Why Every Travel Advisor Should Make Time for Professional Conferences

How conferences like IGLTA, ASTA Global, and your consortia events can transform your travel business

There’s no shortage of tasks demanding your attention as a travel advisor: proposals to write, emails to answer, payments to track, and content to create. So when the idea of stepping away for a multi-day conference comes up, it’s easy to think, “I just don’t have the time.”

But here’s the truth: if you want to grow, evolve, and stay ahead of the curve, you can’t afford not to make time.

Professional travel conferences are where your business gets sharpened, your network deepens, and your brand finds new momentum.

Here’s why they’re worth the investment, and the ones we believe every advisor should prioritize.

Build Supplier Relationships That Actually Matter

Booking platforms are convenient, but the real magic happens when you know who to call. Conferences give you face-to-face time with destination reps, cruise lines, hotel brands, DMCs, and tour operators. You’ll learn what makes each brand tick and, more importantly, they’ll get to know you—your values, your clients, your style.

These relationships lead to faster service, better problem-solving, and exclusive opportunities you won’t find online.

Get Inspired by Other Advisors Who Are Building Big

If you’ve ever felt like you’re building your business in a silo, a conference changes everything. Surrounding yourself with fellow advisors—some just starting, others hitting $1M+ in annual sales—offers a powerful mix of support, ideas, and real talk.

You’ll hear what’s working, what’s not, and how others are adapting to trends, tech, and changing client expectations. It’s like a mastermind, support group, and business retreat all in one.

Gain Visibility with Media and Industry Leaders

Travel media is always looking for fresh voices, niche experts, and interesting stories. When you attend events like IGLTA’s Annual Global Convention or ASTA's Travel Advisor Convention, you put yourself in the rooms where those connections are made. As a small business owner, your network is your networth.

You might land a feature, be invited to a panel, or simply become the go-to contact when a writer needs a quote about your specialty.

Stay Ahead of Trends and Tools

Whether it’s AI, accessible travel, or the evolving luxury landscape, conferences are where the next big conversations are happening. You’ll leave with ideas that help you better serve your clients, streamline your business, and grow with intention.

Instead of playing catch-up six months later, you’ll be ahead of the curve, and your clients will feel it.

Show Up for Your Brand

Attending conferences signals that you take your business seriously. It builds credibility with suppliers, clients, and fellow advisors. It also creates great content to share, photos from the trade show floor, shoutouts to new partners, or a post about your key takeaways.

When clients see that you’re investing in your professional growth, they trust you even more.

Conferences We Recommend

If you’re not sure where to start, here are three worth prioritizing:

• IGLTA Global Convention

  The premier event for LGBTQ+ travel professionals, this conference blends global tourism leaders with grassroots changemakers. It’s equal parts business and purpose.

• ASTA Global Convention

  The American Society of Travel Advisors hosts one of the most comprehensive and advisor-focused events in the industry. Education, advocacy, and serious networking all in one place.

• Your Consortia’s Annual Conference

  Whether you’re with Ensemble, Virtuoso, Signature, or another consortia, these gatherings help you maximize the value of your membership and forge deeper relationships with preferred partners.

Bottom Line

You won’t regret attending a travel conference, but you might regret not going.

The knowledge you gain, the connections you make, and the visibility you earn will pay dividends long after the event ends.

📍RBGTN advisors are encouraged to attend at least one major industry conference per year, and we often connect in person while we’re there. Ask us which ones are coming up next.