Major travel retailer Direct Travel recently held its annual conference, “Direct Access,” in Chicago from October 7 to October 9.

Taking place at the iconic Hilton Chicago, the conference welcomed over 300 attendees including agency managers, advisors and I/Cs, and supplier partners from across North America.

Events included Strategic Partner panels discussing trending topics followed by engaging, small group ideation sessions. Over 3,000 matched appointments between advisors and partners focused on building business into 2025. Professional Development sessions highlighted a showcase of Direct Travel’s latest technology release: Direct Tracker, a custom-built commission management platform.

During the annual Give Back event, held this year in cooperation with the Collette Foundation, attendees made 278 blankets to support a local chapter of Project Linus. “This team-building aspect of the conference is a highlight for many,” said Joelle Goldman, VP Host Services & Luxury Hotel Program. “The opportunity to work together and get to know each other while giving back is truly amazing.”

The event kicked off with great fanfare as the “Blues Brothers” (aka Stephen Smith and Gerard Bellino) made their entrance at the welcome reception.

On Tuesday Night, the GEM Awards gala dinner recognized over 150 top performing advisors across North America who achieved Sapphire, Diamond or Ruby sales status with Direct Travel. “It was a wonderful event for learning, networking and motivation,” said Denver-based Gerard Bellino, Direct Travel’s President, Leisure Travel. “And it is always a highlight to have the opportunity to recognize the incredible achievements of so many of our advisors.”