Ensemble recently held its second annual Summit event at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix from April 28-30. Under the theme of the Power of Performance, the Summit brought together the network’s owners and managers for a series of high-level sessions, networking opportunities, and activities.
Designed to address key issues related to operating a business in today's dynamic landscape with a focus on driving high performance among every agency’s team, the Summit's agenda featured a range of topics tailored to meet the needs of attendees. Highlights of the gathering included sessions on understanding and leveraging data collection, a member-voted discussion on time management, and opportunities for one-on-one networking.
With over 70 partners represented across all verticals including air, cruise, hotel, DMC, tour, insurance, and technology, the Summit provided a unique platform for collaboration and innovation. Attendees – which included several new members from the U.S. and Canada who joined the consortium within the last year - had the opportunity to connect directly with key supplier partners, explore new business opportunities, and forge valuable relationships to drive mutual success.
Approaching the two-year anniversary of its acquisition by the Navigatr Group, Ensemble has emerged as modern boutique travel agency consortium that empowers its members with tools and resources, driving sustained growth and profitability with best-in-class solutions.
Chief among these is its proprietary booking platform, ADX, that is delivering above industry margins and profitability along with lower fees, revitalized partner programs across all verticals, top tier advisor certification/specialist programs, and award-winning print publications including Range – recently named as one of the top three travel publications in North America alongside Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler.
Setting the tone for the conference and the importance of understanding how to best engage internally as a team as well as with clients and partners, Summit kicked off with a session unveiling the findings of a True Colors survey, which identifies personality styles to aid in comprehending a team's diverse styles and improving communication based on that insight to ensure that everyone is utilizing the right strategies for effectively connecting with people.
Taking full advantage of the backdrop of the desert landscape and the many amenities available at the venue and locally, the Summit also provided attendees with more than just professional insights. It also presented opportunities for team building through a range of recreational activities. From sunrise balloon rides to invigorating biking and rafting adventures capped off with dine-around experiences at Scottsdale's finest restaurants, these activities fostered a sense of camaraderie and community, enriching the overall Summit experience.
In keeping with the theme and a focus on the challenges of operating a business, the Summit welcomed a top economist as keynote speaker. Scott Anderson, Ph.D., Chief U.S. Economist & Managing Director at BMO Capital Markets who brings deep knowledge and inside access through his relationship with the economic advisory board for the Fed, provided valuable insights into economic trends and their impact on the travel industry, offering attendees strategic guidance for navigating future challenges and opportunities.
Reflective of its commitment to deliver enhanced profitability and value to its members, Ensemble recently announced its second consecutive year of profit sharing with a remarkable 90% of members increasing their payouts from the previous year.
"As their consortium partner, we recognize that our members are not just travel professionals, but also savvy business owners,” said Michael Johnson, President of Ensemble. “It is incumbent upon us to equip them with the resources, tools, technology, and development opportunities essential for fostering growth and staying ahead in a competitive industry. Our Summit agenda is meticulously crafted to fulfill these objectives through comprehensive education, strategic networking, and candid discussions among peers."
The Summit is part of Ensemble's branded series of events aimed at providing industry professionals with opportunities for education, networking, and growth. Other recent events include a series of Skyline regional events across Canada to be followed by the U.S. and the second annual virtual event, which leads into a monthlong Uncharted expo throughout May that features weekly live programming, guiding advisors on a virtual voyage to various corners of the globe. Next month, Ensemble will celebrate its top performers with the inaugural Ensemble Beyond: Elevated Experiences from June 7-10 featuring a trip to Paris that includes exclusive access to the French Open at Roland-Garros and Horizons, the anchor event for the entire consortium that will take place in September at Resorts World International in Las Vegas.
