“We’re a people-first industry” is a line you’ll hear everywhere – from tech to finance to agriculture. But the travel industry is one of the few that genuinely earns that label.
At its core, travel is about connection. It’s people spending money on experiences that change them as individuals. In a world where so much connection happens through screens, it’s no surprise that the appetite for real-world experiences and adventure has gone through the roof.
That focus on experience and human connection carries through to the industry itself. You’ll often hear people – particularly in Sydney – bemoaning how many events the travel industry hosts. But in truth, we’re lucky to work in a sector where you can eat laksa from Malaysia on a Monday and finish the week with a Singapore Sling on Friday.
As deputy editor at Travel Weekly, I’ve been fortunate to step behind the mic at several major industry events this year, including the CATO Christmas Lunch, the Women in Travel Awards and Travel Weekly’s Luxury Roadshow.
Here are a few reflections from the mic.
Women in Travel
I think Women in Travel was the event that got me hooked on the travel industry. I was working at our other publication B&T at the time when I was asked to MC the event in 2023.
Public speaking has long been a huge passion of mine since I took it up (after struggling with intense fear of visibility) at the age of 21.
The second I stepped on the stage at the 2023 Women in Travel Awards, I immediately felt like I was home. As someone whose biggest financial investments in my 20s were on travel, retreats, and self-development, it seemed like a natural fit.
Two years later, and I love hosting the awards more than ever. We still get questions about whether women’s awards should exist in travel. But the momentum created by the events is undeniable. Everyone leaves feeling reminded of the power of sisterhood and being yourself in business.
The Luxury Roadshow
This year we hosted our first three-city Luxury Roadshow across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. To be candid, Travel Weekly hasn’t always been positioned as a luxury brand – but with demand for luxury travel surging, it was an important evolution.
What struck me most was the level of curiosity in the room. Advisors were genuinely hungry to learn more about luxury suppliers, ask questions, and understand how this segment works. The speed-dating format gave them direct access to some of the world’s leading luxury brands, in a way that felt approachable rather than intimidating.
The biggest takeaway for me was how important it is for luxury to feel open and accessible. Even for advisors not yet selling at the top end of the market, having in-person conversations and hands-on exposure is one of the most effective ways to build confidence and capability.
Travel Weekly Hot Topic Events
After writing a story on advisor confusion following currency changes in the travel industry, I became acutely aware of something bigger: the need for a safe, neutral space where advisors could ask honest questions directly to industry leaders. Enter Travel Weekly Hot Topics.
Hosted at the Room-Res House, these free events exceeded expectations. But my personal highlight was the Women in Travel session we hosted: What It REALLY Takes to Reach New Heights in Your Career.
I was genuinely thrilled when such an exceptional group of leaders agreed to join the panel – Penny Spencer, founder of the Spencer Group of Companies; Katrina Barry, group CEO and managing director of Webjet Group; and Emily Kadinski, travel advisor and co-owner at itravel Carlingford.
What mattered most, though, was the room itself. Attendees felt safe to voice very real fears and emotions – about AI, taking maternity leave, and how to market themselves in a rapidly changing industry. Creating that kind of space felt like a true win, both professionally and personally.
CATO Christmas Lunch
As a relative newcomer to the travel industry, it was a huge honour to be asked to MC the CATO Christmas Lunch, one of the most anticipated events on the industry calendar.
Naturally, there were nerves. But I leaned on the public speaking principles I come back to every time: authenticity usually wins, and presence matters more than perfection.
The room was rowdy – as it should be, with an industry ready to head into its Christmas break. But beneath the energy was real heart. With a fundraiser supporting prostate cancer prevention, the lunch was a reminder that the travel industry doesn’t just celebrate together – it shows up for one another.
It’s messy, loud, generous and deeply human. And from where I stand, that’s exactly what makes it special.
To enquire about hiring Sofia to MC your event, contact Sofia@travelweekly.com.au or Hoda@travelweekly.com.au.
