WINNIPEG — From sharpening business skills to celebrating standout service, Fareconnect.com Inc.’s 2026 Annual Conference brought travel advisors and supplier partners together in Winnipeg for three days of learning, networking and recognition.
The event welcomed more than 70 travel advisors and 19 supplier partners, with a program designed to strengthen industry knowledge, build supplier relationships and foster connections among Fareconnect’s advisors, partners and head office team.
A new afternoon program, Build Your Business, was introduced this year to help advisors strengthen the business skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive travel industry.
Sessions covered Accounting 101, artificial intelligence in business, fraud prevention, group booking management and marketing, giving attendees practical strategies and tools to apply to their businesses.
“While product knowledge is essential to being a successful travel advisor, running a successful business requires so much more,” said Rick Gaudet, CEO of Fareconnect.com Inc. “We wanted to give our advisors dedicated time to focus on the business side of travel, introduce them to tools that can make their work easier and help them identify new opportunities for growth.”
Fareconnect CEO Rick Gaudet (far left) and COO Cynthia Gaudet (far right) , COO, with the Above and Beyond Award recipents Dean Nicolos and Lucy Bettencourt
SUPPLIER EDUCATION IN FOCUS
Supplier participation remained a key part of the conference, with partners taking part in a trade show and delivering classroom presentations focused on their products, destinations and programs.
“Our conferences are all about learning, and having our suppliers present is a key part of that,” said Gaudet. “The classroom setting gives our partners dedicated time to explain their products, answer questions and build relationships with our advisors. These connections are valuable to both sides and ultimately help our agents better serve their clients.”
The mix of presentations, trade show activities and informal networking gave advisors and suppliers opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen existing partnerships and establish new connections.
Fareconnect’s Rick Gaudet, CEO, and Cynthia Gaudet, COO, with the Heart of Fareconnect Award recipient, John Fraser
NETWORKING AND RECOGNITION
The three-day conference also featured social activities, including a Meet and Greet, Travel Trivia Night, karaoke and a Gala and Awards Dinner.
The gala recognized the achievements of Fareconnect advisors and acknowledged supplier partners for their support. Supplier awards were voted on by Fareconnect’s advisor community of more than 500 members.
Two special honours highlighted the commitment and personal service valued within the network.
The Above and Beyond Award went to Dean Nicolos and Lucy Bettencourt after they drove approximately 10 hours to help clients who had become stranded in Thompson, Manitoba, following difficulties with their train journey.
The Heart of Fareconnect Award was presented to John Fraser in recognition of his 17 years of loyalty, dedication and contribution to the community.
Supplier winners at Fareconnect’s 2026 conference
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT ADVISORS
Fareconnect said the annual conference reflects its continued focus on helping independent travel advisors build their businesses through education, technology, supplier access and industry connections.
“The strength of Fareconnect has always been our people,” Gaudet said. “Our advisors work hard to build their businesses, and our supplier partners work hard to support them. Bringing everyone together gives us the opportunity to learn from one another, recognize achievements and strengthen the relationships that make this industry so special.”
With the 2026 conference concluded, feedback from advisors and suppliers will help inform plans for next year’s event.
Lead image caption: Travel advisors at Fareconnect.com Inc.’s 2026 Annual Conference
