NEW ORLEANS — Canadian travel advisors were among the award winners at Nexion Travel Group’s annual conference CoNexion in New Orleans.

The awards ceremony recognized some of Nexion Travel Group’s top members for various achievements throughout the year.

“It is always a pleasure to honour our members each year at our annual conference,” said Jackie Friedman, VTA, CTIE, President, Nexion Travel Group. “Every one of these members has caught the attention of our Nexion team for their outstanding customer service, support of our supplier partners and encouragement of their fellow members. It’s a strong group this year – the ‘class of 2024’ winners represent some of the best in the industry.”

Helayne Hauw was named the 2024 recipient of Nexion Travel Group’s Ambassador Award, the highest honour given to a member who exemplifies success, involvement and dedication to Nexion’s values and preferred suppliers.

Friedman said Hauw, from Ajax, ON, is known for her non-judgmental, helpful attitude and her positive presence, and was praised for her visibility among suppliers and members, both in person and on social media.

Also this year, Nexion Travel Group named its Canadian Rising Star: Lisa Dunne of Dunnville, ON. Along with April Marshall of Lubbock, Texas, as the U.S. Rising Star,

Nexion’s leadership team shared praise for their impressive achievements despite being newer travel advisors. Both Dunne and Marshall “have demonstrated significant potential to excel within Nexion and the industry. They have both actively utilized Nexion’s programs and educational services to boost sales through preferred partners and to enhance their client service,” according to the host agency.

“Congratulations to every one of our award winners,” said Friedman. “Whether they were chosen by a fellow member or Nexion staff, they all have one thing in common: they are passionate supporters of Nexion, and we are truly proud to say that they are members – they are the very best of us!”

“MY COLLEAGUES ARE THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY”

In other news from Nexion, Mike Foster, President of Nexion Travel Group-Canada and a 45-year veteran of the travel industry, says he plans to step down at the end of this year.

“This is perhaps the best time for me to step down from this role,” said Foster. “I do so with nothing but pride in the work that I have been a part of, and confidence in a company that I know is on the path to a very bright future. My colleagues are truly the best in the industry.”

Foster, who is based in London, ON, was hired in 1981 to open a travel agency. He eventually became its owner. The agency was then acquired by Nexion Travel Group and re-named Nexion Travel Group-Canada. Foster led the team that built one of the region’s largest agencies serving leisure, corporate, group and incentive travel, as well as independent contractor agencies.

Nexion Travel Group-Canada began serving independent contractor agents in Canada in 2013.

Foster has been a long-standing board member of both ACTA and TICO.

“Working with Mike has been a privilege,” said Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group. “Over his long career, he has helped hundreds of people start their own travel businesses, making our company and our industry stronger and more diverse. He has played a tremendous role in the continued growth and success of Nexion Travel Group-Canada.”

Friedman added: “We are all indebted to him for his outstanding leadership.”