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There’s something quite stirring about watching a roomful of passionate Aussie and Kiwi travel agents belting out cheers in red and white scarves beneath a giant 360-degree LED stadium screen – in downtown Vancouver, no less. And that’s precisely the theatrical finale that wrapped up the first night of Helloworld Travel’s Owner Managers Conference (OMC) 2025, which has now officially earned its maple-leafed stripes as one of the company’s most successful and stylish conferences yet.

The three-day extravaganza, held at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, brought together more than 400 travel professionals from across Australia and New Zealand, along with Helloworld executives, preferred partners, and special guests – all bound by the unshakable belief that, yes, travel agents are still “the essential ingredient.”

That slogan – more rallying cry than theme – infused every presentation, networking lounge, and celebratory clink of a Canadian Caesar. And with good reason.

: Destination partners from across Canada

: Vancouver Statium Jumbo Screen

Opening Salvo: Strategy, Sentiment and the Spirit of the North

Kicking off the formalities, Helloworld Travel CEO and Managing Director Andrew Burnes AO delivered an address that was as forthright as it was forward-looking. Touching on everything from fresh business initiatives and brand research to emerging technology platforms, Burnes made it abundantly clear: the future is bright, but only for those who double down on service, innovation, and – naturally – each other.

“We’re here because you make Helloworld what it is,” he told delegates. “Your commitment to delivering exceptional service is the reason this brand continues to thrive.”

His gratitude was echoed by Destination Canada President and CEO Marsha Walden, who officially welcomed the delegation to the Great White North with a warm dose of Canadian hospitality, topped off with an icy swirl of poutine and charm.

: Nick Sutherland, Cinzia Burnes, Marsha Walden, Andrew Burnes

: Andrew Burnes AO, at the Gala Event

: All smiles, Cinzia Burnes (centre) hosts a table at the Gala Event

Party at the Stadium: Hometown Spirit, Helloworld Style

If you think travel agents can’t party, clearly you’ve never seen them take over BC Place stadium.

Transformed into a red-and-white wonderland complete with team scarves, jumbo-tron guest welcomes, and Helloworld’s logo stretched heroically across a circular LED ribbon, the venue became an unlikely yet unforgettable backdrop for a spirited night of national pride and shared celebration.

And yes, there were mountaintop levels of photo ops.

Networking Lounges, Caesars & Support Dogs

Saturday turned the tempo down just enough for business insight sessions, partner chats, and an extraordinary display of sponsorship synergy. In true Canadian style, networking lounges served up everything from gourmet ice cream and spin-the-wheel prizes to bespoke merchandise and espresso martinis.

The Air Canada and Destination Vancouver booths were particular hits – largely thanks to their VIP guests: trained therapy dogs from Vancouver International Airport, who became overnight celebrities and, frankly, out-networked most of the humans.

: A therapy dog from Vancouver airport

: Cinzia with Therapy Dog

Prizes That Could Make a Millionaire Blush

Of course, no Helloworld OMC would be complete without its legendary prize pool – and 2025’s haul was a headline act in itself.

Among the enviable giveaways: a luxury Arctic cruise valued at over $100,000 courtesy of Ponant, return business class flights to Europe, small-group adventures, international airfares, designer luggage, travel vouchers, and more. The entire affair was emceed with gleeful precision by travel industry darling Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann, who kept the crowd laughing, clapping, and occasionally crying (from joy, we think).

Glamour and Gratitude: A Gala Fit for the Occasion

All great journeys must end, and the OMC did so in truly five-star fashion with a Gala Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, sponsored by Air Canada. Picture a grand ballroom echoing with music from a ten-piece band, a buzzing dancefloor, and travel agents dressed to the nines – if not the tens.

Capping off the night (and the conference), Burnes returned to the stage to issue a heartfelt thanks to attendees and supporters before dropping one last surprise: the 2026 Owner Managers Conference will be heading to Cairns, in partnership with Tourism and Events Queensland, from 11 to 14 June 2026.

The news was met with rapturous applause – and not just from the Queenslanders in the room.

The Takeaway: Business, Bonds and a Bit of Bacon

More than just a business conference, the 2025 OMC reminded the industry that even in a tech-driven age, the human touch – the genuine connection between agent and traveller, between brand and partner – is still what makes travel work.

Credit where credit’s due: Destination Canada, Destination British Columbia, and Destination Vancouver truly rolled out the red carpet. As did Air Canada and United Airlines, whose support helped turn a world-class city into the ultimate business-meets-banter backdrop.

Whether it was strategic sessions or syrupy cocktails, puppy cuddles or panoramic pitchside selfies, Helloworld’s OMC 2025 proved once again that travel isn’t just an industry – it’s a family. One that knows how to work hard, laugh harder, and always plan its next big adventure.