Star power: TDC’s Rendez-vous showcases industry expertise, new marketing tools

Transat Distribution Canada (TDC), recently hosted its annual fall conference – now called Rendez-vous – welcoming members from across English-speaking Canada.

Held September 20–21 under the theme “Star Power. Lighting the way in a sky of choices,” the gathering, held at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale hotel, brought together agency owners and managers, travel advisors, the TDC leadership team, and nearly 55 preferred partners.

With more than 200 participants in attendance, Rendez-vous also served as the stage for other major network initiatives, including the Forum for owners and managers and the exclusive TDC Lab think tank.

Honouring true travel experts 

This year’s Rendez-vous placed particular emphasis on the value of travel advisors and the confidence they inspire in travellers who choose to book through them, according to a press release,

“In the vast universe of travel, "Star Power" celebrates the brilliance and influence of travel professionals who illuminate the path for their clients, making them feel confident, knowing that their trip is in the hands of an expert who ensures everything goes smoothly," said Karine Gagnon, general manager of TDC, in a statement. "Each travel professional shines in their own way, bringing their unique light to a world of nearly infinite options. This event is an opportunity to allow our members to strengthen their own inner star, to nurture what makes them unique by leveraging the tools and strategies that TDC provides."

Training & development 

Rendez-vous remains TDC’s most important event for professional growth, reflecting the network’s commitment to adapting to a constantly evolving industry.

"Each of our travel professionals is different, and every year, we strive to refine our content to best adapt to their varied needs," Gagnon stated.

READ MORE: Rendez-vous 2025: TDC’s Gagnon & Pelletier urge advisors to harness “star power” in a world of endless choice

How? "We offer a variety of formats, starting with large plenary sessions featuring broad themes and renowned speakers. These sessions are designed to foster learning and a sense of belonging, both of which are crucial. Then, we offer more targeted professional development workshops, which are optional, to allow everyone to strengthen their skills in a specific area. Finally, there's the opportunity to interact with our preferred partners, who are our members' main collaborators," she stated.

Highlights included business strategist Sara Gilbert, who spoke on communication as a core part of the customer experience; cybersecurity expert Steve Waterhouse, who addressed digital risks in the travel sector; and aerospace engineer and author Farah Alibay, who inspired attendees with her story of perseverance.

Transat’s Julie Bilodeau, senior director of organizational development and talent management,  Joseph Adamo, Transat’s chief sales and marketing officer and president of TDC, also addressed the crowd.

New marketing tools  

Professional workshops ranged from mastering TDC’s social media tool to wellness travel strategies, as well as new cruise-focused sessions tailored for both beginners and seasoned advisors.

One highlight was the launch of Canva templates created specifically for TDC members. These brand-approved designs make it easy for advisors to produce polished marketing materials in minutes, with logos and colours already built in.

TDC has also broadened its Marketing Masterclasses. Building on last year’s AI-focused sessions, the program now features a digital marketing module that helps advisors navigate strategies like targeted social media ads and tracking campaign results.

A second series of AI classes is scheduled for next year, offered free to franchisees and at a discounted rate for affiliates.

The new TDC Boutique was also announced. This allows members to create personalized swag, which can also double as gifts for customers, for their agency. 

The team has also partnered with content creators to showcase the valuable role of travel advisors. This initiative, currently in its early stages, is set to launch in January.

The campaign will highlight real stories of how travel professionals helped a traveller design their dream journeys and the meaningful impact of their contributions.

Finally, TDC is  partnering up with an e-sim card provider that will allow agencies to have their own affiliated-branded app, offering discounted cards and even a commission tie-in.

There was a significant presence from partners at Rendez-vous – some, including Transat, presented in a plenary session, while others were able to showcase their latest innovations during the Spotlight Presentations.

The event also gave members of the TDC Lab—a think tank of around 10 agency owners—an opportunity to meet in person for their third session of the year.

Discussions continued on initiatives such as the succession program for agency owners looking to sell their businesses.

90s vibes at AstralFest

Saturday night’s Transat-sponsored gala, AstralFest, channeled the energy of a ‘90s rave, striking the perfect balance of fun and festivity.

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize the members in attendance who were celebrating anniversaries ranging from 10 to 20 years: Sam Patel, Airline Ticket Center (15 years), Wedad Bishara, Marlin Travel Vancouver (20 years), and Angela Biene, Marlin Travel Ottawa (20 years).

Transat also introduced the TDC awards in two categories: Rising Star, to reward advisors with less than three years of experience, and Customer Experience Star, for those who constantly exceed their clients' expectations.

Rising Star Award: Sarah Crawford, Marlin Travel Peterborough.

Customer Experience Star Award: Lorelei Beard, Marlin Travel Cambridge.

While Rendez-vous 2025 was held September 20–21 for members outside Quebec, TDC’s Quebec-based members gathered the previous week, September 13–14, in St-Hyacinthe.

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