The energy here at Virtuoso Travel Week is absolutely electric! It's a full-throttle sprint from the moment the doors open each morning until the last networking event of the night. This isn't your typical conference; it's an immersive deep dive into the world of luxury travel. The heart of the week is the non-stop schedule of nine-minute, one-on-one meetings, speed dating at its best.
My head is spinning, but in the best possible way, as I race from one table to the next, connecting with hotel general managers, cruise line VPs, and destination partners from every corner of the globe. Each meeting is a chance to put a face to a name, to share stories, and to uncover those hidden gems that will make your future travels truly extraordinary.
I was inspired by the opening session keynote with Will Guidara, celebrated restaurateur, co-owner of the former Eleven Madison Park, and the author of the best-selling book Unreasonable Hospitality. I've always subscribed to and strive to run my travel business with the idea that we can go beyond merely meeting expectations, instead creating experiences that are so unexpected and thoughtful they leave a lasting impression. I'm discussing groundbreaking platforms and AI solutions, but always with the end goal of better understanding my clients' desires and securing those "unreasonable hospitality" moments that define a truly unforgettable trip.
The conversations and connections I'm making here are invaluable. The buzz of the conference floor, the shared excitement, and the new partnerships I'm forging are what will allow me to craft the most incredible itineraries for my clients in the year ahead. It's a busy and exhausting week, but an essential and inspiring one.
P.S. I’ll be sharing some behind-the-scenes over on my Instagram, so be sure to connect with me there.