Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) invited its English Canada owners, managers, preferred partners, and leadership team in Richmond, B.C., to the River Rock Casino Resort for a "strategic retreat" from 15-17APR.
The event included a keynote speaker, executive coach, entrepreneur, and author Cloé Caron; a workshop on equity, diversity, and inclusion; a round-table session "to promote the exchange of best practices among members"; an update on the TDC network's strategic priorities.
Owners and managers of franchised and affiliated agencies in Quebec were invited to a similar event at the Club Med in Charlevoix, Quebec, from 08-10APR.
"This Leaders Forum, a gathering for reflection, in addition to our National Leadership Conference, another event held every two years, are important, high-level meetings, that are all aimed at our franchise and affiliate owners and managers. Indeed, we need to offer these entrepreneurs places to meet and exchange, during which they can really reflect, and take a step back with the entire TDC leadership team, preferred partners, and speakers. It's one of the ways we bring value to our network," says Karine Gagnon, GM of Transat Distribution Canada.
“Once again, we presented a rich agenda, focused on the realities these entrepreneurs face daily. I'm particularly pleased with the impact of the presentation by Cloé Caron, an experienced speaker because the feedback I received from the owners was that her content hit the nail on the head," she continues. "Each member present was able to reflect on his or her Unique Strategic Contribution (USC), a concept developed by Cloé Caron.
Everyone asked themselves what their highest strategic level is, i.e. what only they can achieve in their team. This is a fundamental element that leaders must focus on if they are to create the influence they wish to have on their organization".
Gagnon added: "the other highlight of the Forum was our round-table discussions, a two-hour session during which we were all in reflection and sharing mode, and where members of our leadership team were in active listening mode. Because offering our members this forum to ask for their feedback on TDC’s role in the success of their business is essential for us.”
One agenda, TDC style
"For me, the agenda we've put together perfectly embodies what the TDC network is all about, its key strengths and its values," says Marc Pelletier, senior director of Marketing, Communications, and Events. "One of the strengths of the TDC network is that it's a one-stop shop for the Canadian travel industry; we're the only network to offer all business models, including franchised and affiliated agencies and an agent@home program for independent contractors, in addition to our own agencies".
Pelletier adds that "these meetings allow us to reflect and plan for the medium term, but it's also the ideal time to take stock of progress on the organization's strategic priorities, to review our programs, and ensure that our members get the most out of them, according to their own needs and realities.”
The 2024 TDC Leaders Forum was an opportunity to share data from a recent Canada-wide study commissioned by TDC from IPSOS, showing an interesting trend in the use of travel professionals. "The survey reveals that 31% of Canadians have used the services of a travel professional in the last 12 months. A higher proportion (40% of Canadians) intend to use their services within the next year. This data sparked some interesting discussions, and clearly demonstrated that the trend of travellers using travel professionals is strong and firmly established," says Pelletier.
Feedback from branch owners and managers
“What I like the most about these events is the networking opportunity and most importantly, the sharing of ideas with my peers. I must say that this year, especially with the round table session and the keynote from Cloé Caron, we were rewarded with some truly enriching discussions," said Peggy McKnight, owner of Marlin Travel Cambridge
“I have been in the travel industry for a long time, and I must say that the quality and the variety of content presented during the 2024 edition of the TDC Leaders Forum was really impressive. In my opinion, the most interesting part of the entire event, or should I say the most valuable for me, was the financial benchmarks presentation, because it provided an important point of comparison, to better guide my business decisions. Furthermore, the presentation of TDC’s strategic priorities by General Manager Karine Gagnon is positive for the organization's future," said Ying Chun, owner of Bay View World Travel and Cruises.
“The TDC Leaders Forum is a terrific opportunity to reconnect with like-minded colleagues who are always open to sharing ideas and best practices. The content showcased by TDC and the engagement of my fellow attendees is a highlight of this Forum, and I never regret my participation. A job well done by the TDC team," added Ana P. Tremblay, co-owner of Algonquin Travel and Cruise Centre, TravelPlus.
"It was my first ever participation in a TDC event, as I am new to the travel industry. I leave my first edition of the TDC Leaders Forum with a head full of ideas, and data about travel trends that I am looking forward to putting to good use," concluded Lea Horsman, manager of Marlin Travel Yorkton.
