TORONTO — Canada was well represented at Direct Travel’s first-ever North American leisure conference, with Canadian travel advisors, management and supplier partners accounting for more than half of the 300 attendees.
The conference took place last month at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, where the focus was on networking, learning and fostering relationships.
“This has been a huge success and a real win for both our team and our suppliers,” said Stephen Smith, Senior Vice President, Leisure Strategy & Marketing. “Human connection is a big part of our business, and it was great to get everyone in one place, with over 3,500 face-to-face meetings facilitated over the span of two days.”
Top partners present included Oceania, Silversea and Allianz.
There were also professional development sessions focused on simplification, efficiency and growth as travel advisors.
At the Awards Gala, Direct Travel launched its expanded GEM recognition program which recognizes top leisure producers. “Of the nearly 1,000 Direct advisors across North America, 130 were awarded GEM status for 2022-23 – an impressive achievement,” said Gerard Bellino, EVP Leisure at Direct Travel.
Over 3,500 meetings with suppliers took place during Direct Travel’s North American leisure travel conference in Chicago
The conference wrapped with a Give Back event at Project C.U.R.E to help fill a shipping container with supplies for a medical facility in Africa. “We were so delighted to partner with A&K Philanthropy to facilitate this opportunity to help those in need. Project C.U.R.E. does some incredible work and it was so great to see everyone contributing and working together,” said Rene Schneeberger, SVP, Supplier Relations at Direct Travel, who also sits on the DEI committee.
“The conference was so well received that we are already planning the 2024 event,” says Smith. “And we are confident it will be as great a success.”
The leisure conference in Chicago came on the heels of Direct Travel Canada’s corporate travel division’s first-ever corporate travel symposium, held recently in Fort Lauderdale.
