In a stunning conclusion to TravelManagers’ most successful National Conference, attendees gathered for a dazzling awards gala on Saturday evening in Cairns. Executive General Manager Michael Gazal described the event as “the biggest and most successful in the company’s history. ” The event featured a host of new awards, a line-up of industry experts, and critical announcements about the future.

More than half of the personal travel managers (PTMs) from across Australia travelled to attend the three-day event alongside over 140 key suppliers and media partners, marking a significant increase in participation compared to previous years. “Despite their demanding workloads, our PTMs demonstrated their commitment to growth and innovation by attending this year’s conference,” Gazal said, adding, “Their investment in personal and professional development is what makes TravelManagers a standout in the travel industry.”

Honouring Excellence: Celebrating PTM Achievements

Saturday night’s gala dinner was particularly memorable for Louise McCarthy, awarded the prestigious title of Personal Travel Manager of the Year for 2023/24. In recognition of her exceptional dedication and service, McCarthy stood out as a leader in the field.

The highly coveted PTM Choice Award went to Rachael Portelli from Aberfeldie, VIC. Voted on by her fellow PTMs, Portelli’s win reflected her commitment to professionalism and embodiment of the TravelManagers’ brand values. Gazal praised the culture of mutual respect within the network, stating, “It’s not just about individual success but how we uplift each other.”

This year, a series of new awards were also introduced, aligning with TravelManagers’ commitment to recognizing professional and personal contributions. Among the new categories was the Above and Beyond Award, presented to PTM Nicole Cocks. “Nicole’s selflessness and outstanding service to colleagues and clients define what it means to be a TravelManager,” said Gazal. Her intervention during a challenging client situation, which could have derailed a milestone family vacation, exemplified the company’s core values.

Another highlight was the presentation of the Barry Mayo Spirit Award to PTM Maria Miller from Parkes, NSW. This award, honouring PTMs who help foster the company’s unique culture, was given to Miller for her continuous support of her peers since joining TravelManagers in 2008. “Maria’s willingness to offer a hand or ear to fellow PTMs has been instrumental in maintaining the supportive, collaborative environment we pride ourselves on,” said Gazal.

Innovation and Insight: Workshops and Keynotes

In addition to the awards, the conference offered a comprehensive schedule of workshops, presentations, and trade shows with over 80 partner suppliers. Themed “Working Smarter,” the sessions focused on integrating cutting-edge technology to boost efficiency in business operations and informed decision-making for PTMs.

The opening keynote was delivered by internationally renowned mindfulness and meditation expert Chelsea Pottenger. She encouraged attendees to harness the power of mindfulness in their professional and personal lives. Her session set the tone for a conference emphasising wellness, innovation, and strategic thinking.

In a departure from the typical conference closing speech, the final day featured a captivating Q&A session with Cathy Freeman OAM, an Olympic gold medalist and national icon. Freeman shared insights on resilience, teamwork, and overcoming adversity—principles that resonated with the conference’s personal and professional growth theme.

Looking Ahead: Bali Announced as the 2025 Conference Destination

The conference concluded with a much-anticipated announcement regarding the location of next year’s event. “Traditionally, we keep the destination for the following year’s conference under wraps until the final moments of the current event,” Gazal explained, building suspense among the attendees. The revelation that the 2025 National Conference will take place in Bali was met with enthusiastic applause, ensuring the perfect note on which to end the three-day gathering.

TravelManagers’ decision to host the 2025 conference in Bali reflects the brand’s expansion into international destinations, offering PTMs the opportunity to network and develop skills in a global context. The announcement generated considerable excitement, with many already looking ahead to what promises to be another record-breaking event.

A Bright Future for TravelManagers

The success of this year’s conference underscores the strength of TravelManagers’ network and its commitment to excellence. From recognizing the outstanding contributions of individual PTMs to unveiling plans, the event was a powerful reminder of the company’s role as a leader in the travel industry.

As Gazal noted in his closing remarks, “This year has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of our PTMs. We’re looking forward to even greater success in the year ahead, starting with Bali in 2025.”

With an eye on future growth, TravelManagers is positioned to continue leading travel services, offering personalized, innovative solutions to clients worldwide.

The TravelManagers Gala for 2024 was an unforgettable evening, where the network’s top personal travel managers (PTMs), supplier partners, and staff were recognized for their exceptional contributions. Held in high regard by the industry, this prestigious event honoured individuals who went above and beyond to enhance the TravelManagers brand, showcasing the organization’s dedication to excellence, engagement, and innovation. Here’s a recap of the top award recipients from this year’s celebration:

TravelManagers Engagement Award
Julianne Gazal-Rizk was honored with the inaugural TravelManagers Engagement Award. This accolade recognizes PTMs actively engaging with the network and attending events, professional development programs, and virtual training. Julianne stood out for her unwavering commitment to learning and collaboration, driving meaningful outcomes for clients and colleagues.

Most Improved Personal Travel Manager
With an eye on continuous growth, TravelManagers recognized the PTMs as having the most significant financial improvement over the past year. Erin Beckford (NSW/ACT), Stacey Lekias (WA/NT), Kirk Walpole (VIC), Nicole Cocks (QLD), and Micheal Puttner (SA/TAS) were acknowledged for their significant increases in commission and revenue. Special recognition went to Kirk Walpole for his outstanding achievements on a national level.

Partner Supplier of the Year
Vietnam Travel & Cruise was named the Partner Supplier of the Year. PTMs chose it because they valued its exceptional support and partnership over the past two years. Its commitment to collaboration helped PTMs deliver high-quality travel experiences.

Top Sales Executive
Martine Nunes of Oceania Cruises received the Top Sales Executive award. PTMs praised her creativity and dedication, noting how her training initiatives and hands-on approach helped them excel in sales and customer engagement.

Above and Beyond Award
In challenging times, Nicole Cocks indeed went the extra mile, earning her the Above and Beyond Award. Nicole’s acts of kindness and exceptional service made a tangible difference, not only to her clients but to the broader community as well.

Personal Travel Manager of the Year
The night’s highest honour went to Louise McCarthy, who was named Personal Travel Manager of the Year. With her top commission earnings, Louise exemplified what it means to be a leader in the industry, consistently delivering value to clients and setting a benchmark for others.

Dedication Award
The Dedication Award was another highlight, recognizing PTMs and National Partnership Office (NPO) staff who have been with the organization for 10 and 15 years. These long-standing members, including Amanda Brady, Darren Christensen, and Janice Lee, have been instrumental in building TravelManagers into the trusted network it is today.

Focusing on innovation, commitment, and professionalism, the 2024 TravelManagers Gala showcased the exceptional talent within its ranks. Congratulations to all the recipients who continue to set the standard for excellence in the travel industry.

 

 

 

Written by: Michelle Warner

 

 

 

 

 

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