Agents Call TTAND Conference a Catalyst for Growth, Connection & Confidence

For many advisors within The Travel Agent Next Door network, the annual conference is far more than an industry event. It is where relationships deepen, ideas spark, confidence grows, and businesses evolve.

Again and again, following this year’s event, advisors spoke about the power of face-to-face connection — not only with suppliers, but with fellow travel professionals from across Canada who understand the realities, opportunities, and passion behind building a successful travel business.

“It is the only way to build a meaningful relationship in my opinion,” shared Dorena Chin of The Travel Agent Next Door, Thornhill, Ontario. “You cannot replicate having a face-to-face meal or meeting in person.”

For veteran advisor Arlene Gibbons of The Travel Agent Next Door, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, conference remains one of the most valuable professional experiences of the year.

“I look forward to the many networking opportunities with my fellow colleagues from coast to coast, travel supplier partners, our head office support staff and of course the elective sessions and keynote speaker,” she explained. “There are always many takeaways for me.”

The immersive destination component also stood out as a major reason advisors attend year after year. Experiencing destinations firsthand allows advisors to speak with greater authenticity and confidence when serving clients.

“There is no better way to sell than to educate myself and experience it first-hand,” said Gibbons after visiting Bonaire for the first time during the conference sailing.

For Karen Desanti of Desanti Travel, the destination experience creates a deeper level of expertise that directly benefits clients.

“Being able to see, feel, and truly understand a location firsthand is something you simply can’t replicate,” she shared. “It allows me to offer a much deeper level of insight to my clients.”

The conference also provides a rare opportunity for advisors to engage with suppliers in relaxed, meaningful settings beyond formal presentations and trade shows.

“To be able to have more in-depth conversations with suppliers over a meal, or glass of wine was pure gold,” said Leon Vanier of Landmark Vacations.

For first-time attendee Nabila Hussain of TravQuest, the conference exceeded every expectation.

“The conference really opens up your horizon and your thinking,” she said. “I really wanted to get more knowledge and insight by attending it this time.”

Meanwhile, advisors with decades of industry experience continue to see the annual TTAND conference as essential to staying inspired and growing their businesses.

Judith Coates of Wired for Travel perhaps summarized it best:

“It’s not about the destination and it’s not about the venue. It’s about the connections and the learning experiences that you won’t get anywhere else.”

And according to Coates, the impact is measurable.

“Any time I’ve had associates who attend conference, when we return home I see a remarkable difference in their motivation levels and in their sales.”

Across every interview, one theme consistently emerged: conference is not simply an event. It is an investment in growth, relationships, learning, confidence, and the future success of every advisor who attends.