Christine James bids farewell to Travel Leaders Network at new ELEVATE events

The timing has been ideal for the departure of Christine James from her long-time Vice President post at the Travel Leaders Network this week.

By officially stepping down on Oct. 30, James – the TL Network VP for Canada for two-plus decades – has been able to witness the fruits of her final labours in the last half of the month at newly organized trade events for TL Network member travel advisors.

Last week witnessed the debut of the new two-day edition of the annual fall regional conference for Travel Leaders Network member advisors and supplier partners in Vancouver, at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown in nearby Burnaby. Dubbed “ELEVATE Canada,” the two-day gathering replaces two former single-day autumn events in western Canada, which took place in Vancouver and either Edmonton or Calgary on an annual basis.

The new TL Network ELEVATE conference will make its Toronto debut on Oct. 28 and 29 at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton. Some 250 TLN member advisors are expected to turn out (170 were at the Vancouver stop), and they will meet with about 80 travel product suppliers (55 in YVR). Some of those suppliers will spend day one of ELEVATE making product presentations to the advisors and participating in preferred partner panel discussions.

This includes, for example, “A new era of cruise travel,” which assembled participants from AmaWaterways, Silversea, Viking and Virgin Voyages at the Vancouver ELEVATE. Another preferred partner panel, called “The multi-generational trip,” enlists the participation of Globus, Sandals & Beaches Resorts, Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations. Suppliers such as Exoticca, Lindblad Expeditions, Ponant, G Adventures, Manulife and others can be expected to make presentations.

The expanded opportunities for meetings and discussions between suppliers and advisors as determined by the longer conference format is a key advantage to the new ELEVATE events, said James in an interview in Vancouver.

“The members I’ve spoken with are really happy with the new format, as they are getting enough time to absorb the new product content,” said James. “And the suppliers are happy with the opportunity to meet more advisors.”

The ELEVATE conference format also addresses the reluctance that some Canadian members have expressed with regards to attending the annual bi-national EDGE conference, which is usually held in a U.S. city, and attended by both Canadian and American members.

Canadian attendance numbers were down at last year’s EDGE conference in San Diego, likely owing to political frictions between the two countries, and ELEVATE was conceived to provide an option to Canadian members who prefer to stay north of the border.

“Many Canadians are understandably hesitant about crossing the border these days,” said James, noting that EDGE has usually been held in the U.S. “So, as an alternative we have created this sort of mini-EDGE for Canadians. And it’s a really great opportunity for our members to experience more indepth content without going to the U.S.”

James also said that the good news for Canadians is that the next EDGE conference will be held not in the U.S., but in Cancun. Some Canadian members (88 as of the YVR event) had already signed up for EDGE in Cancun in May of 2027, she said. It will be held at the Moon Palace Cancun.

Opportunities for connections will continue during day two of ELEVATE, which features a general session by TLN executives like Cory Voss, VP and chief information officer, delivering a technology update, plus more panels and workshops by preferred supplier partners and a busy trade show.

During the closing lunch general session, James will also bid farewell to the organization that she has helped evolve from Vacation.com to its current position within the Internova Travel Group. James started at Vacation.com in 1999 as business development manager.

“It’s bitter sweet, I’ve got members coming up to hug me and thank me for my advocacy efforts,” she said, adding that she had been part of the organization for 27 years.

“Christine’s longevity is a direct reflection of the relationships she has built throughout the industry,” said Caroline Belgrave, the business solutions manager for the Travel Leaders Network.

“She has always led with authenticity and a genuine commitment to the success of Travel Leaders Network. Christine’s impact on Travel Leaders Network extends far beyond her title. She has been an advocate, trusted advisor and friend to many members, suppliers and colleagues over the years.”

Effusive tributes to James continued through the words of Lindsay Pearlman, the president of Travel Leaders Network.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Christine for many years through a variety of roles within Travel Leaders Network,” said Pearlman. “Throughout that time, she’s been a trusted team leader, advocate for our members and an important voice for the Canadian travel industry.”

“One of Christine’s greatest strengths has been her ability to build and maintain genuine relationships,” he continued. “She has always had a deep understanding of our members’ businesses and a sincere commitment to helping them succeed. That combination of industry knowledge, accessibility and authenticity has earned her tremendous respect from both members and industry partners, and it has certainly contributed to her long and successful tenure.”

In the photos 

TOP

The Travel Leaders Network team that organized the ELEVATE Canada conference in Vancouver took the stage at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, with retiring VP Canada Christine James and Network president Lindsay Pearlman at the top and middle.

SECOND

Retiring VP Canada for Travel Leaders Network, Christine James, stopped for a shot near an ELEVATE Canada banner during the conference in Vancouver.

THIRD 

Caroline Belgrave, the business solutions manager for the Travel Leaders Network (l.), joined TL Network president Lindsay Pearlman and two Network member advisors – Darlene Biagioni (centre) and Anita Gibeau (r.) – during the conference.

FOURTH

A big turnout of home-based travel advisors who work under the Travel Best Bets banner – TBB Connected Agents – met with Travel Best Bets president Claire Newell (third from left) during the ELEVATE conference.  

FIFTH

The trade show was busy during the ELEVATE Canada conference at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown.

Photos by Ted Davis