Sometimes, it’s okay to mix business with pleasure — at least this was the case at the 2012 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference held at Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa last month. This year’s theme, “Come Together,” was brought to life by a Liverpool-based The Beatles cover band and a thoughtful state-of-the-organization address presented by co-presidents Libbie Rice and Lindsay Pearlman, clad in Sgt. Pepper outfits.
More than 800 members, suppliers and guests gathered for educational breakout sessions, frontline agent trainings, a keynote address, supplier roundtable exchanges, an interactive trade show and the black tie Circle of Excellence awards, dinner and live auction, which helped raise a total of $75,000 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
During the conference, Ensemble introduced several new initiatives that will help drive or facilitate business for its members, including On Location Express, a new B2B booking for the organization’s global network of nearly 80 in-destination partners in more than 150 countries. Expanding on its portfolio of successful specialist certifications, the consortium also launched Ensemble Learning Journeys, a program designed to help members tap into the lucrative education market. In addition, Ensemble announced that Sabre Travel Network will be its preferred travel technology provider.
The 2013 conference will be held Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.
