Smith and Lee Seifken, the gesture underscored the close relationships between Link and its partners.
“We have some really wonderful partners and people we work with,” Darlow said.
Why events like these matter
Events like the Owners Retreat remind Link members of the power of being part of a group where collaboration and transparency are prioritised. From the open discussions about financial performance to the informal conversations over dinner, the retreat provided a platform for meaningful engagement, Darlow said.
For travel professionals navigating an evolving industry, these moments of connection and shared learning are invaluable.
Link Travel Group recently welcomed MaxQ Consolidation as the invitation-only corporate and luxury travel network’s newest full member, swelling its membership base to 32. MaxQ Consolidation is part of Maxim’s Travel Group, which joined Link in July 2024.
Link Travel Group marked its second anniversary as a business in June 2024, welcoming 10 new members to its portfolio of luxury and corporate travel companies.
