Travel Centres 20–20 Conference Opens to a Full House in Naas

#TravelCConf #Travelbizconnect #Travelbizhub #Travelcentres #RoyalCaribbean #CelebrityCruises #HertzIreland #Suntransfers #SunwayHolidays #msccruises

It was standing room only as Don Shearer and the Travelbiz team joined over 200 Travel Centres members and trade partners from across Ireland and overseas at Lawlor’s Hotel, Naas for the much-anticipated Travel Centres 20–20 Conference.

Moderator Eoghan Corry opened proceedings by welcoming all delegates to this landmark 20th annual Travel Centres Conference, before inviting Tom Randles, President of the ITAA, to officially declare the event open.

From the outset, the atmosphere was buzzing – a full day of insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and dynamic networking opportunities lay ahead. Delegates took full advantage of the interactive format, including two energetic “speed dating” sessions designed to strengthen relationships between agents and trade partners.

The impressive line-up of keynote speakers and presentations showcased the depth, expertise, and innovation that define the Travel Centres network:

• Not Just Another Awards Ceremony – How TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies Programme Generates Valuable Market Data and Supports Agents Who Are Striving to Improve
• Speaker: Pippa Jacks, Audience & Content Director, TTG
• Sponsor Presentation: MSC Cruises
• Speaker: Suzanne Rowe, MSC Cruises
• Package Holiday Litigation — The Litigator’s Perspective
• Speakers: John Sheehy, Partner, DAC Beachroft, Dublin and Eimear Gray, Senior Associate, DAC Beachroft, Dublin

After a refreshment break sponsored by TUI, delegates reconvened for a lively and thought-provoking series of afternoon sessions centred on innovation, collaboration, and resilience within the travel industry.

• Surviving the High Street – Sandra Corkin, Founder, Oasis Travel
• Followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring Jennifer Callister (Royal Caribbean), Valerie Murphy (Celebrity Cruises), and Adam Weatherley (ISME), who shared valuable perspectives on adapting to an evolving retail landscape.
• Joint Headline Sponsor Presentation: Jennifer Callister, Royal Caribbean and Valerie Murphy, Celebrity Cruises

The morning concluded on an inspiring note with Boarding Passes for All — Goal Setting That Fuels Transformation, delivered by Gerry Duffy, elite athlete and high-performance coach. In a motivating and interactive session, Gerry shared the powerful goal-setting strategies that helped him complete 32 marathons in 32 days and build a global speaking career working with over 1,000 organisations. Delegates were challenged to reflect, engage, and create their own 2026 “goals for take-off”.

The opening half of the conference was a resounding success – combining insight, energy, and connection, and perfectly encapsulating the strength, unity, and ambition that make the Travel Centres Consortium Ireland’s largest and most successful network of independent travel agents. Get ready now for all out Travel Centres GLAMOUR!!! As we get frocked up, suited and booted for the 20th Travel Centres gala dinner and awards.

Stay tuned to Travelbiz for more.