Travel talk takes off: Ellison Travel Expo draws 800+ in London, ON

The Ellison Travel Expo is getting bigger — and London, ON is clearly ready to talk travel.

Hosted by Ellison Travel & Tours, the company’s second annual consumer travel expo took place Sunday (Sept. 13) at the Best Western Lamplighter Inn in London, bringing together more than 800 attendees for a busy day of destination inspiration, expert advice and face-to-face conversations with travel professionals.

The event built on the momentum of Ellison’s inaugural expo last year, which was a huge success, attracting more than 25 travel partners and some 800 attendees.

For 2026, Ellison expanded the event significantly, welcoming 36 supplier partners representing more than 40 travel brands, while consumer interest remained strong. More than 1,300 people RSVP’d for the five-hour event, with more than 800 ultimately attending.

The expo featured 32 presentations throughout the day, giving travellers an opportunity to dig deeper into destinations, products and vacation styles while connecting directly with Ellison’s travel advisors and supplier partners.

Several sessions were standing room only.

For Michelle Branco, general manager and co-owner of Ellison Travel & Tours, the conversations that unfolded across the show floor were an encouraging sign that consumers continue to value personal expertise when planning their trips.

“We were thrilled with how it all turned out. People arrived ready to talk travel, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with our team and supplier partners,” Branco told PAX. “The level of interaction reinforced the value of face-to-face connections and highlighted the important role trusted travel advisors and industry partners continue to play in helping people plan and travel with confidence.”

Ready to talk travel

And attendees weren't just browsing for ideas.

According to Ellison, many came to the expo already armed with specific destinations and trips in mind, using the event as an opportunity to gather information, speak with experts and move their travel plans forward.

“The energy throughout the day was fantastic…it couldn't have gone better,” said Steph Kelly, manager, vacation and cruises, London, calling the event a “true team effort.”

Forty-four Ellison team members were on hand throughout the event, connecting consumers with suppliers and helping attendees navigate the day's presentations and travel offerings.

There was also some extra incentive to stick around.

The expo featured a selection of travel prizes, topped by a grand prize AmaWaterways river cruise for two.

Canadian roots

The growing expo also put a spotlight on the Canadian roots behind the event.

Ellison Travel & Tours has been family-owned and operated since 1980 and remains 100 per cent Canadian.

The company has Ontario offices in London and Exeter, as well as a location in North Vancouver, B.C.

If anything, year two demonstrated that Ellison’s consumer expo has found an eager audience in southwestern Ontario.

And the event’s growth may not be finished yet.

“We already have some great ideas brewing for next year,” said Kelly. 

For more info about the expo, click here. 

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