First in Service Travel (F1S) wrapped it’s F1S SUMM1T in New York this week marking a number of firsts: first major conference since pandemic, first-ever two-day event, and first to invite suppliers.

Taking place at the recently opened Virgin Hotel New York, the event celebrated F1S growth since the pandemic with annual sales surpassing $300 million and all-time high number of advisors (over 180, including close to 40 in Canada – in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver).

The SUMM1T attracted more than 100 travel advisors – about a quarter of them from Canada – including top 10 producers from the US, Canada, Colombia, France, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain, with proportional representation from each of its verticals – premium and luxury leisure, corporate, entertainment and events travel.

“Our primary purpose for the F1S SUMM1T was to bring together our advisors and supplier partners to celebrate our shared success after a thriving year of renewed growth,” said F1S CEO Fernando Gonzalez. “In recognition of the integral role our key partners have played in our unprecedented, extraordinary growth, it became obvious that they needed to be included to further facilitate and strengthen their dialogue with our advisors.”

During the event, Gonzalez delivered an F1S “State of the Union” address in which he said travel sales are currently projected to increase by 30%, year over year.

The estimate, he said, is propelled by the strength of the advisors within F1S who, on average, already contribute $2 million each in annual sales – a number that is expected to grow significantly in 2023 and beyond.

Other highlights of the F1S SUMM1T included presentations from Delta Air Lines, including a keynote address by Delta Sr. VP Gail Grimmett celebrating sustainability and Women’s History Month; F1S Cruise Connect with 20 cruise partners; and a Casino Night in support of charity.

“Based on the extremely positive feedback we received from our advisors and key partners alike, our F1S SUMM1T was a resounding success,” declared F1S President Erika Reategui. “I was repeatedly told how conducive our event was in further strengthening our bond with key suppliers – this will help us as we forge our path forward together.”

Toronto travel advisor Julia Hayburst echoed the sentiment, stating, “I truly enjoyed getting to know so many advisors for the first time (and) it was wonderful to meet with suppliers.”

A member of Virtuoso, New York-based First in Service was founded in 1991 by sibling entrepreneurs Erika Reategui and Fernando Gonzalez and has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Madrid, Bogota, and Toronto. The company has dedicated corporate, luxury leisure, entertainment, and events divisions.