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If silver jubilees were Olympic sports, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents – would be cartwheeling across the podium with a gold medal and a celebratory glass of Barossa red in hand.

This July, the much-loved travel advisor network is rolling out the blue carpet in Adelaide (red would be too predictable) for its 25th anniversary national conference – a five-day extravaganza titled, fittingly, Milestones and Momentum. And momentum there is, with a program that promises to inspire, energise, and, in true MTA fashion, raise a glass to two and a half decades of advisor excellence.

The headline act? None other than Grant Hackett – yes, that Grant Hackett – triple Olympic medallist, corporate crusader, and CEO of Generation Development Group. Joining him in the intellectual limelight is brand dynamo Emma Harris, founder of Glow London and former top-tier talent at Virgin Atlantic and Eurostar.

The event, running from 25–26 July with pre-conference sessions kicking off on the 23rd, is shaping up to be MTA’s biggest to date. And in an industry where buzzwords are tossed around like boarding passes, this one delivers: think keynote knockouts, cutting-edge business workshops, sunset gala soirées, and the odd rooftop climb over Adelaide Oval for those brave enough to swap stilettos for safety harnesses.

🏅 Hackett’s Gold-Standard Wisdom

While Grant Hackett’s Olympic glory tends to steal headlines, these days it’s his corporate muscle that’s making waves. As CEO of Generation Development, he’s navigating the often murky waters of investment services with clarity, vision, and a touch of that trademark steely resolve.

“Grant brings a unique combination of elite sporting mindset and boardroom smarts,” says MTA co-founder Karen Merricks. “He’ll challenge our advisors to think beyond commissions and consults – to lead with purpose and long-term strategy.”

And in a world where travel advisors are being asked to reinvent themselves post-pandemic, that message couldn’t be timelier.

🌍 Emma Harris: Brand Truths with a British Bite

From the buzz of London to the heartbeat of Adelaide, Emma Harris brings global savvy and no-nonsense brand strategy. The straight-talking CEO of Glow London has made a name helping travel giants (and upstarts alike) cut through the corporate jargon to build bold, believable brands.

At MTA, Harris is expected to stir the pot – in the best possible way – with her signature style of unfiltered insights and razor-sharp commentary on workplace culture, leadership, and the importance of saying what you mean.

She’ll likely remind the room that authenticity isn’t a trend – it’s a necessity.

🎤 More Voices, More Value

The mainstage stars are just the beginning. MTA’s breakout program reads like a who’s-who of inspiration:

Pascale Helyar-Moray, financial firebrand and founder of Grow My Money, will talk fintech, female empowerment and the surprising power of shopping-to-saving technology.
Olivia Arezzolo, the nation’s go-to sleep whisperer and bestselling author of Bear, Lion, Wolf, promises to have even the most caffeinated conference-goers dreaming of bedtime routines that fuel performance.
Nicole O’Sullivan, behavioural sales strategist and founder of Birds Eye View Consulting, will help advisors sell smarter with psychology-backed techniques that elevate the sales conversation from awkward to awe-inspiring.

And in true MTA style, these sessions are more than motivational posters and buzzwords – they’re practical, personal, and pitched perfectly for the independent travel professional.

🧡 Advisors at the Heart, Community in Focus

“This isn’t just another industry event with a lanyard and a lukewarm croissant,” quips Merricks. “It’s about celebrating 25 years of extraordinary humans – our advisors – and ensuring they feel equipped for whatever the next 25 throw at them.”

Indeed, the program doesn’t shy away from the realities of modern travel advising: shifting consumer behaviour, AI disruption, and the constant juggle between service and survival. But rather than retreat, MTA is doubling down on education, emotional intelligence, and elbow grease.

Pre-conference training encompasses a wide range of topics, from marketing makeovers to AI adoption, sales savviness to small business strategies – a true reflection of MTA’s advisor-first approach.

🎒 CSR with Sauce and Substance

Of course, it wouldn’t be an MTA conference without giving back. This year’s CSR initiative, Cooking for a Cause in partnership with OzHarvest, invites delegates to don aprons and sharpen knives (gently!) for a hands-on community kitchen session. The goal? Fight food waste and fuel those in need – a humble reminder that travel isn’t just about destinations, but about connection.

🥂 Wine, Wisdom and Wows Await

Beyond the breakout rooms and keynote applause, the event will showcase South Australia’s capital in all its cultural, culinary and viticultural glory. From walking tours through Adelaide’s history to vino-fuelled adventures in the hills, delegates will leave with more than just notebooks and name tags – they’ll leave with a story.

And as the gala events unfold beneath twinkling lights and the unmistakable buzz of camaraderie, one thing becomes clear: MTA isn’t just celebrating its past – it’s lighting the runway for its future.

For full details on the conference program and to register, visit: mtatravel.eventsair.com/mta-national-conference-2025.