MISSISSAUGA — Human expertise and artificial intelligence were at the centre of Transat Distribution Canada’s (TDC) Rendez-vous 2026, where members gathered to discuss the future of travel and the role of advisors in an increasingly technology-driven industry.
Held Sept. 26 and 27 at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale under the theme ‘Powered by Heart,’ the annual event brought together agency owners and managers, travel advisors, TDC team members and approximately 55 industry partners from across Canada.
The program featured keynote presentations, workshops, partner showcases and networking, with a focus on combining technology with the personal service and expertise travel advisors provide.
“Being Powered by Heart means moving forward with the best tools available while never losing sight of what gives meaning to our profession: our humanity,” said Karine Gagnon, General Manager of TDC. “Technology can speed up research, compare options and automate certain tasks. But it is travel advisors who turn all that information into informed decisions, reassurance and trust.
“In travel, innovation is an enabler, but people remain at the heart of the travel experience.”
Karine Gagnon on stage with the leadership team
STUDY HIGHLIGHTS VALUE OF ADVISORS
TDC shared findings from The Future of Travel Distribution in Canada, a study commissioned by the organization and conducted by Ipsos in early 2026. The research found that one in five Canadian travellers had used a travel advisor in the previous year, while travellers aged 18 to 34 relied on advisors almost as frequently as older age groups.
Demand for professional guidance increased with more complex trips involving multi-destination itineraries, exotic destinations, large groups, cruises, special requests or entry requirements.
“The most encouraging conclusion of this study is also the clearest: technology does not diminish the value of travel advisors, it shifts that value to the moments when it matters most,” said Gagnon.
“The more options travellers have, and the more complex trip planning becomes, the more valuable human judgment, expertise, and accountability become. For our network, this is both validation and a call to action. We must continue investing in specialization, training, and the visibility of this expertise. Our ambition is to help our members not only keep pace with industry changes but anticipate them and benefit from them.”
Travel advisors at Rendez-vous 2026
TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIONS
Professional development was a key part of the program. Jasmin Bergeron, professor at Université du Québec à Montréal, author and speaker, delivered the keynote Creating a WOW Effect!, sharing strategies for memorable customer experiences.
Édith Lemay presented Eyes Wide Open, recounting her family’s year-long journey to create visual memories for her children, three of whom are progressively losing their sight due to a rare genetic condition. Their experience inspired the National Geographic documentary Blink.
Members also participated in workshops on difficult client situations, the TDC Hub, SIREV and using Microsoft Copilot as a sales tool. The TDC Travel Showcase featured more than 55 partners, alongside Spotlight Presentations.
Rendez-vous 2026 at the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale
FORUM AND MEMBER RECOGNITION
The event was preceded by Forum on Sept. 25, a strategic meeting for TDC agency owners and managers. The program included one-on-one meetings with leadership, updates from Karine Gagnon, Renée Boisvert, President of TDC and Vice-President, Tour Operator Products and Sales at Transat, and Dianne Jackson, Director, Franchise and Affiliate Members.
Entrepreneur and soft skills expert Dr. Andrew Woods also presented Enhancing Human Potential in a Tech-Driven World, focusing on how AI can strengthen client relationships by freeing up advisors’ time for higher-value service.
On Saturday evening, members attended A Stopover Along the Spice Route, presented by Transat. The event recognized 15 members marking five to 20 years with the network and included the presentation of the TDC Awards.
The 2026 Rising Star recipients were Terra Ouellette of Marlin Travel Pembroke and Lindsay Kerr of Transat Travel Oshawa. Customer Experience Star honours went to Carolena (Lena) Cutro of Marlin Travel Cobourg and Erin Louise Hettle of Transat Travel Northgate Centre. Awards were presented separately for franchised and affiliated agencies and Transat Travel agencies.
TDC’s French-language Rendez-vous 2026 took place Sept. 19 and 20 in Saint-Hyacinthe, preceded by Forum on Sept. 18.
Lead image caption: TDC’s leadership team at Rendez-vous 2026
