Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) welcomed members from across Canada (except Quebec) at its annual flagship event, Rendez-vous, in Mississauga, Sept. 20-21. Held under the theme “Star Power. Lighting the way in a sky of choices”, the gathering brought together agency owners and managers, travel advisors, the TDC leadership team, and around 55 preferred partners.
In total, over 200 people attended the event. Rendez-vous also served as a launchpad for other strategic network initiatives, such as the Forum for owners and managers and the exclusive TDC Lab think tank.
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.”
Gagnon said the event remains the most important one for TDC in terms of training and professional development, which is 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.”
Among the event’s highlights was a presentation by 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.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity expert Steve Waterhouse raised awareness among TDC network members about the threat landscape in the travel industry and, more importantly, how to protect themselves from potential attacks.
And aerospace engineer and author Farah Alibay moved participants with her keynote, The Perseverance of an Explorer.
Participants further had the opportunity to take part in several professional development sessions, spotlight presentations and a Travel Showcase featuring over 50 partners.
Forum
TDC also invited its franchised and affiliated agency owners and managers to an exclusive session, ‘Forum,’ on the Friday before Rendez-vous where owners and managers share their challenges and solutions with their peers and take part in focussed workshops.
And members of the TDC Lab, a think tank composed of about 10 agency owners from across the country, took advantage of this annual gathering to hold their third meeting of the year, this time in person.
Awards
Last but not least, the 2025 Rising Star was awarded to Sarah Crawford, from Marlin Travel Peterborough and the Customer Experience Star was given to Lorelei Beard from Marlin Travel Cambridge.
The event for TDC network members in Quebec was held last week on Sept. 13-14, in St-Hyacinthe.
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