The TravelManagers annual national conference is in full swing in Cairns, and Karryon is bringing you every update from an event packed with insights, innovation, and excitement.

Highlights of the Conference:

  • Cathy Freeman joins the conference: The Olympic legend shared her experiences in a fireside chat, discussing her athletic career, mental health, and her foundation’s work supporting Indigenous children. She also shared her love for domestic destinations like Broome, Uluru, Tasmania, and the Dandenongs.
  • Revealed: 2025 Conference Venue: TravelManagers Managing Director Michael Gazal announced Bali’s Westin Resort Nusa Dua as the host location for the 2025 conference, which will be held midweek from September 16-18.
  • Green Island Excursion: Conference guests enjoyed snorkeling, reef explorations, and a guided tour on Green Island, taking in the natural beauty of Tropical North Queensland.
  • Success Stories: PTM Ally Casey shared her inspiring journey, from being expelled from school to building a thriving travel business. PTM Lisa Malnar emphasized the importance of community involvement in growing a successful travel agency in Darwin.
  • Work-Life Balance: PTM Renee Millard’s touching story about overcoming stress and breast cancer highlights the importance of balance, family, and smarter working in today’s travel industry.

Party Time with GFOB

The Globus Family of Brands (GFOB) hosted a lively Friday night event at Cairns’ Salt House, with guests dressed in their best smart tropical attire. The night featured a variety of food stations, an open bar, DJ, and even fireworks, celebrating another successful day of the conference.

Exciting Announcements & Keynotes:

  • ATIA CEO Dean Long: Marked his debut at the TravelManagers conference, discussing plans for the travel industry’s future and advocating for the sector.
  • Chelsea Pottenger: Delivered a powerful keynote on mental health, offering practical techniques for managing stress and prioritizing well-being. Her session resonated deeply with attendees.

A Year of Growth

The mobile agency network has experienced substantial growth since the Christchurch conference in 2023, with a focus on ‘Working Smarter’. PTMs (Personal Travel Managers) are thriving, with average commissions up by 49% in 2023, and continuing to rise in 2024.

Moving Moments & Mental Health Awareness

TravelManagers continues to push forward with initiatives focused on mental health. The group emphasized the importance of balancing work and life, using technology and innovation to work smarter, not harder.

More Conference Highlights:

  • A pre-conference golf day sponsored by Viking, allowing PTMs and suppliers to ease into the busy event at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Golf Course.
  • An intimate ‘Newbies’ welcome function, where first-time conference attendees could network with experienced PTMs and NPO staff.
  • The official conference welcome function sponsored by Cover-More Insurance at Hemingways Brewery, where attendees connected and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.

Future Outlook:
As TravelManagers continues to grow and evolve, the focus remains on innovation, mental well-being, and smarter ways of working to adapt to an ever-changing travel landscape. The 2025 conference in Bali promises even more success as the network expands its horizons.

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