From 80s to Glam, TravelManagers closed their 2011 National Conference over the weekend in high class style, with a black tie gala awards night fit for royalty.

Up to 150 agents, their spouses and an extra 25 industry suppliers sipped on fine wine over table candlelight on Saturday evening in Studio 3 at the Crown Conference Centre in Melbourne as the best of the best in the Group received recognition for their hard work over the year.

For the first time this year the company handed out awards for Personal Travel Manager by State, with TM general manager Mandy Scotney telling the audience that this year the company felt they had expanded significantly enough nation-wide to recognise individuals based on their performance in their own state.

John Gazal took out the big prize for the evening, winning Personal Travel Manager for the Year as well as four other awards, leaving with a total of five awards.

Daniela Tatonetti and Rebecca Crosbie both walked away with three awards while John Legacher and Jill Wilkinson struck lucky, receiving two trophies.

Other winners included:

Top Ten for 2011: Brad Thomas, Di Yates, Ric Pattaro, Russel Masterton as well as John Gazal, Daniela Tatonetti, Rebecca Crosbie, John Legacher and Jill Wilkinson.

New Personal Travel Manager by State 2011: John Gazal – NSW/ACT, Karen Farley – QLD/NT, Rebecca Crosbie – VIC/TAS, Rhett Martini WA/SA.

Most Improved Personal Travel Manager by State 2011: Kellie Fogarty – NSW/ACT, Adrea Turner – QLD/NT, Darren Kelk – VIC/TAS, Daniela Tatonetti – WA/SA.

Top Personal Travel Manager by State 2011: John Gazal – NSW/ACT, Donna Shepherd – QLD/NT, John Lengacher – VIC/TAS, Jill Wilkinson – WA/SA.

New Personal Travel Manager of the Year 2011: John Gazal

Most Improved Personal Travel Manager 2011: Daniela Tatonetti

Innovation in Marketing Award 2011: Kim Mason

Partner Supplier of the Year 2011: Asia Escape Holidays

TravelManagers Recognition Award 2011: Rebecca Crosbie

TravelManagers Support Award 2011: Jose Canas