ORLANDO — TL Network Canada is heading to Orlando this week for TL Network’s sold-out International Conference, bringing a delegation of over 140 Canadian travel agents.

Taking place at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando, this year’s conference will welcome more than 2,100 travel industry insiders who’ll participate in advanced educational training seminars and learn about the latest innovations from TL Network and industry suppliers. The theme this year is ‘Be a Leader’, which is perfectly embodied by keynote speaker Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc. Iconic for his leadership in technology and philanthropy for more than 30 years, Wozniak is a recipient of the National Medal of Technology – the highest honor bestowed on America’s leading innovators.

The International Conference will also feature more than 230 training workshops and supplier seminars, an “Experience Room” where travel agents can talk with subject matter experts about exclusive TL Network Canada programs and tools, and a full trade show on May 1, featuring over 170 major travel industry partners.

“We are thrilled that so many of our TL Network Canada Members will be actively participating in the inaugural International Conference that brings together, for the very first time, each of the three organizations that became one in January,” noted Christine James, Vice President of TL Network Canada. “Each Canadian Member has continually demonstrated that they have what it takes to ‘Be A Leader’ in this industry with their unsurpassed knowledge and expertise. Now they will have many more opportunities to network with other exceptional agents and learn about all the innovations that our new powerhouse organization can provide through truly revolutionary launches this week.”

Also announced at the Conference is the newly launched Distinctive Voyages offering, where clients can select a private ‘Car and Driver’ amenity. Distinctive Voyages is a TL Network exclusive hosted cruise collection of sailings that features complimentary added amenities such as a Private Cocktail Reception, an Exclusive Shore Event and the expertise of a Distinctive Voyage Host on board each sailing.

The private Car and Driver exclusive experience will be offered on a select number of luxury voyages on Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises at launch; with other cruise lines added for 2018. Clients will have the option of selecting a private car and driver with a guided tour in select ports or they may take advantage of a private car and driver for a specified length of time – allowing the client to determine for themselves where to go and what to see. This exclusive added amenity will be available for sailings beginning Fall 2017.

Along with the new private Car and Driver amenity, each Distinctive Voyages sailing continues to feature:

• Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host: The onboard Distinctive Voyages Host is thoroughly vetted and only the most exceptional candidates are selected.  Among other criteria, all Distinctive Voyage Hosts are required to possess experience hosting groups, in-depth knowledge of the destinations, and maintain a booking history placing clients on Distinctive Voyages sailings.
• Private cocktail reception: Clients have an exclusive opportunity to get to know the other passengers in the Distinctive Voyages group, as well as their host, over cocktails and appetizers.

Also, just announced, TL Network Canada travel agents will now have access to the Block Space Program, which offers members’ clients added amenities as well as enhanced commission as part of AmaWaterways Exclusive Block Space Program. This unique selling advantage for TL Network Canada Members will be made available on more than 50 sailings. Some of those sailings include: a romantic Danube River cruise from Vilshofen, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary; the Taste of Bordeaux sailing along the Garonne River; or the Tulip Time Cruise in Amsterdam.