TravelManagers (TM) from around Australia met up at the Crowne Promenade in Melbourne late last week to network, discuss business and pick up a few tricks to build their ‘personal’ service.

Running over two days, the company’s fourth annual conference attracted up to 150 agents and a further 25 industry suppliers.

Gold Coast based agent Aileen Collins told e-Travel Blackboard she made the journey into Melbourne this year to show support for the company as well as gain information on ways she can improve her personal business.

Attending every year for the past four years, Ms Collins explained travel managers “gain the ability to grow their business, learn new marketing tips and build face to face relationships with suppliers.

“Reps are use to going into shops to pitch their product but because TM doesn’t have a shop you don’t get see reps as much, so it is a good way to meet up with suppliers,” Ms Collins said.

She added that it is also a great way to catch up with other TMs as “also have a lot of fun”.

As agents absorbed new industry information, TM parent company, House of Travel founder Chris Paulsen told e-Travel Blackboard that one of the few ways agents can survive online domination is by offering customers new experiences as well as building relationships.

For more on e-Travel Blackboard’s interview with Mr Paulsen click onto ETB News tomorrow otherwise check out photos from day one of the conference below or tag yourself and your friends on Facebook by heading to, www.facebook.com/etbnews.