Close to three hundred delegates attended Carlson Wagonlit Travel`s recent National Conference at the Radisson Cable Beach and Golf Resort in Nassau, Bahamas….
Close to three hundred delegates attended Carlson Wagonlit Travel`s recent National Conference at the Radisson Cable Beach and Golf Resort in Nassau, Bahamas. The conference theme, `Better Together`, paid tribute to the tremendous strength found in the collaboration of all three Carlson Wagonlit business divisions: Leisure and Local Business (comprising both wholly owned branches and associate partners), Meetings and Events, and Corporate Travel. The vital role of Carlson Wagonlit`s supplier partners was also emphasized, as supplier delegates were encouraged to actively participate in virtually all conference sessions and events.
During the four-day conference, delegates heard from key leaders within Carlson Wagonlit and from the travel industry. Robin Schleien, President of Carlson Wagonlit Travel – North America, delivered the opening remarks, Robert Clarkson (President of sister company Carlson Marketing Group) shared his insights on relationship marketing, and Air Canada`s Marc Rosenberg gave
a frank, informative update on the airline`s progress and next steps. In addition, delegates participated in a supplier trade show as well as a roundtable session, and enjoyed many opportunities to network with their colleagues from across Canada. Festive evening events at the Radisson Cable Beach and Golf Resort and the neighbouring Superclubs Breezes gave everyone
a marvelous introduction to the cuisine, music and culture of the Bahamas. One of the highlights of the conference was the deeply moving and inspirational closing address on `The Importance of Teamwork`, delivered by Toronto Argonauts coach and former player Michael `Pinball` Clemons.
A unique feature of the conference was the involvement of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, of which Carlson Wagonlit is a national sponsor. A representative of the charity attended the conference, participated in the trade show, and hosted the first ever MS Beach Walk. Forty conference delegates took part in this 0630 morning stroll on beautiful Cable Beach, raising funds for the MS Society. In lieu of gifts, Carlson Wagonlit also chose to recognize suppliers who were Platinum and
Gold level conference sponsors with a donation to the MS Society in their name.
Bill McLean, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Carlson Wagonlit – Canada, remarked, everything about this conference reinforced what sets Carlson Wagonlit apart in the travel industry: the incredible depth of experience and resources we have across all our lines of business, our excellent supplier relationships, and our extraordinary teamwork. We
are truly better together – corporate and leisure and meetings management, wholly owned branches and Associates, and our supplier partners.
Conference attendees were equally excited about the event and about their affiliation with Carlson Wagonlit. Mary Bryce, Director Corporate Operations said, It was a great opportunity to meet people from all areas of the company and understand their day-to-day challenges. In today`s business atmosphere it is essential that we take advantage of strengths that a company the size of Carlson Wagonlit Travel can provide – we will be `better together`, commented Ivan Woit, owner of CWT Vista Travel in Red Deer, AB. Marnie Hoey, owner of CWT Sioux Travel in Sioux Lookout, ON, agreed: We are very fortunate to be associated with a quality organization – terrific support, great resources, brilliant management, high standards – we have the best!
Discussions for next year`s event are already underway.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
