From appointments to conferences, and a new ambassadors program, it’s been busy days at Navigtr. Here’s the latest from the travel company’s agency brands Ensemble and Travel Edge Network.
Travel Edge Network
Luxury specialists Travel Edge Network has launched a new “Champions” program that features a group of hand-selected advisors who will act as brand representatives and ambassadors for the luxury travel host agency network. The advisors, who represent diverse regions across Canada and the US were chosen following an open call for applications.
Selection was based on meeting criteria such as minimal one year in business, strong supplier relationships and potential to grow further, interest in continuing education and training and ability to represent the network at various industry events and trade shows. They will also be required to attend three dedicated virtual and one live meeting for the Champions group annually.
Canadian members of the inaugural Champions group include Ajay Karah – Plan A Travel Solutions, and Laura Kelley – Elsewhere by Laura.
Among the benefits for advisors in being part of the group include access to attend key industry events and trade shows such as ILTM, DUCO, LE and PURE, among others. Advisors will also have opportunities to serve as resources for trade and consumer media.
“The creation of the Champions program is an extension of the training and development we are committed to providing for our advisors to help them grow their business, enhance their profiles and exposure, and recognize their growth and success with additional opportunities to represent the network,” said Nadiya Makarenko, Sr VP of Travel Edge Network.
TEN Conference
Meanwhile, Travel Edge Network recently held its bi-annual virtual conference, “Limitless,” attracting hundreds of luxury travel advisors for a full day of professional development and networking opportunities.
The day-long agenda included sessions with highlights on the state of the business, marketing and training updates, and a Q&A with leadership. In addition to one-on-one appointments with preferred suppliers, there were also partner booths available offering information, videos, and resources for advisors, including from Tourism New Zealand/Air New Zealand.
The next Limitless event will be held in August and will also incorporate live regional events to complement the virtual format.
Ensemble
Ensemble has announced several new appointments in key areas for marketing, supplier relations and member services. They include:
• Sydney Loney has been named Editorial Director of Range, the new print and digital magazine launched by Ensemble in January. Loney was previously Editor in Chief of Air Canada’s inflight magazine, enRoute as well as Canadian Health & Lifestyle magazine.
• Jennifer Dzialo joins Ensemble in the role of Sr. VP of Supplier Relations.
• Carlos Garzon has been named VP of Partner Solutions, Cruise, a new role to lead Ensemble’s cruise partnership strategy.
• Amaris Garcia joins Ensemble in the role as Director of Partner Solutions, Hotel.
• Deanna Tatham has been appointed as Director of Marketing and will oversee the launch of the company’s new marketing programs as well as its new member publications.
• Danielle Clement has been named Director of Partnership Marketing, Hotels.
• Nicole Tal has been named Learning Program Manager and will support Ensemble’s Training & Development efforts.
• Navdeep Kaur has been appointed as SQL Developer & Reporting Manager, responsible for managing the Ensemble data warehouse.
These latest appointments follow on the heels of several other new senior positions that have been announced in the seven months since Ensemble was acquired by Navigatr.
Events
Ensemble has announced the schedule for a series of newly branded annual member events for 2023. The new names and focus for each were first revealed in October as part of the unveiling of the branding that extends to the lineup of events.
The pinnacle of recognition for members, the Ensemble Beyond event for top performers will take place Aug. 1-8 in partnership with Explora Journeys, a preferred partner of Ensemble. The Beyond trip will be on one of the very first journeys for Explora following its inaugural voyage offering this group one of the first opportunities to experience firsthand this anticipated new product.
Other events include:
• Ensemble Summit will take place from June 4-7 at the Forbes Five-Star Stein Eriksen Lodge in Utah. As a high-level executive getaway, the event will host agency management and senior partner leaders to focus on business building, fuel collaboration, and harness the collective knowledge of the participants to support and foster growth within the participants’ respective companies.
• The immersive virtual event ‘Ensemble Uncharted’ on April 26 will enable Ensemble partners to make their brand/destination come to life virtually for owners, managers, and associates.
• All of the events culminate with Ensemble Horizons – the gathering for the entire Ensemble community – which will take place Nov. 2-6 at Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. The conference builds upon the success of the first Horizons event held in October 2022, which exceeded expectations for partner sponsorship within days of being announced.