Rendez-vous:Transat Distribution Canada Shines Spotlight on Its Travel Professionals
by Bruce Parkinson
The TDC Leadership Team.
On September 20 and 21, Transat Distribution Canada welcomed its members from English Canada at Rendez-vous, its annual flagship event.
Held under the theme “Star Power. Lighting the way in a sky of choices,” the gathering at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale brought together more than 200 people — agency owners and managers, travel advisors, the TDC leadership team, and around 55 preferred partners.
Celebrating the Only True Travel Experts
More than ever this year, the role of the travel advisor—and the sense of security they provide to travellers who book with them—was at the heart of the event’s theme.
“In the vast universe of travel, ‘Star Power’ celebrates the brilliance and influence of travel professionals who illuminate the path for their clients, making them feel confident, knowing that their trip is in the hands of an expert who ensures everything goes smoothly,” said Karine Gagnon, General Manager of TDC.
“Each travel professional shines in their own way, bringing their unique light to a world of nearly infinite options. This event is an opportunity to allow our members to strengthen their own inner star, to nurture what makes them unique by leveraging the tools and strategies that TDC provides.”
The #1 Professional Development Event of the Year
Year after year, this event remains the most important one for TDC in terms of training and professional development, an essential in a constantly changing industry and a central priority for the TDC network.
“Each of our travel professionals is different, and every year, we strive to refine our content to best adapt to their varied needs,” Gagnon said.
“We offer a variety of formats, starting with large plenary sessions featuring broad themes and renowned speakers. These sessions are designed to foster learning and a sense of belonging, both of which are crucial. Then, we offer more targeted professional development workshops, which are optional, to allow everyone to strengthen their skills in a specific area. Finally, there’s the opportunity to interact with our preferred partners, who are our members’ main collaborators,” Gagnon added.
Renowned speakers shared their expertise throughout the weekend. Just after Karine Gagnon’s opening remarks, business strategist and coach Sara Gilbert presented her talk, Exquisite: The Language of Customer Experience, in which she explained to travel advisors that their communication style is one of their greatest assets and that they must pay attention to it, as it’s the first product a client buys.
On Day 2, the opening speaker was another well-known figure, cybersecurity expert Steve Waterhouse, who raised awareness among TDC network members about the threat landscape in the travel industry and, more importantly, how to protect themselves from potential attacks.
To close the event, aerospace engineer, and author Farah Alibay moved participants with her keynote, The Perseverance of an Explorer.
TDC suppliers were a key part of the event. Some presented in a plenary session, others were able to showcase their latest innovations during the Spotlight Presentations. All were present at the Travel Showcase, a dynamic space with modern booths designed to maximize networking and learning.
Forum, a Meeting Dedicated to Owners and Managers
As is tradition, TDC invited its franchised and affiliated agency owners and managers to an exclusive session, Forum, on the Friday before Rendez-vous.
“I’m always pleasantly surprised by the generosity with which the owners and managers in our network share the challenges they’ve faced and the solutions they’ve implemented, benefiting their peers during our discussions,” said Dianne Jackson, Director of Franchise and Affiliate Members. “This is one of the significant advantages of belonging to a network with members as solid and well-established as those in the TDC network.”
Joseph Adamo, Transat’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer and President of TDC, also spoke at Forum, as he does every year.
“This unique opportunity to connect with the members of our TDC network is very enriching for me. Their perspective is always insightful. I also want to highlight the remarkable commitment of the owners and advisors to Transat. “Their loyalty and constant presence deeply move us. It also strengthens our motivation to continue building a more relevant and inspiring offering for travellers with them,” Adamo stated.
A Festive Evening, Tinged with Recognition
Hosted by Transat, the Saturday evening gala was another great success this year. The evening provided an opportunity to recognize the members in attendance who were celebrating anniversaries ranging from 10 to 20 years. This year’s honoured members included: Wedad Bishara, Marlin Travel Vancouver (20 years), Angela Biene, Marlin Travel Ottawa (20 years) and Sam Patel, Airline Ticket Centre (15 years).
Recognition was also given to 2025 Rising Star Sarah Crawford, from Marlin Travel Peterborough, while the Customer Experience Star is Lorelei Beard, from Marlin Travel Cambridge.
