TDC’s National Leadership Conference gets a refresh for 2025
MONTREAL — Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) is counting down the days until its National Leadership Conference, set to take place this March in Spain.
Newly reimagined and breaking away from tradition, this year’s event will be held from March 22-28 on Spain’s Costa del Sol at Club Med Magna Marbella, marking the first time the conference moves beyond the typical sun destinations. The week will bring together TDC’s franchised and affiliated agency owners, managers, the leadership team from Voyages Transat/Transat Travel and key preferred partners for a strategic planning session unlike any other.
“We’ve truly broken the mould for this latest edition of our National Leadership Conference,” says Karine Gagnon, General Manager of TDC. “This isn’t just a one-time event; we’re starting the process before the conference begins. Participants will be prompted to reflect on their business goals ahead of time, ensuring that when they arrive in Spain, they can take intentional action and connect with the right people. What’s more, this journey won’t end at the conference – it will continue back in Canada with a series of follow-ups to help implement their learnings.”
One key feature of the conference will be the partnership with renowned speaker, author and executive coach Cloé Caron, who also collaborated on the creation of the TDC Playbook, a practical guide to help attendees structure their reflections and takeaways.
Gagnon adds, “We are thrilled to offer our agency owners and managers the opportunity to benefit from her expertise. Every participant will have the chance to book a one-on-one session with Cloé to receive tailored advice on achieving their business goals.”
NEW FORMATS FOR GROWTH
TDC has introduced several new formats throughout the conference to maximise both business and personal development. “We’ve moved away from large plenary sessions this year,” explains Gagnon. “Instead, we’ve included Partner Business Reviews – one-on-one meetings with preferred partners to explore opportunities and evaluate business relationships. There will also be exclusive one-on-one sessions with TDC’s leadership team, offering direct access to key decision-makers.”
Additionally, a new mobile app will streamline the experience, allowing participants to access personalised schedules, schedule meetings, chat with peers, and more.
VALUED PARTNERSHIPS
The strength of TDC’s partnerships remains central to the event. Gagnon says, “We’re fortunate to have incredible support from Transat, who will host an Andalusian-themed evening to thank agency owners for their collaboration. We’ll also take time during the Gala of Gratitude to express our appreciation for all our partners.”
TDC TALKS
TDC’s National Leadership Conference will feature insights from 10 expert speakers, including seven TED-style TDC Talks designed to tackle the real-world challenges faced by agency owners.
“We know our owners are busy, so we’ve designed these talks to be concise, actionable, and directly relevant to their needs,” explains Dianne Jackson, Director of Franchised and Affiliated Members.
Topics will include AI for Marketing Efficiency, Maximising Social Media for Growth, Leading Effective One-on-One Meetings, and Strengthening Connections to Boost Performance. Additionally, Caron will lead a workshop on “Influence and Persuasion,” while Gagnon will present a session on sales and leadership strategy.
“I’m passionate about human relationships in leadership, and sales has been a major focus of my career,” says Gagnon. “I’m excited to share my expertise with our members through my workshop, ‘Lead, Align, Sell: The Three Pillars of a High-Performing Agency.’”
PERSONALIZED ACTION PLANS
This year’s revamped approach ensures that each participant leaves Marbella with a tailored action plan. Anthony Mormina, Senior Director of Sales and Operations at TDC, says, “The ability to exchange expertise and best practices among agency owners is one of the most valuable aspects of this event.”
A HOLISTIC APPROACH
The TDC Playbook, combined with pre- and post-event initiatives, is at the heart of this year’s conference, says Cloé Caron.
“I’m excited to guide participants through the transformational process. By reflecting and preparing ahead of time, participants will gain the most from this experience. During the conference, I’ll also lead daily reflection sessions to help attendees process their learnings in real time,” she says.
To keep momentum going beyond the event, Caron will host a follow-up session weeks later to help participants stay on track with their goals. “We all know how easily daily life can derail progress, but preparation and foresight can help overcome obstacles,” concludes Caron.
