Snow matter the weather: Tier One Travel’s supplier potluck spreads holiday cheer

Tier One Travel recently decked the halls and set the table for its annual Supplier Appreciation Christmas Potluck, a festive tradition that has become a true gift that keeps on giving within the Canadian travel industry.

Held in Calgary, AB, the event was all about celebrating the strong partnerships that help Tier One Travel’s consultants and clients travel smoothly all year long.

This year’s potluck was shaping up to be a snow-stopping success, with record-breaking attendance on the wish list.

However, Mother Nature had other plans. Severe winter weather in the area—including airport closures—put a temporary freeze on travel for many invited guests.

Still, a merry and determined group of supplier partners refused to let some snow spoil the fun.

They bundled up, braved the elements, and joined the Tier One team for an afternoon filled with good cheer, great conversation, and plenty of holiday spirit.

“The strength of our business is rooted in the relationships we build,” said Shelley Ewing, Tier One Travel’s president and partner, in a blog post. “This annual event is our way of saying thank you to the suppliers who support our consultants, our clients, and our continued growth.”

Suppliers in attendance reflected a diverse cross-section of the travel industry, including airlines, tour operators, cruise lines, and wholesale partners: Tina Kensett (Air Canada Vacations), Denis Parry (Air North), Brad Gibson (Collette), Karli Kincaid (Delta), Sharon Wilson (Exoticca), Ana Santa Maria (G Adventures), Jason Stratford (Goway), Vicky Lubyk (Ponant /Paul Gauguin), Jeff Carpenter and Donna Engler (TravelBrands), Jordan Harris (TTC), and Irene Wong (WestJet Vacations).

Attendees from the Tier One Travel team spanned leadership, administration/operations, and the consultant network, with representation from Shelley Ewing, Shelley Parry, Randa Nemish, Dan Fallwell, Steve Foote, Darci Beamish, Dick Snel, Erin Wallace, Glen Farkas, Jack Summy, Jim Cunningham, Kennedy Barth, Maggie Wenzel, Marilyn Loewen, Melanie Hersom, Monica Hillis, Ned Ambrus, Rose Beaulieu, and Selena Ronnquist.

As the company looks ahead to 2026, Tier One Travel remains firmly on the nice list, continuing to celebrate the relationships that are at the heart of its business.

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