By Caroline Hollar, Director of Marketing at Gifted Travel Network

I recently had the privilege of representing Gifted Travel Network at the Future Leaders in Travel event in Anchorage, Alaska. Thank you to Northstar and TravelAge West for hosting such a one-of-a-kind event and to Visit Anchorage for giving us the perfect setting to experience it all.

Future Leaders in Travel is all about bringing together the next generation of advisors and supplier partners (ages 22–40) for professional development, networking, and - since we were in Alaska - plenty of adventure.  

Learning the Language of Luxury Travel

One highlight for me was taking the stage to share my session, Learning the Language of Luxury Travel. We explored the mindset and vocabulary that set luxury advisors apart - how to communicate with both polish and confidence. Since this was a room full of younger leaders, I kept it engaging with a few jokes and pop-culture references along the way.

Experiencing Alaska

Anchorage gave us plenty of memorable moments between sessions:

  • At Hilltop Ski Area, we enjoyed food trucks, a chairlift ride with sweeping views, s’mores by the fire, and local beer on tap.
  • The Alaska Railroad offered a stunning ride along Turnagain Arm, complete with panoramic views and even karaoke in one of the train cars.
  • On the Glacier Cruise, we passed through the tunnel to Whittier, got up close to incredible glaciers, and captured some unforgettable photos.
  • For the Closing Party, we gathered for a lively dinner at a local bar that ended with a drag show – a finale that was refreshingly different and unforgettable.  

Leaving Anchorage, I felt energized - not just by the fresh Alaskan air, but by the perspectives and relationships this event sparked. Events like this remind me why I love our industry: innovative, welcoming, and always willing to mix fun with meaningful work.

The Future Leaders in Travel retreat isn’t just about the next generation stepping into leadership- it’s about building an industry shaped by collaboration, inclusivity, and creativity. And I’m proud to be part of that future.

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