Some 325 travel professionals from Marlin Travel and TravelPlus agencies from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba attended the “We weren’t born to follow” 2011 Western Regional Conference in Vancouver from September 9 to 11. This event, organized by the Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) network, was a huge success.

“Our team, whether it is in big cities or regional centres, is always looking to provide clients with customized, professional and quality service,” said Yves Lalumière, TDC President. “Each year, I’m proud and glad to see the team spirit that motivates us and the passion and determination that drive our members and partners when it comes to helping travellers plan their dream vacation.”

Throughout the conference, several presentations and workshops enabled participants to enhance their knowledge, share their experiences with their peers and rally around what make the TDC network unique. Featured session topics included network performance and industry trend; marketing and product strategies; travel currency exchange; Web strategy and customer-retention marketing; the TDC customized insurance program and the luxury cruise segment.

Many special guests took part to this event. Nolan W. Burris, author and motivator, was the keynote speaker with a "Born to lead" presentation, a perfect fit with this year’s theme. Allen B. Graham, President of Transat Canada and Chief Executive Officer of Air Transat, was also present at the event. He was pleased to draw a picture of the airline company to the participants and to discuss the future projects of the business unit.

Yves Lalumière also spoke to the audience about the issue of child sex tourism, one of the most crucial challenges facing the industry, and the role that travel consultants can play in helping to combat this scourge. Online training on the subject is in the works for all TDC network members. Susan Bowman, Vice President, Marketing and Industry Relations, gave a presentation to agency owners and managers on the tour operator’s new identity platform and explained its brand strategy.

The Saturday evening’s social event, dubbed “Party like a rock star”, was a colourful event and allowed participants to unleash their inner rock star. The evening was also an opportunity to acknowledge outstanding efforts by members of the TDC network who know how to do things differently and please their customers.

This year, the TDC network organized three annual conferences for travel agency consultants and managers across Canada: August 19 to 21 in Montreal, September 9 to 11 in Vancouver and September 16 to 18 in Toronto.

Transat Distribution Canada is Canada’s leading retail distributor of holiday travel, with approximately 500 outlets. The distribution network, which is affiliated with Transat A.T. Inc., includes the Marlin Travel, TravelPlus, Club Voyages and Voyages en Liberté banners as well as other affiliate members. Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 destination countries and that distributes products in over 50 countries.