Charlie Trevena, September 21, 2025
I’ve just returned from the most wonderful four days in Bali attending the 2025 TravelManagers Australia conference. The theme of CLARITY was woven throughout and set the scene for 506 delegates (their biggest congregation to date).
This is my personal experience and takeaways from #TM2025DPS
Clarity brings purpose.
Clarity keeps things simple.
Clarity builds confidence.
Clarity creates consistency and longevity.
DAY ONE
Day one brought all the joy of seeing each other IRL and kicked off with a live music dance party warm up, followed by a fantastic opening from the lovely and hilarious MC, Jordana Borensztajn. I have learned so much from seeing Jordana in action these past few days. In her third year of this event, she brings so much joy, connection and insights to all the sessions.
Joe Araullo & Michael Gazal (aka Ketut & Rhonda lol!) shared the latest success stories and plans for the future. The network is doing record-breaking numbers with over $500M turnover from 480 PTMs (Personal Travel Managers). PTMs are supported by a National Partnership Office (NPO) of 70 staff, many who were in attendance and acknowledged for their contribution. The pillars of Luxury – Cruise – Corporate are focus points moving forward. Freshly inspired by his own recent trip to Africa, Joe reminded us that ‘life is about experiences and making memories’.
Keynote #1 from Behavioural Scientist Milo (like the drink) Wilkinson was mind-blowingly incredible. I have so many notes on looking after your brain for peak performance and reframing your thoughts to consciously break the script. Look for the white arrows. As well as always asking yourself in each situation what am I missing? Our perception is always skewed, we never truly see reality and our bars of power quickly deplete throughout the day (so don’t save anything heavy with your spouse or your work for the evening!) Try to wake up naturally, lean into discomfort and evolve.
Cartwheeling PTM Danielle Goncalves shared her story and clarity around balancing family and work, and the importance of good supplier relationships and ongoing training (Danielle tunes into one webinar a week – just sayin’!)
The Supplier Expo featured more than 50 suppliers for PTMs to learn and engage with. I enjoyed a walk around the expo floor to say a quick hello to many I work with in the online learning space. The suppliers are of course an essential support for an event like this, and the Platinum suppliers also took to the stage at various times throughout the plenary sessions delivering entertaining and informative updates, and they also supported some incredible extra-curricular events.
On night #1 we enjoyed a stunning, balmy, open-air welcome function by the sea at the Westin Nusa Dua, with a delicious locally-inspired buffet and entertainment, followed by classic dance-floor-filler sing-a-longs, and a spectacular fiery finale. With thanks to The Travel Corporation.
DAY TWO
Day 2 was HUGE! It began with an early start for more than 100 delegates who took part in the Community Project at a local special needs school. 12 different groups did painting, lawn mowing, concreting wheelchair ramps, signage and planting. The children were so excited to see everyone and afterwards we were treated to some very special dancing, singing and musical performances. I was part of the grass-planting team – we look forward to seeing how it looks in a few months! With thanks to Cover-More Travel Insurance.
After lunch, we were back in session hearing from more inspiring PTMs. These presentations are a big highlight, it’s a lovely way to get know them better, and also so valuable to hear how others run their businesses. Although I don’t sell travel, I work from home and juggle being a parent just like many of the PTMs. Tanya ‘Get-Shit-Done’ Nielsen from WA & Maddy ‘Hot Potato’ Pullen from SA shared their journeys in building their businesses around their families. Tanya’s targets, honesty and strong boundaries, coupled with making travel as easy as possible for her varied clients is clearly a winning combination. And Maddy’s service and local fame is making her the go-to in her small, regional community.
Georgia ‘Go-To’ Thomas from the NPO team shared her story and bravely had her ‘Rapunzel’ hair cut off live on stage to donate it, as well as raising over $8,000 for a children’s charity. Amazing.
Keynote speaker #2, Dan Krigstein, talked about customer centricity and how to help people make easy decisions in a world of increasingly overwhelming options. Differentiation lies beyond your product – it’s in the service and stories wrapped around the brand and human connection. Why we travel is more important than where we travel to, so travel sellers need to find the ‘Why’ first and deliver on transformative travel.
Night #2 was a stunning evening function at Locca Sea House with a beach club vibe on the cliffs of Jimbaran with incredible sunset views. I don’t have many pics of this one as I spent almost the entire night in the pool! Others hit the dancefloor for some funky beats and moves to match (ask Jordana for the evidence!) With thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Regent Seven Seas Cruises & Oceania Cruises.
DAY THREE
I remembered to pack tissues for today and boy did I need them! I shed a few tears each day listening to all these amazing stories, but today’s keynote was extra moving.
The PTMs started their day with workshops, one of which I gatecrashed as it was delivered by my business bestie Anna Shannon. Anna talked about digital presence and personal branding, including focusing more on stories than deals/products, being yourself, social proof through testimonials, and being known for what you specialise in.
The PTM presentations were delivered by the dynamic Dominic B. whose passion, energy, personal development and family are laying the foundations of his success. Stacey Farnham’s heartfelt words demonstrated positivity through adversity and her super power of ‘digging herself out of the shit’. Stacey emphasised the importance of building a supportive circle to help you find the light when you need it.
Board Member Therese Arseneau, PhD took us on ‘An Unexpected Journey’ from Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Oxford and then Christchurch, reflecting on her incredible life and career. I was inspired by her honesty in sharing the messiness and pressure of being a female leader and a Mum, the sheer hard work she has put in to get where she is today, and using a crisis to make a difference and rebuild things back better than they were before.
As mentioned, there was not a dry eye in house during the final keynote delivered by Kath Koschel who has been through more pain and adversity than you could ever imagine. Through it all, Kath learned the importance of kindness (and finding a way to laugh) and her resilience throughout what she has endured gives new perspective on the everyday things we worry and get upset about. Kindness is so powerful, it gives us the opportunity to lift people up every day and is a reminder that ‘the world is changed by your example, not your opinion’.
In closing, Michael Gazal gave heartfelt thanks to the Balinese people for their wonderful hospitality, the conference team, the NPO team, the suppliers for all their support, and to all the attendees. He finished up by announcing next year’s conference in Hobart #TM2026HBA
The Gala Awards night followed, celebrating incredible milestones, sales, as well as other achievements. The atmosphere was fabulous and fun, with lots of love and support and some very entertaining entrances via the smoking sliding doors on stage. I was honored to join Tania Myles and a group of legends on table #7 which also included Top New PTM Tracey Mills. (I can also confirm firsthand there was a full dance floor until 2am!)
I’m returning to my business with a full heart and cup, new perspectives, new connections and a whole lot of gratitude for being to share this experience with such wonderful, kind, supportive and fun people. Huge thanks to Tania Myles, Michael Gazal, Joe Araullo and all at TravelManagers Australiafor the opportunity to join you.
I’ll see you in Hobart next August! With love, clarity and kindness, Charlie x