InteleTravel is poised to host its largest conference yet in Sorrento, gathering over 500 agents and approximately 40 partners.
Scheduled for October 10-12, the InteleTravel Quest (ITQ) will focus on productivity, social media strategies, and homeworking sector growth. The event will feature numerous industry experts and sessions on key industry trends.
Conference Highlights
The upcoming InteleTravel conference promises to deliver an extensive programme, aiming to enhance agents’ productivity and commission earnings. With the theme ‘The Future is You,’ the event will curate sessions to address significant industry topics. Attendees will gain insights from social media expert Clare Groombridge, and participate in discussions on diversity and inclusion.
Key Speakers and Panels
Keynote sessions will feature prominent industry figures such as Chris Photi from White Hart Associates, discussing travel trends and challenges. Additionally, the conference will host panels with suppliers like Major Travel, who will interview agents on service quality and client relationships. These discussions aim to foster a deeper understanding of market dynamics and customer engagement.
Founder and president James Ferrara will deliver an update on InteleTravel’s impressive growth, now employing 20,000 agents across the UK and Ireland. His segment will highlight the company’s innovative strategies and successful performance over the past year.
Role of Technology and Innovation
The conference recognises the vital role of technology in the travel sector’s success. With a focus on technological advancements, sessions will explore tools that aid agents in working smarter amidst market challenges.
InteleTravel’s technical and operations experts from the US will outline the latest innovations, providing agents with new strategies to enhance productivity. This segment aligns with the theme of leveraging smart technology for operational efficiencies and improved client services.
Tricia Handley-Hughes, InteleTravel UK and Ireland managing director, emphasised that such advancements are critical in addressing the practice of discounting by online travel agents. Her insights underscore the importance of staying technologically adept to maintain competitive advantages.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a core component of the conference, offering delegates opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers. The event will facilitate interactions with headline sponsors, Classic Collection for land and Virgin Voyages for cruise. These sessions are designed to build partnerships and explore synergies.
With over 600 delegates, including Andy Harmer from Clia UK and Andrew Farr from Classic Collection, the conference aims to foster collaboration. These interactions are crucial for shaping future initiatives and strengthening professional relationships.
Highlighting Diversity and Inclusion
A special panel dedicated to diversity and inclusion will feature prominently, bringing to light the varied perspectives within the industry. This panel aims to spark meaningful conversations and insights that can drive positive change.
The inclusion of experts from diverse backgrounds ensures a rich dialogue, focusing on creating equitable opportunities across the travel sector. This aligns with the broader conference goal of promoting an inclusive and supportive environment.
Agents will share experiences on handling diversity within their operations, encouraging a community-oriented approach. These discussions are expected to have lasting impacts on the industry’s approach to diversity and inclusion.
Focus on Agent Development
The conference will prioritise agent development, providing numerous learning opportunities. Workshops will cover the integration of social media into marketing strategies to expand clientele. This ensures agents are equipped with modern tools to succeed.
Interactive sessions are planned to engage agents in real-world scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving skills. This active learning approach is seen as pivotal for personal and professional growth.
Final Thoughts
InteleTravel’s annual conference represents a significant opportunity for agents to enhance their skills and knowledge. The event’s comprehensive programme promises to deliver valuable insights, equipping attendees to navigate the evolving travel landscape.
As InteleTravel prepares for its unprecedented conference, the focus remains on empowering agents through education and networking. The event’s success will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the homeworking travel sector.
