CT Partners 2024 Conference kicks off and celebrates 20 years of impact

CT Partners kicked off its 20th-anniversary Annual Conference and welcomed an impressive lineup of delegates and industry partners at the Four Seasons The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam.

This milestone event celebrates two decades of success and leadership, bringing together 100 delegates from Australia’s most successful corporate and premium-leisure travel businesses, alongside preferred partners’ representatives, making it a major networking and knowledge-sharing event.

Founded in 2004, CT Partners stands out as Australia’s leading independently-owned travel-buying network, consistently championing the interests of its members by passing through 100 per cent of supplier payments and driving innovation. CT Partners’ members are 32 of the most successful independent corporate-trave-management firms and premium-leisure agencies and represent the third-largest buying group in Australia, with TTV in excess of $2 billion in FY24. Each year, CT Partners member businesses look after the needs of over 1.6 million travellers.

CT Partners’ members and partners will spend the next few days engaging in insightful sessions and collaborative discussions on the future of the travel industry. In attendance are key figures such as major sponsor Singapore Airlines and representatives from top industry suppliers. Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), will also be joining the event to provide his insights on the changing travel landscape.

This year’s conference addresses key industry trends such as New Distribution Capability (NDC), sustainability and travel innovation, with a focus on equipping CT Partners’ members with the tools and insights to continue thriving in the ever-evolving travel landscape.

Attendees will benefit from a dynamic range of thought-provoking presentations, including a keynote by Mark Bowyer, an Australian who is a pioneer in immersive travel and an authority on SE Asia, having spent 30 years living in Vietnam. Mark was the co-founder of a small-group travel company, Travel Indochina, before launching Rusty Compass, an independent travel guide for SE Asia. Mark’s work was profiled in the New York Times, and he has been featured frequently in international press.

Alongside knowledge-sharing sessions, delegates will have the chance to participate in team-building activities designed to strengthen connections and foster collaboration between members and partners. These activities are a reflection of CT Partners’ commitment to maintaining a strong, united network that benefits from both business growth and a shared sense of community.

“This year’s conference is particularly special as CT Partners celebrates 20 years of impact and leadership in the travel industry. It’s not just about reflecting on our past success, but about looking ahead to the future of travel,” CT Partners CEO, Matt Masson, said.

“Our focus on travel innovation and collaboration ensures that our members are well-equipped to succeed in this rapidly changing industry. It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our members alongside our valued partners.

“I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Singapore Airlines, our major sponsor, and to all our sponsors for their continued support and partnership. Our partners are vital to our success and that of our members, and their commitment to collaboration helps drive innovation and growth across the entire CT Partners network. Together, we are shaping the future of travel as we mark this important 20-year milestone.”