Helloworld all stars revealed in LA
The two-day Helloworld Owner Manager Conference (OMC) in Los Angeles wrapped up on Saturday, concluding with an awards gala dinner to recognise high achievers.
Over the two day conference, Helloworld members, key speakers, suppliers and sponsors shared insights and ideas on how to harness potential and convert it into maximum business outcomes.
Guest speakers included motivator Dr John Izzo, entrepreneurial chef Neil Perry and bestselling author Debbi Mayo-Smith.
Internationally acclaimed motivational speaker Terry Hawkins also led a session on creating consumer champions and a strong service culture, ahead of major training initiatives which will be rolled out across helloworld agencies.
"Our agents have been provided with valuable knowledge and experience to help take full advantage of their potential, supported by a comprehensive program of marketing, technology and training initiatives," head of branded networks Julie Primmer said.
The conference concluded with a gala awards dinner, where 15 Helloworld branded winners and 11 helloworld associate winners were unveiled across three categories, with the full host of winners listed below.
CEO Elizabeth Gaines detailed her strategy to cement Helloworld as the partner of choice for consumers, suppliers and agents, as well as highlighting a number of new initiatives to strengthen members and their businesses.
“Over two days the knowledge and expertise at the conference was accentuated and amplified for us collectively, as well as at an individual level,” she said.
“We are so pleased with the success of Helloworld’s Owners Managers Conference for 2014.”
Helloworld also announced that the OMC for 2015 will be held in Wellington, New Zealand.
Associate winners
Best Helloworld Associate Consumer Launch
- Destination HQ (VIC)
- Skilled Travel (NSW)
- Noosa Cruise & Travel (QLD)
Best Helloworld Associate Local Area Marketing Award
- Northam Travel (WA)
- Phil Hoffmann Travel (SA)
- My Travel Expert (NSW)
- Global Travel & Cruise (QLD)
Best Helloworld Associate Local Community Award
- Magic Travel (WA)
- Phil Hoffmann Travel (SA)
- Kempsey Travel & Cruise (NSW)
- Toners Cruise & Travel (QLD)
Branded winners
Best Helloworld Consumer Launch
- Helloworld Mackay & Mt Pleasant (QLD)
- Helloworld Newcastle (NSW)
- Helloworld Surrey Hills (VIC)
- Helloworld Mornington (VIC)
- Helloworld Emu Plains & Penrith (NSW)
Best Helloworld Local Area Marketing Award
- Helloworld Mackay & Mt Pleasant (QLD)
- Helloworld Hunter Travel Group (NSW)
- Helloworld Naracoorte (SA)
- Helloworld Coffs Harbour Park Beach Plaza (NSW)
- Helloworld Endeavour Hills (VIC)
Best Helloworld Local Community Award
- Helloworld Strathpine (QLD)
- Helloworld Scone (NSW)
- Helloworld Sunbury (VIC)
- Helloworld Balwyn North (VIC)
- Helloworld Mandurah Forum (WA)
The major sponsors of the conference were Qantas, Qantas Holidays, P&O Cruises, and LA Tourism & Convention Board.
Left to right: David Padman Helloworld, Neil Ager, Qantas, Julie Primmer, HLO, Rob Harrison, Qantas, Elizabeth Gaines, HLO, Steve Limbrick, Qantas
Left to right: Kristen Mason – American Express , Mike Thompson – Head Supplier Relations, Helloworld , Liz Ortiguera, American Express welcomed delegates onto the “blue carpet” as they entered the Old Hollywood-style Great Gatsby Gala.
Left to right: Steve Limbrick, Qantas and Neil Perry, Rockpool Group
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
awards gala helloworld la owners managers conferenceLatest News
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar turns 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights across domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.
Celebrity Ascent makes its European debut
Choosing to cruise this northern summer? Celebrity Ascent promises to raise the bar.
NCL opens sales for Norwegian Sun’s APAC debut, announces 14 new voyages
It was to be 13 new voyages we heard, but given the numbers unlucky nature, an extra had to be thought up.
Inside Travel Group appoints Tom Welland Global Trade Marketing Manager
Heidi's Tom Welland heads to Inside Travel Group as its new Global Trade Marketing Manager.
Federal Government rolls out $1.4m program to promote careers in tourism across regional NSW
The Government taking a break from some of its pointier issues with some work in our incredible industry!
Australian visitors to South Korea surge
Japanned out? Aussies are adding South Korea to their bucket list.
G Adventures celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th with new wildlife-focused trips
Fancy yourself as a bit of a conservationist? Put your skills to the test on the Jane Goodall collection.
Virgin Australia says suspended flights to Bali result of Boeing MAX delays
If only we had a company like Boeing to blame our mistakes on. Any takers? Get in touch!
Airline Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class – A380-800
The iconic Singapore Airlines' A380-800 is in a class of its own - business class that is.
South African Airways to relaunch Joburg – Perth flights as economic ties strengthen
Bringing two of the world's most distinctive accents closer together, for good or for bad is yet to be determined.
My journey: Before becoming a travel agent I was… a palliative care nurse
Australind Travel & Cruise, Travellers Choice member Saibra Twigg reveals her life as paediatric nurse then to palliative care before a career leap to travel agent. How did you become a palliative care nurse? ST I went straight from school in nursing and initially specialised in paediatrics, working at Perth’s Princess Margaret Hospital for Children. […]
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.