On Location: Dawn Rzepka & Vikas Malhotra win humanitarian awards at Hyatt Confidant Connect

It was a night for dressing up as movie stars, cartoon characters and historical figures, but the true icons shined on stage.

Hyatt’s 2024 “Confidant Connect Live” event came to an uplifting close Sunday night (Dec. 8) at Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club at an “Icons Ball,” a red carpet-ready dinner and awards gala for 100 travel advisors who made the Hyatt Inclusive Collection's latest top producers list.

The dazzling extravaganza, which unfolded inside the cenote-inspired property’s Jaguar Ballroom, honoured five travel advisors for their humanitarian efforts.

The Canadian travel pros who earned “Confidant Cares” trophies were Dawn Rzepka, senior director of Luxe Destinations Weddings, and Vikas Malhotra, a travel expert at itravel2000.

Selflessness & leadership

At work, Dawn Rzepka serves as co-chair of a global DEl committee, “working tirelessly to foster inclusivity and belonging, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table,” said Orelbys Vigoa, BDM, Eastern Canada, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada at Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, addressing the audience.

But Rzepka’s dedication to service goes far beyond her professional achievements.

For the past 10 years, she has been a key member of the Liberty Village Cares group. In this role, she has organized the annual Terry Fox runs, served weekly Sunday dinners at the Strachan House shelter, and led CAMH’s One Brave Night fundraiser, supporting individuals facing mental health challenges.

“Her selflessness and leadership have inspired positive change and have touched the lives of many,” said Vigoa.

In addition to her community work, Rzepka has volunteered for eight years at her local farmers market and consistently participates in and supports fundraising events for local causes, “always giving her time and energy to help others,” said Vigoa.

Serving the community

Vikas Malhotra, meanwhile, is a travel advisor who has spent the last 16 years helping people explore the world and creating unforgettable experiences.

And while he has excelled in his professional career, he has also shown an unwavering commitment to serving his community in the Greater Toronto Area, said Carolina Bellina, director of Canadian sales at Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection.  

“He has been a consistent and compassionate volunteer at senior homes, offering support to long-term residents by providing essentials, such as blankets and food,” Bellina said. “His involvement goes beyond material support—he has also led community lectures and engaging conversations, fostering a positive and enriching environment for seniors.”

Malhotra’s service also extends to local food banks, where he has actively participated, especially during food drives.

Additionally, he is a strong supporter of the Sick Kids Foundation in Toronto, inspired by his company's annual fundraising events.

“In a truly remarkable gesture, he arranged a three-day holiday for a team of nurses as a tribute to their dedication and bravery in the wake of COVID-19,” Bellina told the room. “The kindness, dedication, and selflessness of this nominee makes him an incredible asset to his community and an inspiration to all.”

The night’s U.S.-based winners included Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer of WorldVia Travel Group, Dan Smith, owner of Destination Wedding Travel, and Sharon Benoff, co-owner of Vacationeeze.

The winners received a prize from United Airlines, the event’s main sponsor. They were given a choice of either a single economy class ticket on United anywhere in Canada, U.S., Mexico or Central America, platinum status for a year or a United Club membership.

Five years of success

Hyatt’s Confidant Connect event (formally known as “Amazing Agent”) is now in its fifth year.

To mark the milestone, two travel advisors who have qualified to attend all five years were also honoured: Michael Schellhase (Travel Haus) and Trudy Lagerman (Liberty Travel), who are both based in the U.S.

Hyatt’s Confidant Connect Live, which took place from Dec. 6-8, is about recognizing the industry’s best and celebrating success.

“It’s about thanking travel advisors for their support, but it’s also an opportunity for us to showcase a property, get the leadership team involved and engage with advisors to share the latest news and resources,” said Bellina, speaking to PAX, which covered the event on location.

This year welcomed 25 travel advisors from Canada, who, over the weekend, had opportunities to hear updates from Hyatt’s executive team, attend workshops, network with peers and participate in site inspections – not only of relatively-new Secrets Tulum, a jungle-based resort, but also of Casa Zamna, a brand-new oceanfront boutique hotel and beach club, 20 minutes away. And other nearby properties, like Secrets Akumal and Dreams Tulum.

Notably, of everyone who made Hyatt’s top-seller list this year, 35 per cent were repeat attendees.  

“Everybody here is a winner,” said Mark Benson, associate vice-president sales and strategy at Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection, addressing the crowd at Sunday night’s Icons Ball. “You are all absolutely amazing.”

Stay tuned for PAX’s follow-up report from Hyatt Confidant Connect Live, including on-the-ground details about Secrets Tulum Resort and Beach Club, Hyatt’s trade strategy, updates on new hotels and insights from Canadian travel advisors.

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