Travellers Choice has had a strong presence at recent industry seminars as members came together looking for enhanced knowledge, a little inspiration and some fresh perspectives.
Twelve members joined General Manager Marketing Robyn Mitchell in Sydney at this year’s Cruise360, which attracted more than 600 delegates and focused on professional development, ship inspections, networking and industry trends. Travellers Choice delegates were also treated to an exclusive educational evening by Silversea Cruises, which included a fun ride in a stretch Hummer limousine.
Members were also out in force last month at Travel Weekly’s Travel DAZE in Sydney, which this year focused on sustainability. Speakers at the one-day event included former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown, Gardening Australia presenter Costa Georgiadis and World Animal Protection’s Simone Clarke, with topics ranging from ethical encounters with wildlife to sustainable hiring practices and ways the industry should respond to the ‘flight shaming’ trend emerging in Europe.
Carolyn Allen from Warrandyte Travel and Cruise, one of 10 members who attended Travel DAZE, says she travelled to Sydney hoping the event would broaden her outlook.
"It delivered in spades,” Carolyn says. “I came away feeling energised and it's great to hear people like Bob Brown speak because they make you think about what you do, they help you make informed decisions and to relate it back to your business.
“We all tend to go through the motions on a day-to-day basis, so occasionally it's really valuable to stop and reflect on where we are going as human beings and how we can make a difference."
Robyn says the benefits of attending industry seminars and conferences go well beyond simply staying abreast of industry developments and emerging trends.
“They also present a great opportunity to spend quality time in a stimulating environment with other members who might share a similar interest or business focus,” she says. “And they bring together members from other states, which is something that usually only happens at our annual conference.”
Travellers Choice supports members interested in attending key events through FOC or discounted ticket rates.