Collette hosts global sales conference in Australia for BDMs

Collette is highlighting its investment in travel advisors and partners with a recent global sales conference held in Australia.

Earlier this month, the company brought more than 100 Business Development Managers (BDMs) from Canada to Australia for its 2026 Global Sales Conference, focusing on destination training and planning for the year ahead.

Rather than a traditional meeting format, the program centred on in-destination experiences, giving attendees firsthand exposure to the product they support advisors in selling.

“This kind of investment, especially during a challenging time for the industry, reflects who we are as a company,” said Christian Leibl-Cote, executive vice president of global sales at Collette. 

“We know that the best way to support our travel advisor partners is to ensure our teams have deep, authentic knowledge of our destinations. When our people experience travelling the way our guests do, it can really open the lines of communication.”

Participants visited destinations including the Great Barrier Reef and Queenstown while also taking part in strategy sessions focused on growth and collaboration across markets.

Karen Deveson, managing director, Collette Australia, said the initiative reflects the company’s approach to training and development.

“I’m incredibly grateful to work for a company that truly invests in its people and products. This is about experiencing a destination. At Collette, we don’t just sell travel; we believe in it. And how can we inspire clients to explore the world if we haven’t explored it ourselves? We are travellers too.”

Collette says the conference is part of its broader focus on education, experience and global collaboration in supporting travel advisors.

“We are proud to showcase Australia to our international team,” added Deveson. 

“This country has so much to offer, and there is no substitute for experiencing it firsthand.”

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