Signature Travel Network 2024 Owners’ Meeting has been deemed a resounding success despite an unexpected change of venue due to a workplace strike in Montreal. The network’s swift response to the unforeseen circumstance highlighted its ability to refocus on what truly matters: the strength of community and the value of shared experiences.
Alex Sharpe, CEO and President of Signature Travel Network, set the tone for the event with his primary message of “Prepare, Accelerate, and Execute.” This framework provides owners with a clear roadmap for success, encouraging proactive planning, growth acceleration, and precise execution.
Sharpe’s guidance empowered members to maximise profits and seize opportunities, while fostering collaboration within the network.
“Our Owners’ Meeting always feels family-like, but with the combination of Dear World and the Travel Elevates dinner, it felt even more personal,” said Sharpe. “Our superpower as a network is our willingness to share, which is always made easier when we have deep personal connections.”
The strength of the Signature community was evident throughout the event. Members enthusiastically shared best practices via Braindate, personal experiences through Dear World, and a giving spirit during the Travel Elevates fundraising dinner.
This year’s Travel Elevates Charity Auction and Dinner was a highlight of the week’s activities. The network’s strong preferred partnerships was evident with the donation of 30 travel experiences for the silent and live auction and a celebratory evening sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn. The result was an impressive fundraising total of more than US$600,000, with all proceeds going towards the Global Impact Grant Program for the foundation.
Gary Murphy, Travel Elevates board chair and co-owner of AmaWaterways, commented on the impact of Travel Elevates: “Many of the world’s most interesting and beautiful destinations have challenges educating and caring for their children. Enlightenment through education is a wonderful gift we in our industry may provide.
“Through Travel Elevates, Signature has chosen to provide such a gift. We are all so thankful for the financial support provided by the agency owners, travel advisors, and the supplier partners. Their generosity is heartfelt and life-changing,” Murphy said.
Signature’s strong partnership with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) was highlighted with the announcement that Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) is being integrated into Embark level 2, the network’s new-to-industry training program, at no additional cost to members. Plus all Signature members benefit from a subsidised rate for completing their certification and for recertification.
The meeting also offered members hands-on learning opportunities and engagement with Voyager Social & Toby AI, an artificial intelligence engine designed for travel advisors. Signature purchased five-seat licenses for every member with a discounted rate for additional seats.
The success of the Owners’ Meeting sets the stage for the next membership-wide event, Signature’s annual Conference, which will take place at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from 11-14 November 2024.
