TravelManagers 2023 kicks off in Christchurch

TravelManagers 2023 kicks off in Christchurch

TravelManagers’ annual conference begins today at the impressive Te Pae convention centre in Christchurch, bringing together personal travel managers (PTMs), National Partnership Office (NPO) team and partner suppliers.

The three day event will run from 31 August to 2 September and includes plenary sessions, workshops, a trade show and team building exercises.

‘Future Fit’ is the theme of 2023’s event, which dovetails TravelManagers’  ongoing commitment to innovation and adaptation.

According to executive general manager, Michael Gazal, ‘future fitness’ entails constantly fine-tuning the way in which business is conducted: streamlining processes and adopting new technologies is necessary to facilitate such adjustments.

TravelManagers Michael Gazal. (Supplied)

The 2023 host city of Christchurch welcomed the future when its was left devastated by an earthquake, and embraced diversity following one individual’s attempt to polarise its people in an act of terror.

The city used these events as opportunities to change and rebuild itself following tragic circumstances and is now working towards a ‘new Christchurch’.

Loren Heaphy, the general manager of Destination Christchurch who began the proceedings on day one, said it was a unique experience to “rebuild a destination” and thanked the many travel agents in attendance for the continued support of the city and their contribution of  70 per cent of all international travellers to Christchurch.

Keynote Presenters:

Gihan Perera

A futurist who has spoken at two previous TravelManagers conferences. Per will tailor his presentation to the TravelManager network and has an intimate understanding of the value of a PTM. His message: Fit for the future – thriving, not just surviving in a fast changing world. 1

Taryn Brumfitt

The 2023 Australian of the year’s mission is to continue her work in helping both adults and children to have a better relationship with their body. Her key message is: GET IT – how resilience and polite persistence trump luck every-time.

Workshops:

Gihan Perera – The new rules for high performance – Channelling chaos for staying ahead.

Paul Taylor (Mind Body Brain Institute) – Optimising Mental Fitness

Troy Coelho (TravelManagers Australia) – Document Builders, enhancing your customers experience.

Personal Travel Manger Presentations:

Cathy Moir (Gymea Bay – NSW): Growing business through small groups.

Rose Febo (Hawthorn, QLD): Building a thriving cruise business.

Karen Whitehead (Thurgoona, NSW): The golden rule to live by that will help to build a future-fit business.

Louise McCarthy (Castle Hill, NSW): Evolving your business.

Chris Ezzy (Warana, QLD): Steam-lining business while keeping the personal touch.

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