TORONTO — Direct Travel has announced its first leisure travel conference, scheduled for Nov. 14 – 16 in Chicago.

“We are thrilled that business continues to grow to unprecedented levels,” says Stephen Smith, Direct Travel’s Senior VP, Leisure Strategy and Marketing.

Some 300 participants are expected at the ‘Direct Access: Gaining Altitude’ event, including some 200 Direct travel advisors – both employees and ICs – along with 80 strategic partners, some of which will be sending along two or more delegates.

The conference will bring together Direct Travel advisors and strategic partners from across North America. On the agenday: scheduled face-to-face meetings, updates on the company’s productivity tools and insights into data and the company’s technology enhancements.

“This is such a great opportunity for our advisors to network with our top partners, learn first-hand of their new offerings and new strategies to increase sales and better service our mutual clients,” said Gerard Bellino, Direct Travel’s EVP Leisure.

A key theme for ‘Direct Access: Gaining Altitude’ will be demonstrating to advisors how to earn more money with simple changes to how they conduct their daily business.

The event will also focus on giving back. “We are also really looking forward to our Giving Back initiative in partnership with A&K Philanthropy where our attendees will be working with Project C.U.R.E to send a container of medical supplies to the Nakatindi Health Clinic in Zambia helping children and families in need,” said Smith.

Added Bellino: “Direct Access: Gaining Altitude is less than a month away and the excitement is definitely building.”