Travel Leaders Network’s 2020 Virtual Conference Kicks Off with Record-Breaking Number of Attendees in Company’s History

Nearly 4,000 attendees register for Bridge to the Future educational networking event

Alexandria, VA (Oct. 13, 2020) — A record number of nearly 4,000 travel industry professionals from around the world have registered to attend the first large-scale, virtual conference for Travel Leaders Network, the largest travel agency network in North America. The three-day event, “Bridge to the Future,” runs from October 13-15 and features numerous educational workshops, professional development sessions and subject matter experts to inform professionals during these unprecedented times.

[blockquote text=”We have packed an incredible amount of learning, professional development and networking opportunities into these three days of Bridge to the Future.” show_quote_icon=”yes” width=”100″ quote_icon_color=”#ee3123″]

– Travel Leaders Network  President Roger E. Block

“Bridge to the Future,” runs from October 13-15 and features numerous educational workshops, professional development sessions and subject matter experts to inform professionals during these unprecedented times.

“Bridge to the Future was conceived as an alternative networking and educational event to fill the gap between EDGE 2019 and EDGE 2021 after the pandemic impacted our ability to have EDGE 2020 as an in-person event,” said Travel Leaders Network President Roger E. Block. “Our agency owners and frontline advisors expressed a desire for an opportunity to come together and learn best practices from each other and industry experts as they seek information and tools on how best to grow and market their business as we deal with a global pandemic impacting the global travel industry. That we have nearly 4,000 attending speaks to the need this virtual conference addresses.”

During the three days of Bridge, travel agency owners and frontline advisors across leisure and corporate specialties will engage in networking and industry information sessions, including four General Sessions, 24 workshops, an Experience Room to learn more about Travel Leaders Network’s programs and services, and an Exhibitor Showcase with suppliers.

“Our advisors will be able to connect with approximately 100 supplier partners who are participating in the Exhibitor Showcase,” said John Lovell, President of Travel Leaders Group. “We are grateful that top cruise, hotel, tour, air, insurance and car partners, represented by supplier presidents, vice presidents and other VIPs, will use this virtual forum to meet with our members. It is important that our advisors hear updates directly from the suppliers given how frequently circumstances can change as we all best determine how to meet the needs of the traveling public during a pandemic.”

To further encourage attendees to persevere, Keynote Speaker Robyn Benincasa, a CNN Hero and Guinness World Record Endurance Kayaker aims to boost spirits. She knows that when the challenges are steep, the goals are audacious, and the competition is fierce, that what you need are the tools to cross your own finish line.

Additionally, some of the workshop topics for attendees, include:

  • Advising in the COVID Environment Today
  • Vendor Risk Management 101 for Travel Management Companies
  • Agency Mergers and Acquisitions in the COVID Era
  • How to Avoid Legal Liability to Clients in the COVID Era
  • Managing Your Business with Radical Change
  • Forecasting Revenue – For Business Owners
  • Corporate Traveler Health and Well-Being

“We have packed an incredible amount of learning, professional development and networking opportunities into these three days, but we also look forward to the day that we can network in person,” added Block.

Since Bridge to the Future is a virtual event, Travel Leaders Network advisors who have not yet registered for the conference may still do so. All member registrants will receive access to watch recordings of the workshops and key sessions through November 1, 2020.

For travel agency owners and independent contractors interested in learning more about the award-winning programs and diverse offerings that Travel Leaders Network offers agencies in leisure and luxury travel, business travel, honeymoon and destination weddings, as well as active and adventure travel, visit TravelLeadersNetwork.com.

For travel ideas, contact a Travel Leaders Network travel advisor at www.TravelLeaders.com.
To learn more about joining Travel Leaders Network, visit www.TravelLeadersNetwork.com.

About Travel Leaders Network

Travel Leaders Network (www.TravelLeaders.com) assists millions of leisure and business travelers annually, and is one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours in the travel agency industry, with approximately 5,700 travel agency locations across the United States and Canada.