2017 Pre-Conference Brochure

MEET • NETWORK • DO BUSINESS

2017 CONFERENCE

13TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, MULLINGAR PARK HOTEL

TH 10 11 NOV TH

13TH CONFERENCE ANNUAL

This year, we return to the comfortable surroundings of the 4-star Mullingar Park Hotel which is located just off the main Dublin to Sligo road, the N4. Mullingar is a thriving market town of approximately 20,000 and is the administrative capital of the county of Westmeath, famous for its surrounding lakes and angling activities. This year’s venue is centrally located in the Midlands and you can expect the following journey times to Mullingar, depending on your origin point in Ireland: From Dublin From Dundalk From Sligo From Limerick From Galway From Waterford From Cork

(77 km) (91 km) (131 km) (156 km) (156 km) (192 km) (239 km)

— travel time — travel time — travel time — travel time — travel time — travel time — travel time

= 1 hr = 1.25 hrs = 1.75 hrs = 2 hrs = 2 hrs = 2.25 hrs = 2.5 hrs

The town is also well served by bus (http://www.buseireann.ie/ ) rail services (http://www.irishrail.ie/) Also, check out discounted car hire rates with one of our supplier partners, Hertz.

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:

Travel Centres yet again created an event where a decent chunk of worthwhile work was balanced with entertainment , novelty, surprises and pure good fun.

Thanks Dominic Burke Bernie Burke , Jocelyn Burke for the immense hard work that saw an outstanding success.�

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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

11TH

Thank you Dominic, Bernie and Jocelyn. Fantastic conference as always. I hope you all have a well deserved rest!! #TravelCconf

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. Agent participants are provided with exact facsimiles of passports which contain a summary description of each participating supplier/

exhibitor. This year, in a break from the format used in previous conferences, each exhibitor page will contain a space where the exhibitor needs to fill in the time that the agent visits their stand.

This new format will be part of a new initiative from Travel Centres to ‘gamify’ the workshop day in a way that ensures maximum participation from all attending agents. Further details of this new ‘gamification’ approach will be circulated to all suppliers in the coming weeks.

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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.

MULLINGAR PARK HOTEL

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Fantastic informative conference today by #TravelCentres. Thank you to Dominic, Bernie and Jocelyn.”

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 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 comfortable surroundings of one of Ireland’s most popular 4-star hotels — temporary headquarters last year to the entire Irish rugby squad and entourage. If it’s good

enough for them, it should be good enough for us!

This year, the theme for the fancy dress ball on the Saturday night is ‘Lookalikes’. With the estimated population of the world being 7.4 billion people, the statistical likelihood is that there must be some people out there somewhere who look like you! Better yet, are there any famous people out there — film stars, celebrities, sports personalities etc., that look like you? If so, why not let your colleagues be the judge when we all come together later this year. To make it worth your while, we’ll be giving away prizes for best lookalike and best costume!

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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. ‘Two years ago, we both dramatically reduced and changed the number of award categories up for grabs and we will be continuing in similar vein for 2017. The revised award categories acknowledge

the efforts of both large and small agents so that equity prevails in acknowledging individual agent efforts’.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME* Friday, November 10 11.15 - 12.00 Registration 12.00 - 13.15 Lunch 13.15 - 13.45 Conference welcome & Year Review** 13.45 - 15.15 Closed Session # 1** 15.15 - 15.30 Afternoon Tea/Coffee Break 15.30 - 17.30 Closed Session # 2** 17.30 - 19.30 At your leisure 19.30 - 20.30 Drinks Reception 20.30 - 22.30 Dinner/Entertainment th

Saturday, November 11th 09.00 - 09.45 Registration 09.45 - 10.00 Welcome address and explanation of new ‘gamification’ rules 10.00 - 11.30 Morning Session # 1 11.30 - 11.40 Presentation # 1 11.40 - 13.00 Morning Session #2 13.00 - 14.00 Lunch 14.00 - 15.50 Afternoon Session # 1 15.50 - 16.00 Presentation # 2 16.00 - 17.00 Afternoon Session # 2 17.00 - 19.30 At your leisure 19.30 - 20.30 Drinks Reception 20.30 - 22.30 Themed Dinner 22.30 - 23.00 Prizes & Awards 23.00 - 01.00 Dancing/Entertainment 01.00 - 03.00 DJ

Notes *subject to change **for Travel Centres members only 9

NON-DELEGATE PROGRAMME The 4 Star Mullingar Park Hotel has earned a strong reputation as one of the leading hotels in Westmeath. Situated on the outskirts of Mullingar town in County Westmeath. Located just off exit 15 on the N4, Dublin to Sligo road, less than an hour from Dublin. It is easily accessible with free Wi-Fi and car parking.

This contemporary designed 4 star hotel is elegantly decorated, tastefully furnished and fully equipped to international standards. It boasts 95 guest bedrooms, award winning terrace restaurant, horseshoe bar & courtyard lounge overlooking private landscaped gardens. The hotel has a range of conference & banqueting suites to choose from making it the perfect location to celebrate your wedding in Westmeath. The Azure Leisure Club boasts a 20 metre pool, separate children’s pool,

sauna, steam room and fully equipped gymnasium.

The Azure Beauty Rooms offers a wide range of treatments for both men and women.

Hotel Facilities at a Glance: • Complimentary Wi-Fi for guests and conference delegates • Complimentary car parking on site • Award winning Terrace Restaurant • Contemporary Horseshoe Bar • Azure Leisure Club with swimming pool • Azure Beauty Treatment Rooms • Conference centre catering up to 1,200 delegates • AA Business Hotel of the Year • Excellent wedding facilities • Private landscaped gardens • 95 superbly appointed bedrooms

Golf The Mullingar Park Hotel is a perfect base for the golfer to experience the likes of Mullingar Golf Club, Esker Hills Golf Club, New Forest Golf Club, Glasson Golf Club and a wide range of championship golf courses.

Mullingar Golf Club A championship challenge set in old wooded and delightful undulating parklands. Generous rolling fairways wind their paths through mature timbers.

It hosts important amateur events annually in the shape of the Mullingar Scratch Cup. Visitors are very welcome. Prior arrangement required. +353 (0)44 934 8366 www.mullingargolfclub.com Edenderry Golf Club The Golfing “Gem� of the Midlands established since 1940 less than 30 minutes from the hotel off the M4 motorway +353 (0)46 973 3911 www.edenderrygolfclub.ie Moate Golf Club +353 (0)90 648 1271 www.moategolfclub.ie

New Forest Golf Club Designed by world renowned designer and former Walker Cup Captain, Peter McEvoy, this Westmeath venue is a parkland gem, its undulating features highlighting some of the finest putting surfaces and fairways in Ireland.

In addition, the Clubhouse a converted 18th Century Manor House, boasts luxury locker rooms facilities, an all-encompassing restaurant and a conservatory bar with panoramic views.

Situated in stunning forested surroundings in Tyrellspass, Co. Westmeath, the golf club lies less than 5 minutes from the M6 motorway.

Containing a top quality driving range, short game area, practice putting greens and pro shop with all the latest equipment & apparel wear, it really is a haven for the discerning golfer. +353 (0)44 92 21100 www.newforest.ie

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THINGS TO DO IN MULLINGAR Mullingar Greyhound Stadium Mullingar Greyhound Racing Stadium is firmly established as one of the leading entertainment venues in the Midlands. The Greyhound Stadium offers a panoramic view of all the racing action, 3 superb licensed bars, and restaurant and snack bar facilities. An ideal venue for social and corporate outings with packages available to suit all tastes. Families welcome, group discounts available. Mullingar stadium provides thrilling dog racing action +353(0) 44 934 8348 www.igb.ie/mullingar

Belvedere House The Estate comprises 160 acres of parkland with 6kms of magnificent woodland and lakeshore walks, including the Narnia Trail. Several follies adorn the landscape including Ireland’s largest folly, The Jealous Wall. The restored Belvedere House is an 18th Century hunting / fishing lodge designed by the renowned German architect Richard Castle for Robert Rochfort, later the 1st Earl of Belvedere. A fascinating walled garden, designed by Ninian Nevin in 1857, contains one of Ireland’s finest collections of rare and special plants. The stable block is home to a modern visitor centre with multi- media show, exhibitions and fully licensed cafe. Adjacent to the visitor centre are two children’s play areas. There is also a delightful tram, which provides guided tours around a section of the parkland on selected days throughout the year. +353(0) 44 934 9060 www.belvedere-house.ie

Sailing & Angling

Equestrian

Mullingar is surrounded by large and prolific limestone lakes. These include Lough Owell, Ennell, MountDalton and Sheelin. The river angler can fish along the Inny, Brosna and Deel. Open season extends March to September.

Ladestown Riding Stables Ladestown House is a historic manor house offering riding in woodlands and by lake shores in the beautiful County Westmeath. Beginners, nervous riders and children are welcome.

Sailing Club Mullingar A small friendly club situated at Lough Owel just outside Mullingar. The water quality is excellent as the lake forms the reservoir for Mullingar water supply. Facilities include clubhouse, hard standing and launching slipway. Adult and junior training programs are run annually. +353(0) 44 9342058 www.msail.net Lough Ennell Good trout fishing with good hatches of buzzers, mayfly and sedges, but can be difficult to rise trout at times. The season runs from 1st of March to 12th of October. Best Times: April – 12th of October with very good fishing in the last two weeks of the season. A Shannon Regional Fisheries Board permit is required and can be purchased online. (3,540 acres 1,434; hectares).

+353(0) 44 934 8218 www.ladestownridingstables.com Mullingar Equestrian Centre The Fagan Family extend a warm welcome to all horse lovers at Mullingar Equestrian Centre situated in the heart of Ireland just one hours drive from Dublin city. During the summer months they specialise in residential horse riding & English courses for 10 to 18 year olds. Guests usually stay for two weeks to more. They offer equestrian day trips, tuition in flatwork & Show jumping. +353(0) 44 934 8331 www.mullingarequestrian.com

Clay Pigeon Shooting and Paintball Lakelands Shooting Centre +353 (0)44 922 3127 www.lakelandshootingcentre.ie Ambushed Paintballing & Laser Tag +353(0) 44 933 4966 www.paintballing.ie

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AZURE LEISURE & BEAUTY A selection of some of the treatments that are on offer. Please see brochure or website for full list.

At our Beauty Rooms, Experienced therapist are waiting to pamper and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit with a range of therapies and treatments.

Hours Open daily from 10am. Late nights and sunday available for bookings.

Thalgo Facials Prescriptive Mini Thalgo Facial (30 min) ¤40 Mini facial to suit your individual skin care needs Hydra Mask Moisture Source Facial (60 min) ¤65 A truly hydrating moistur is ing treatment , excellent to help combat dehydration and improve skin texture. Suitable for all skin types.

Rebalancing Facial (60 min) ¤65 Combining pure natural seaweed, this treatment rebalances and deep cleanses It is i deal for combination, oily and problem skin types Algamea Warm Mask (60 min) ¤65 For Dry skin. This delicious mask deeply nourishes and moisturises and the skin instantly Cold Marine Facial (60 min) ¤65 Based on reviving marine & plant extracts, incorporates a cool mint ma sk to reduce redness, refine & tighten te nsion line s , particularly for fragile, delicate skin types .

New Skin base Microdermabrasion (30 min ) 1 treatment ¤55 3 treatments ¤160 6 treatmen ts ¤300 New Microdermabrasion has arrived. Amazing results for skin pigmentation, blemishes, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, acne scaring & black heads New Sports Massage (30 min ) ¤30 One hour ¤55 De-stress treatment (60 min) ¤65 Thalgo Mini Facial, Back Neck & Shoulder massage Swedish Massage An Invigorating Massage which releases muscle stiffness and tension. Improves circulation, & flexibility promotes general relaxation Full Body (60 min) ¤65 Back (30 min) ¤40 Look Out for our Monthly Specials .

Hot Stone Massage A Soothing massage using heated ancient basalt stones. The stones are placed on the charka points of the body, which help with total re balancing of both body and mind Full Body (1 hour) ¤ 75 15 Back (30 min) ¤45

TRAVEL CENTRES Travel Centres is Ireland’s largest travel agency grouping, comprising 56 independently-owned and managed travel agencies who, between them, operate from 76 outlets throughout the country.

The group’s collective retail sales exceed ¤200M per annum. Last year, Travel Centres undertook a comprehensive rebuild of its consumer facing website presence so that the new website www.travelbug. ie is 100% response across all form factors. Work is already underway on a second, B2B website which will use the www.travelcentres.ie url when it goes ‘live’ later this year.

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: 2016: 2017:

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 Mullingar Park Hotel Mullingar Park Hotel

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Ballymena 19

THE LEGENDS The Legends bring Rock & Roll royalty to every performance they play. Having backed a roster of global superstars that include Hans Zimmer, Robert Plant, Rick Parfitt, Amy Macdonald, Lou Gramm, Mel C, Nick Kershaw, Belinda Carlisle, Ian Gillian, Dizzee Rascal, Girls Aloud, Sister Sledge, Mika and many more, the members of this group are seasoned road-warriors, and they’re bringing the party to you!

… and as if that wasn’t enough, this year, Travel Centres bring you the world’s top Freddie Mercury tribute act along too! Hailed by audiences across the globe as the finest Freddie Mercury working today, Joseph Lee Jackson will bring all the songs, pomp and outrageous showmanship of rock music’s greatest lead vocalist in a show unlike any other.

Thank you so much for a lovely weekend really enjoyed the whole event and will never miss Friday sessions in future! The girls and even the guys from Midland travel are singing your praises and we all agreed that the hotel and its staff were exceptional - job well done folks - take a bow!

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051 383 622 dominic@travelcentres.ie www.travelbug.ie