Kristi Huss, owner of Travel Savvi Inc., is back from the Female Leaders in Travel Conclave held June 4-8 at El Cielo Winery & Resort in Guadalupe Valley, Mexico. Here's her report from the event.
What does it take to be a leader in travel in 2022? Not enduring difficult years and challenges that the pandemic brought in the travel world, but to prosper with a new perspective and embrace change.
“This year’s Female Leaders in Travel Conclave focused on moving forward after the pandemic and acknowledging that we are not the same as we were pre-COVID and those we lead are not the same, either, which means that we have to lead differently than how we led before COVID," said Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations Inc. and the creator of the Female Leaders in Travel Conclave, at the event. "Surrounding ourselves with like-minded, kind, supportive female leaders that are open and willing to share their personal experiences in leading is invaluable and has created an incredible bond among the ladies attending.”
It's time to forget business and travel going back to normal or creating a new normal. This group of female leaders is welcoming travel back and focusing on creating opportunities. How they operate business is different and how clients travel is different, therefore, how to lead should be different.
The travel industry is making a comeback in a big way and due in no small part to the 68 female travel advisors and suppliers that attended the fourth Female Leaders in Travel Conclave. For the second time, this event welcomed not only female travel advisors but other accomplished female leaders, including other female Travel ALLIES Society ("ALLIES" standing for "Aligned Loyal Leaders Inspire Educate Support") vendor and consortia partners.
Some history: In 2019, Doncsecz saw a need for successful female travel professionals to grow themselves as leaders so that they could create a greater impact on the industry. Little did those 24 women that attended the first Conclave together realize that by joining together as collaborators, not competitors, that they would form such a supportive group. This group stays in touch throughout the year in various ways, ready to jump in and help one another when needed. This makes the other 361 days in between each Conclave just as valuable as the conference itself.
As the event grows each year, first-time attendees are not sure what to expect and have different reasons to attend. Heather Bull, vice president of Peacock Travel Group said, “When I was invited, I was hopeful it would be 'different' than the typical industry event. It far exceeded my expectations and is so much more than just a group of powerhouse female leaders in travel. We share a mutual respect for one another and leave our 'titles' at the door, so we focus on being the best we can be in every aspect of our lives and supporting one another in every way. I am beyond thankful and forever grateful that Jennifer Doncsecz acted on her vision.”
Andrea Wright, vice president of sales, Playa Hotels & Resorts said, “Attending the Female Leaders in Travel Conclave event was one of the best decisions I made this year, both professionally and personally. Connecting with these 68 fabulous businesswomen who are successful, smart and powerful is an obvious reason to attend to share and gain knowledge from each other.”
The benefits gained by attending go far beyond professional growth. Many women echo how it has impacted them personally. Bull added, “This was my first Female Leaders in Travel Conclave and will forever be a top priority on my calendar. The last few years have been extremely difficult mentally, physically and emotionally on all of us. For me, the good that has come from that is this group of the most amazing and strong women from across our business that truly embrace 'stronger together.'"
Wright continued: “What I didn’t count on was the internal personal healing I’d walk away with. Over the four days, we shared deeper stories than those in the office but stories from the heart. Those emotions are raw and connect you on levels you never thought possible. I left feeling positive, motivated, upbeat and with a sense of strength I didn’t know I had. Sometimes you need to look past the obvious and draw upon the not so obvious to continue down a successful path. I am already counting the days until next year to come back.”
This post-event feeling is not just for newcomers and its impact is just as powerful for someone that has been there since the beginning. Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember, has attended all four years. “What can I say about this year’s Female Leaders in Travel Conclave? It just keeps getting better. I was honored to attend the first event in 2019 and never thought I could experience something better. Each year it continues to evolve and grow and 2022 was no exception. From the venue to the speaker, the attendees and the content, this was by far my favorite industry conference of the year and, honestly, of my career. I can’t wait to see what year five brings in 2023.”
The destination itself, Guadalupe Valley, Baja Mexico was new even for this well-traveled group and reminded many that going somewhere new is part of the adventure as they experience it together. The venue was hosted by El Cielo Winery & Resort with stays in beautiful villas facing the vineyards. Days started with morning walks and meetings throughout the day ending with local wine pairings at many of the outstanding places this area has to offer.
The first day was spent letting go of what is holding us back, what was truly important to each person and embracing new ways of thinking. The second day was all about moving forward, stronger with an inspired vision as Jennifer Lee Zawadzki, founder of Future You Project gave the keynote on "Becoming Future You: Own Your Story and Thrive."
“I am so honored to have been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2022 Female Leaders in Travel Conclave," said Zawadzki. "It was truly awe-inspiring to see so many exceptionally smart, kind and talented women supporting each other in so many meaningful ways. I sincerely hope to stay connected with every outstanding woman I had the pleasure of meeting. This event will live joyfully in my heart forever. Thank you, Jennifer Doncsecz, for trusting me and allowing me to share my story at this event. I am beyond grateful.”
While quotes were from a handful of the women that attended, it is safe to say that the future female travel leader of 2023 is already proud, grateful and thankful for all that they have accomplished and grown since attending the fourth Female Leaders In Travel Conclave.
Related Stories
ASTA Moves 2023 Global Convention From Late August to Early May
Passport Online Upgrades its Travel Agency Programs
Stats: U.S. Travel Demand Holds Strong Despite Inflation
Travel Leaders Unveils New Training, Alliances, Advisor Tools