TravelManagers launched webinar training last year as a means to providing professional development for their personal travel managers in a multitude of locations across Australia. In addition to being a hit from the start for convenience, cost effectiveness and timeliness reasons, TravelManagers' suppliers find them hugely beneficial also.

Darren Perry, sales executive for OctopusTravel in New South Wales is a huge advocate especially with the success of his role being so intrinsically linked with sales.

"The reality is if people aren't familiar with a product it makes it harder for them to discuss it merits in depth with their clients. With the evolution of the home-based travel consulting model and specifically with the success of TravelManagers' growth all around Australia, it is harder for me as a Rep to get in and see all of them let alone train them on our product developments."

Mr. Perry, a veteran of three Webinar training sessions, says TravelManagers move to implement the webinars has been a lifesaver.

"Without this type of training it would be much more time consuming to educate people about the merits of our product.  It enables open two way dialogue so participants can have all their questions and queries sorted easily too."

Mr. Perry says what struck him was how easy and effective it was to use.

"I'm into technology but I certainly wouldn't call myself an IT specialist so the fact it was so simple to use was a bonus. I just prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the training I wanted to get across during the session and then it really was as simple as making a time with TravelManagers National Partnership Office. They then handled all the communication with their personal travel managers."

 In addition to taking the personal travel managers through the presentation relating to new products and enhancements to existing products, there was also time allowed for an open discussion and questions. Mr. Perry says he is keen to do more in 2010.

"It's a breeze I arrive at TravelManagers head office 15 minutes before the training is due to start to make sure all the slides are working and then we join the callers. The results completely speak for themselves, since I've been conducting the webinars our sales from TravelManagers have increased by 187 percent. They were pretty good to start with too but now they are fantastic!"

Having been in the industry for 12 years, 10 years with an airline and just over two years with OctopusTravel, Mr. Perry says it is interesting watching consumer habits when it comes to buying travel.

"I definitely think the personal travel manager concept is a winner, I believe it will only grow stronger. It is one of the reasons we are investing time in developing such a strong relationship with TravelManagers. There is no doubt they will continue to be very successful. We believe that this segment of the market will grow and we have been very pleased with the results that have been achieved to date."

Mr. Perry says OctopusTravel has a very high regard for TravelManagers.

"Their professionalism is second to none. The National Partnership Office offers a very high level of support to all their personal travel managers. This was made clear to me after attending the TravelManagers conference on the Gold Coast last November. Not only were the personal travel managers full of praise for their head office so were other suppliers."

Mr. Perry says the calibre of the personal travel managers at TravelManagers is very high.

"They all have a strong travel backgrounds and lot of experience plus the TravelManagers way seems to be about helping each other to improve. They are very much advocates of each others' success, it is very refreshing to see."

Mr. Perry says more webinar training is already in process for 2010.

"I am arranging dates now for the whole year so we can get them locked in providing the personal travel managers with as much notice as possible. I'm keen to make this a regular occurrence with TravelManagers, the returns are immense. It is hugely exciting."