A toast to partnerships with Allianz

Although it was a night with all the bells and whistles, the message of the Allianz Partner Appreciation Dinner was very clear: that one change can make a world of difference.

The event, held to celebrate the rebranding of TIC Travel Insurance (TIC) to Allianz Global Assistance, which took place this month following the merger of the two companies in January, marked the beginning of a change that intends to make a very big difference in Canada’s travel community.

More than 100 trusted and long-standing partners came together last night to celebrate the symbolic milestone with an evening of live music and dinner at the Shangri La Hotel in Toronto, including esteemed guests from Munich, where Allianz is based, Dublin, Vancouver and members of the Allianz Toronto and Kitchener offices.

“Tonight is for fun, and for appreciation,” Daniel Wichels, CEO of Allianz Global Assistance Canada told PAX. “The relationships we have with our partners are very important, and so the celebration of our completed rebranding was an excellent reason to come together and celebrate.”

Following dinner, Wichels took the stage to welcome and thank the evening’s guests for their many years of support, and shared some information about the company, and the role it intends to play in the Canadian travel community.

“While Allianz’s name and brand continues to gain more awareness in Canada, I think the true power of the group actually lies where it matters most to our travellers; beyond Canadian borders,” he said. “But we can only be successful with you, together, as partners. Our intention is to help you grow as partners, and in the case of the merger, to make the transition of our merger as seamless as possible for you.”

Wichels cited Allianz Global Assistance’s widespread network and on-the-ground facilities in 34 countries across the world as the key to its singular ability to provide around-the-clock assistance to clients and customers, pointing out that “those advantages and those qualities actually come out best when you need them most: in emergency situations.”

Allianz has been in operation for 125 years, ranking routinely every year among the world’s top brands and as the number one brand in insurance.. Its recent merger was designed to provide Canadians with the close network and boutique experience of TIC and the resources of Allianz’s global reach.

“There are many competitors out there in this industry who say they can deliver a local service on a global scale,” Wichels said before stepping aside for a champagne toast to partnerships. “We can actually do it.”

PHOTO: Of Allianz Global Assistance: Susan Lawson, business development manager; Julie Hoffarth, business development manager; Gino Riola, vice president, sales and marketing; Daniel Wichels, CEO; Cheri Thompson, business development manager & Karen Cullen, national director, business development, Travel Channel