Ensemble Conference 2015 underway in Orlando

“Are y’all ready for the night of your lives?!” shouted Don Gatlin, lead singer of the country rock group Savannah Jack, moments before he and his fellow bandmates ripped into a high-energy setlist that got nearly 1,000 travel pros bouncing in a collective hoedown at Ensemble’s opening reception in Orlando, Florida.

Standing on the edge of a curvaceous pool deck in between a waterslide and an 850-foot lazy river at the Omini Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, the Nashville-based band covered hits by the Jackson 5 and the Rolling Stones as attendees weaved around hot tubs and palm trees while indulging on Trinidad tamarind wings, spicy jerk shrimp and a Cuban pork roast that squealed deliciousness.

"Tonight’s a celebration — an opportunity to celebrate this industry, our partnerships and our relationships,” said a jovial Lindsay Pearlman, co-president at Ensemble Travel Group, alongside his colleague, Ensemble co-president Libbie Rice.

Ensemble’s annual international conference draws members, suppliers, company presidents and high-profile speakers from both the U.S and Canada. The week-long symposium aims to tackle the latest in travel trends, provide solutions for businesses and allow access to some of the industry’s top suppliers through ongoing networking events, trade shows and receptions.

This year’s agenda includes a power panel led by industry veteran Jeff Drew involving four major travel leaders who will discuss industry challenges and trends; interactive learning sessions taught by experts in time management, sales and agency acquisition; and lively evening events, including Tuesday night’s Ensemble Circle of Excellence Gala Awards Dinner and Make-A-Wish Foundation live auction.

But perhaps the biggest buzz among attendees so far has been over this year’s celebrity keynote speaker, Emmy-winning chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain, who will share his stories and insights gained from travelling the globe.

“We’re in a very exciting business,” added Pearlman at last night’s party by the pool. “Everyone who’s here is very excited about where the organization is going...Tonight is only the beginning!”

The 2015 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference runs until Thursday, Oct. 29. Stay tuned as PAX brings you on-location news and announcements from the conference all week long.