In-Person Connections in the Travel Industry: Why They Still Matter for Independent Travel Advisors
There’s something truly special about meeting face-to-face — and in the travel industry, those personal connections can make all the difference.
While independent travel advisors can work from anywhere and connect with clients around the world (flexibility being one of the best perks of the job), some of the most meaningful professional growth and networking opportunities still happen in person.
For independent advisors, entrepreneurship can often feel isolating. That’s why in-person learning, collaboration, and connection are essential for both personal and business success. Many advisors have found that real-world meetups, workshops, conferences, and familiarization trips offer unparalleled value when it comes to building relationships and expanding expertise.
Every advisor knows that travel trade shows are the backbone of in person connections between not only other advisors but more importantly the suppliers. These events provide a space where independent advisors can workshop ideas, learn new systems, and share best practices with peers and industry partners.
As one experienced advisor put it, “Working from home can be isolating, and connecting with other advisors face-to-face helps me learn smarter ways to grow my business.”
CCRA Regional Chapters: Connecting Travel Advisors in Your Community
Even though travel advisors are based all around the world, community remains at the heart of the travel profession — and that’s exactly what the CCRA Regional Chapters are designed to foster.
These local chapters bring together advisors within the same city or region to collaborate, connect, and grow together. From Arizona to Philadelphia, New Jersey to Houston, Chicago to Atlanta, just to name a few CCRA Chapters give advisors the opportunity to meet face-to-face, share insights, and stay informed about industry trends and supplier updates.
Chapter regularly hosts in-person meetups, supplier presentations, co-working sessions, and casual networking events. These gatherings are a fantastic way to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and build valuable partnerships that can help grow your business.
Joining your local CCRA Chapter also opens the door to exclusive learning opportunities and regional connections that enhance your professional network and expertise as an independent advisor.
To see if there’s a CCRA Regional Chapter in your city, visit CCRA Local Chapter to find your local chapter and upcoming events.
CCRA PowerSolutions Events: Your Gateway to Learning, Networking, and Growth
Each year, CCRA PowerSolutions events bring together travel advisors, suppliers, and industry leaders for a powerful day of education, networking, and business development. These regional events are designed specifically to help independent travel advisors grow their businesses, strengthen supplier relationships, and stay ahead of industry trends.
At every PowerSolutions event, you’ll find a mix of expert-led panels, educational workshops, and face-to-face supplier meetings — all crafted to help you gain insights, discover new travel products, and refine your professional skills. Advisors walk away with actionable strategies, stronger partnerships, and renewed inspiration to elevate their travel businesses.
Whether you’re looking to connect with top travel brands, learn about new destinations, or meet fellow advisors in your area, CCRA PowerSolutions offers the ideal environment to do so. These events are about more than networking — they’re about building meaningful connections that drive long-term success.
To explore upcoming opportunities and see when PowerSolutions is coming to a city near you, visit CCRA PowerSolutions. All advisors are welcome!
FAM Opportunities
For travel advisors, there’s no substitute for firsthand in person connections— and that’s exactly what FAM opportunities provide. As a TRUE Independent Advisor, you gain exclusive access to a wide range of FAM trips and educational experiences offered by supplier partners who collaborate directly with the TRUE network.
In the last year a number of FAMS brought together many advisors with suppliers in collaborations that included Discover Puerto Rico, Tren Maya and Los Cabos Mexico. TRUE Advisors who participate in supplier webinars and virtual training sessions are the first to hear about upcoming FAM opportunities and new partner offerings. These webinars are an excellent way to stay informed about which suppliers are currently hosting trips for TRUE members.
The Value of In-Person Collaboration
For independent travel advisors, every face-to-face encounter — whether it’s attending a FAM, joining in on a chapter meeting or a conference — represents an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow.
In-person experiences often lead to new partnerships, client referrals, and exclusive supplier connections that can significantly boost business success. They also reinforce a sense of belonging and shared purpose that can sometimes get lost in remote work.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: people do business with people they know and trust. Building those relationships through genuine, in-person engagement will always be a cornerstone of a thriving travel career.