Why do Bill Clinton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Andre Agassi, Michael J. Fox, Chris Hemsworth and Kylie Minogue know and love Flight Centre? Read on and find out!
If you haven’t heard of Flight Centre Travel Group’s annual Global Gathering, it must mean you don’t work for Flight Centre. That's because every one of its employees strives to attend this prestigious event, held in an exciting international destination each year. (Warning: you'll wish you work with us after reading this post!)
Flight Centre Does Berlin
Flighties, as we call ourselves, from across the world, descended on one of Europe's most up and coming destinations, Berlin, for a 36-hour celebration. It serves to recognize the efforts of its top 5% travel consultants, support staff and generous suppliers who made this lavish event possible.
This is a party like no other, but in true Flight Centre fashion, play hard is balanced with work hard, and the awards ceremonies highlighted the latter.
Throughout the awards presentations, the crowd of about 2,000 international employees were treated to engaging entertainment, hosted by red-hot comedian Michael McIntryre, who was later joined by the hilariously irrepressible Jimmy Carr. As much as these comical celebrities made the Mercedes-Benz Arena erupt with laughter, perhaps one of the biggest smiles was on the face of surprise special guest Chris Hemsworth. Keynote speakers of previous years included the luminaries we name-dropped at the start of this post --Clinton, Paltrow, Agassi and Fox (to name a mere few!)
Musical entertainment was on point and hit the right notes, you could say. American producer and DJ Duke Dumont killed it on the decks on Friday night, as the headliner that followed opener Jonas Blue. Saturday night at the prestigious awards dinner gala, we were treated to multi-talented American musician Aloe Blacc (I Need A Dolla, Wake Me Up) who is also a well-known philanthropist. This is fitting as the Flight Centre Foundation is committed to philanthropy. In fact, during the weekend the celebrants took time out for charity to gather solar lights for 2,000 third world children living without electricity.
Putting together solar-powered lamps with the charity Solar Buddy.
Another kind of electricity was provided by Aloe Blacc and his kinetic stage presence, lively band and great voice. It was assumed he was the surprise musical guest, however, a living legend took to the stage later in the evening. The incredible Aussie icon herself, Kylie Minogue.
Flight Centre Canada Dominates
John Beauvais, Flight Centre Canada President, with the writer.
Canadian Flighties especially had reasons to celebrate over the weekend in Berlin. Flight Centre Canada's President, John Beauvais, was awarded the Global Director of the year; the second time he received this honour. We also brought home the Global Marketer award, a distinction Canada had never received before.
What did the Flighties think?
I had the pleasure of meeting incredibly hard-working peers from around the world this weekend and was able to ask their thoughts on this mind-blowing event. Here is what they had to say!
Flight Centre heavyweights prove they are knockouts!
“The Flight Centre Global Gathering is special. It encapsulates everything it means to be a Flightie-- reward, recognition, travel, celebration, diversity, results, friendship, openness, love and so much more.
The production, speakers, performers and continent are always incredible and world-class with each and every Gathering better than the last.
My favourite part of the event is watching the emotion of my fellow Flighties over the few days. It’s the most joyful experience and unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced. Everyone needs to attend it at least once in their career. It’s not something that you can explain easily to others. You have to see and feel Global to truly get it. It’s pure magic.”
~ Gavin Miller, Executive Vice President Retail, Canada
"Global Berlin opened up the eyes of a first-time achiever! It was unbelievable; an out of this world experience where they literally give you the inspiration to continue to improve yourself."
~Danielle Ramsay - Development Coach, Australia
"This was my 6th Global and every year I go, I'm reminded of how hard work pays off, and how blessed we are."
~ Jane Kotze, Number 1 Corporate Travel consultant in South Africa
"In previous years, as amazing as they were, Canada didn't have the high profile and sales we do now. Seeing the Canadian flag onstage so many times made this Global the best for me yet, as Canada really shone."
~ Alan Young, Retail Consultant, Canada
"My initial reaction to going to Global this year was excitement-- mainly by the thought of seeing one of my novices qualify. Berlin was my third Global, and it was the best yet! The comedians really lightened up the day."
~ Caitlin Sherry, Team Leader, Australia
We think it's safe to say that this year's Global Gathering in Berlin was a huge success!
Interested in learning more about working for Flight Centre? We suggest you check this out! We also suggest you contact us to book a tailor-made trip to Berlin and Germany!