MEET • NETWORK • DO BUSINESS
2015 conference 11th Annual Conference, Lyrath Estate Co. Kilkenny
4th 5 th Dec
11
th
Annual
Conference
This year, Travel Centres celebrates its 11th annual conference and supplier workshop series in style at the 5-star Lyrath estate, located just outside the picturesque mediaeval city of Kilkenny which is located just 90 minutes’ drive from Dublin; 110 minutes from Cork and Limerick and 160 minutes from Galway. The event has grown in stature over the course of the past 11 years such that it is now generally considered to be one of the pre-eminent networking events on the Irish travel industry calendar for both suppliers and travel agents alike.
The two-day event manages to combine an optimum mix of product training workshops, illuminating talks from a wide array of experts (from both within and without the industry), ample time to socialise against a backdrop of some of the best entertainment provided anywhere in the British isles along with the
renewal of old friendships and the cultivation of new ones. In short, the annual Travel Centres conference is an event not to be missed! But don’t just take our word for it. This is what some of our suppliers, agent delegates and invited guests had to say about last years’ conference:
‘’… Congratulations on the huge success of the weekends’ conference and all the hard work you did to ensure it went as well as it did! We’re already looking forward to 2015!!’’ 3
NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS The supplier workshop which takes place on the Saturday operates on the tried and tested ‘speed-dating’ concept whereby travel agent participant’s move from exhibitor table to table at 10-minute intervals.
Saturday
5th
‘’… For us this was by far the best event and the careful planning and organisation was evident on the day...so well done to you all!’’ Each 10-minute interval is monitored and a prompt given to both exhibitor and agent participants at the eight-minute mark so that exhibitors can start to wrap up their presentations in readiness for the next batch of agents. Exhibitors’ ‘stations’ are organised in four parallel rows and in alphabetical sequence. Agent participants are provided with exact facsimiles of passports which contain a brief summary description of each participating supplier/ exhibitor — also arranged in alphabetical sequence. Each exhibitor page contains a
space where the agent needs to place a visa stamp in order to prove that they have visited that exhibitors’ stand. Only passports with a minimum number of visa stamps are eligible to be entered into the draw for spot prizes that takes place at the end of the workshop on Saturday afternoon — thus incentivising agents to accumulate as many visits to exhibitor stations as possible. As the number of exhibitors in attendance is greater than the time available in which to visit them all, agencies who send multiple staff members are split in order to cover the maximum number of exhibitors between them. This ensures an optimum audience of attentive and engaged agent participants throughout the day.
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NOTES FOR AGENTS As this is the only opportunity each year that member agents get to network and engage with all our preferred suppliers and third party exhibitors on a one-to-one basis, it is extremely important that members avail of the opportunity and encourage the maximum number of staff to attend.
Lyrath Estate
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‘’… It was a great conference and definitely the best industry event that I have been to yet, absolutely everything was perfect and I definitely received value for money. The passport was such a great idea.’’ Aside from the huge amount of information and marketing collateral that participating agents gather on the day which ultimately contributes to increased effectiveness in sales throughout the following 12-month period, agents also get to develop their own relationships with key preferred supplier personnel — an extremely valuable asset to have when problems arise! Of course, the social dimension to the weekend cannot be overstated and members get to enjoy some of the best cuisine and entertainment
throughout the weekend in the luxurious setting of one of Ireland’s best 5-star properties! Given the proximity of this year’s event to Christmas, we are encouraging members to make the Saturday night their Christmas party and enjoy the amazing entertainment that we have lined up this year. There is just one condition though — only agents that participate in the workshop sessions on the Saturday can attend the Saturday evening celebrations!
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PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME*
ANNUAL AWARDS Over the past few years, we have tried, as equitably as possible, to recognise the year-round efforts of both member agents and preferred suppliers at our annual conference. We feel however that we need to change the format this year as we had started to experience ‘award inflation’ with over 30 categories awarded in 2014! Details are still in the process of being
Friday, December 4 09.30 - 10.00 Registration 10.00 - 10.15 Welcome & Year Review 10.15 - 11.30 Closed session # 1** 11.30 - 11.45 Refreshment Break 11.45 - 13.00 Closed session # 2** 13.00 - 14.00 Lunch 14.00 - 14.45 Presentation # 1 14.45 - 15.30 Presentation # 2 15.30 - 15.45 Refreshment Break 15.45 - 16.30 Presentation # 3 16.30 - 17.00 Panel Discussion/Q & A 17.00 - Session ends 17.00 - 19.30 At your leisure 19.30 - 20.30 Drinks reception 20.30 - 22.30 Dinner th
finalised so all we can reveal at this stage is that there will probably be no more than 10 categories being recognised this year, of which probably six or seven will be completely new!
Saturday, December 5th 08.40 - 09.20 Registration 09.20 - 11.10 Workshop Session # 1 11.10 - 11.20 Presentation # 1 11.20 - 13.00 Workshop Session # 2 13.00 - 14.00 Lunch 14.00 - 15.30 Workshop Session # 3 15.30 - 15.40 Presentation # 2 15.40 - 16.00 Prize Draw 16.00 - 17.00 Free Format Session 17.00 - 19.30 At your leisure 19.30 - 20.30 Cocktail reception 20.30 - 22.30 Gala Dinner 22.30 - 23.00 Awards Ceremony 23.00 - 01.00 Dance Entertainment 01.00 - 03.00 Disco
Notes *subject to change **for Travel Centres members only 9
Golf nondelegate programme Given the superb location and facilities of this year’s venue, members are more than welcome to bring their partners and spouses along. With this in mind, we have prepared a range of options that non-participants can avail of during both days of the conference.
Kilkenny Golf Club Located a mere 5 minutes drive from Lyrath Estate Hotel. It is a par 71 championship standard course set in over 100 acres of parkland. 056 7765400 www.kilkennygolfclub.com Gowran Park Golf Club Located beside the Gowran Park Racecourse & only 15 minutes from Lyrath Estate Hotel this 18 hole golf course has been open since 2001. Incorporating a mixture of established woodland and lakes, this Jeff Howes designed par 71, 18 hole golf course provides an excellent test for the low handicap golfer whilst also being very enjoyable for the middle to high handicappers. It is a picturesque parkland course with lakes and established woodland framing the course.
Mount Juliet This golf course is a championship 18 hole Jack Nicklaus designed signature course. Additional facilities include driving range, tuition, practice putting green and a chipping green. The course is a 25 minute drive from Lyrath Estate Hotel. 056 7773071 www.mountjuliet.ie/golf/
056 7726699 www.gowranpark.ie
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Kilkenny Attractions St. Canice’s Cathedral St Canice’s Cathedral was built between 1202 and 1285, and stands on an important ecclesiastical site, which has been a place of Christian prayer for over 800 years. The adjoining 9th century Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City and is one of only two Round Towers that can be climbed in Ireland. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower weather permitting; we can honestly say that the climb is worth the effort as it affords panoramic views over the medieval city of Kilkenny. www.stcanicescathedral.ie
St. Francis Abbey Brewery A visit to St Francis Abbey Brewery is also known as The Smithwick’s Experience. The tour takes visitors through 300 years of Smithwick’s family history, but the journey begins in 1231, when the monks of St Francis Abbey discovered a way to purify water and turn it into ale. This interactive tour brings the history of Smithwick’s to life, by following the journey of Ireland’s oldest beer through the centuries. This is a truly interactive and multi-sensory tour. Highlights include the living portraits of notable Smithwick’s family members talking amongst each other, listen closely and you will hear the truly amazing story of how Smithwick’s went from being a small local brewery to a beer that is famous all over the world. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for self-guided tours. Family and discounted tickets are available. The Smithwick’s Experience is open 7 days a week. For more information see: www.smithwicksexperience.com
Congratulations on the huge success of the weekends’ conference. We’re already looking forward to 2015!!’’ Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny Castle is now run by the Office of Public Works and several of the rooms have been brought back to an accurate representation of how they would have looked at various points in the castle’s long history. Highlights include: The Medieval Room, The Drawing Room and The Chinese Bedroom. Tours of Kilkenny Castle are available year round, though it can be very busy during the summer so booking is advisable. Guided and self-guided tours are possible, depending on the time of year.
Woodstock Gardens Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in Inistioge, County Kilkenny date back to 1740. Woodstock comprises a mix of formal and informal gardens with the walled garden, terraced garden and rose garden providing the main interest. The arboretum has a collection of rare and exotic trees including a ‘Champion’ Coast Redwood, the tallest Silver Fir in Ireland and a very rare and important Bentham Cypress. Also of significance are two stunning avenues, the Monkey Puzzle Avenue (Chilean Pine) and Noble Fir Avenue.
www.kilkennycastle.ie
There is a children’s playground and charming tea-rooms on site. Entry costs ¤4 per car, including all occupants. www.woodstock.ie
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Oasis Spa at Lyrath Estate Hotel A selection of some of the treatments that are on offer. Please see brochure or website for full list. Notes **= Fri – Sat / * = Sun – Thurs Please note that guests at Oasis Spa have complimentary access to our Thermal Suite with spa treatments
Kerstin Florian Facials • Kerstin Florian Mini Facials A refresher facial customised for all skin types. Includes a gentle exfoliation, rejuvenating mask and scalp massage. 25 mins ¤55** /¤45* • Kerstin Florian Customised Facial A deep cleansing, purifying treatment customised for all skin types. Includes gentle exfoliation, a luxurious massage and mask to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. 55 mins ¤95**/¤85* Elemis Facials • Elemis Taster Facial This introductory facial provides a quick and instant pick me up for any occasion. Includes a gentle exfoliation, customised mask & scalp massage. 25 mins ¤50**/¤45* • Elemis Skin Specific Facial Customised to your skin type, this facial combines skin conditioning plant actives, a prescribed mask and unique Eastern facial massage techniques. Your face is deeply cleansed to help to renew radiance, nourish and restore balance to the skin. 55 mins ¤85**/¤75*
Massage Treatments • Swedish Full Body Massage A full body massage designed to ease tension, stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory system and create a sense of well being. Levels of pressure are customised to your individual needs. 55 mins ¤85**/¤75* • Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage A concentrated massage of the back, neck & shoulders. Strength and pressure is customised to your individual needs. 25 mins ¤55**/¤50* Thermal Suite Our Thermal Suite Experience begins in the hydrotherapy pool. Savour the scenery of the spectacular parkland estate as you instantly unwind and relax. Follow on a step further to the sauna and steam area where you feel the stress of everyday life evaporate before you. Awaken your senses with a tropical rain shower and complete your journey with some chill out time in one of two relaxation suites. 120 mins ¤15
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Travel Centres Travel Centres is Ireland’s leading professional travel agency consortium with 70 affiliated outlets located throughout the country. Our consumer-facing website acts as an information/research resource; an agent finder and the means by which consumers can comparison shop for complex travel itineraries across any of the agents represented in our network so that you get the best of both worlds — the 24/7 ubiquity of the internet, with the convenience and ‘user-friendliness’ of a nationwide network of bricks and mortar traditional travel agencies, all of whom are government licensed and bonded.
For further information: 051 383 622 dominic@travelcentres.ie www.travelbug.ie
previous conferences 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015:
Keadeen, Newbridge Mount Wolseley Hilton, Tullow Castletroy, Limerick Killeshin, Portlaoise Sheraton, Athlone Clarion IFSC, Dublin Clarion IFSC, Dublin Killashee Hotel, Naas Killashee Hotel, Naas Killashee Hotel, Naas Lyrath Estate Co. Kilkenny
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Members List
Agency
Location
Agency
Location
Harvey Travel
Waterford
1Stop Travel
Galway
Heffernan's Travel
Cork
Padraic Keogh
Trim
Hilary Murphy Travel
New Ross
Platinum Travel
Clontarf
Icon Travel
Waterford
Premier Travel
Cork
JK Travel
Tullamore
Rathgar Travel
Rathgar
Killybegs Travel
Killybegs
Roscrea Travel
Roscrea
Agency
Location
Agency
Location
KT Travel
Dundalk
Slattery Travel
Fermoy
Ace Travel
Newcastle West
Cill Dara Travel
Kildare
Lee Travel
Princes Street, Cork
Society Travel
Ballinasloe
Midleton
Sol International Travel
Tralee
Avondale Travel
Arklow
Creation Travel
Limerick
Lee Travel
Bernard Hayes Travel
Cork
Discover Travel
Dungarvan
Lee Travel
Ballincollig
Sol Falcon Travel Shop
Tralee
Best4Travel
Dunshaughlin
DK Travel
Nenagh
Lee Travel
Paul Street, Cork
Stein Travel
Tralee
Best4Travel
Navan
Douglas Travel
Cork
Liberty Travel
Letterkenny
The Travel Boutique
Bray
Listowel
Torc Travel
Killarney
Best4Travel
Charlestown
East Cork Travel
Midleton
Listowel Travel
Best4Travel
Drogheda
Eblana Travel
Galway
MacDonald Travel
Youghal
Travel Advisors
Ratoath
Best4Travel
Rathfarnham
Elliott Travel
Baltinglass
Marble City Travel
Kilkenny
TravelBookers
Ashbourne
Best4Travel
Athlone
Feerick Travel
Ballinrobe
Meehan Travel
Bundoran
The Travel Broker
Clontarf
Tullamore
Travel Focus
Cork
Blackpool Travel
Cork
Flyaway Travel
Ballina
Midland Travel
Bowe Travel
Thurles
Freedom Travel
Celbridge
Newbridge Travel
Newbridge
TravelFox
Little Island
Brady Travel
Carrick-on-Shannon
Freedom Travel
Naas
O'Callaghan Travel
Dundalk
Travelworld
Dublin
Ennis
O'Hanrahan Travel
Monaghan
Virginia Travel
Virginia
Donabate
O'Hanrahan Travel
Carrickmacross
Cavan Travel
Cavan
Gail Travel
Cill Dara Travel
Newbridge
GTI (Group International)
travel
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“Everyone remembers different things about the 80’s’’
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musicians in the UK, with boundless energy and passion for what they do, performing your favourite hits and looking like they are having the best time of their lives doing so! They only play the hits that instantly get you on the dancefloor and keep you there all night! Collectively, the Monster Hits band members have played with an incredible range of artists, including Lady Gaga, The Darkness, Robert Plant, Belinda Carlisle, Huey Lewis, Nik Kershaw, Melanie C, Gareth Gates, Ronnie Wood, Martin Fry of ABC, The Drifters, Haircut 100’s Nick Heyward - and we’ve even got a star of BBC1’s The Voice on lead vocals!
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Christmas comes but once a year! So goes the old saying — actually derived from a short animated film released way back in 1936! It is also one of the few opportunities each year that you and your colleagues get to let your hair down and really enjoy yourselves. So, rather than confine yourselves to a sedate meal out in a local restaurant or limit yourselves to celebrating the yuletide season with other companies in one of those generic Christmas parties that local hostelries host
every year, why not nail your festive partying to the Travel Centres mast and make this year’s Saturday night gala dinner and awards ceremony your annual night out! We can guarantee you world-class entertainment, delicious food, good company and great craic — all in the luxurious surroundings of one of Ireland’s most celebrated 5-star hotels.
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051 383 622 dominic@travelcentres.ie www.travelbug.ie