Consultant of the year, Julie Preston HWT Nowra, wih David Rivers, Leanne Gerhaty, Air New Zealand and Melisa Watt, Travel

Paul Felming Award winner, Michelle Evoy-Boyer HWT Alice Springs , wih David Rivers, Leanne Gerhaty, Air New Zealand and Melisa Watt, Travel

ABBA Nick Zaferis, Hertz and Tristan Freedman California Tourism

The 2010 Harvey World Travel Frontliners Conference saw more than 250 consultants descend on Darwin over the weekend, with the support of Tourism NT.

Managing Director of Harvey World Travel, David Rivers, says Darwin was not only the perfect location for this year’s theme, it also presented a good opportunity to educate consultants about the Territory and what is has to offer.

“The Northern Territory is among the most popular local destinations for HWT customers but many of our consultants have never been here before,” says David.

“Darwin was a good location to hold the conference as consultants got a firsthand experience of Darwin and other highlights of the Northern Territory on their post-conference famil trips.

“The aim of the conference was to help our frontliners improve their sales performance and customer service via product updates, incentive updates, show and tell sessions and various skills workshops.”

“A highlight of the conference was Tourism NT’s fantastic gesture in bringing the very popular Mindil Markets especially to us at the Darwin Convention Centre. It certainly proved a big hit with the consultants who enjoy shopping!”

The consultants were kept busy, learning about new product developments along with updates from HWT’s Phoenix Partners and other suppliers including:  Qantas Airways, AOT Holidays, Travelport, Covermore, Etihad, Globus, Tourism NT, Travel2, Qantas Holidays, California Tourism, Hertz, Harvey’s Choice Holidays, Finnair and Air Tickets.

HWT’s social media opportunities were also highlighted at the Darwin conference.  The Facebook page, with more than 400 current fans and growing, was a special feature, as was the ‘Ask Harvey’ blog and forum.

“We have embraced social media as an integral part of our marketing mix and have a dedicated person to keep our consultants, followers and fans updated with the latest news, tips and updates.”

The conference ended with a glamorous gala dinner, themed ‘Outback Bling’, where the consultants ‘blinged up’, being entertained late into the night by bands and performers.

Awards were presented to the HWT high achievers, recognising suppliers and consultants. Winners included:

New Talent – Amanda Pelagalli from HWT Mt Pleasant – Mackay, QLD.
Consultant of the Year – Julie Preston from HWT Nowra, NSW.
Paul Fleming Award – Michelle Evoy-Boyer from HWT Alice Springs, NT

A special “Managing Director’s Impromptu Award” went to California Tourism & Hertz Australia (Tristan Freedman and Nick Zaferis), for their most innovative supplier presentation.