Aviate Partner Event 2024: at Chester Zoo
In May, we hosted our Annual Partner Event at the amazing Chester Zoo, for a day of networking, education, and entertainment. The location was certainly not your average venue for a partner event, but we feel it exceeded all expectations and was a great experience for everyone who attended. With activities, food, and breakout rooms for presentations throughout the day, this year’s event was another huge success. Here's what we got up to at the event, along with some of our tour operators' amazing feedback!
A day of networking, education, and entertainment
The day began with all guests being welcomed into the venue with Aviate goody bags, which included a selection of goods but most importantly the events Aviate brochure. The back page of the brochure included a stamp page where guests would be able to accumulate stamps throughout the day to be entered into the event's prize draw. Once guests received their goody bags and signed in, they were able to help themselves with a selection of hot and cold drinks, followed by a delicious selection of pastries and fresh fruits to start the day off. Once all guests were settled in, the event kickstarted with presentations from our headline sponsors WestJet and Emirates who showcased their products and services. Guests then had the chance to network with the airline partners, making their way around the room. The layout of the venue at Chester Zoo allowed us to host an event that was open-planned with indoor and outdoor areas, as well as break-out rooms for presentations later in the day, creating a relaxed
The presence of our Partnerships, Flights, Groups, and Tech teams played a vital role in providing support to our tour operator partners throughout the event. Their expertise and knowledge ensured that our tour operator partners received assistance and access to innovative solutions, which we hope enhanced their overall experience. And gave TO's a useful insight into Aviate's product offerings.
Towards the end of the networking session, a buffet lunch of delectable food was on offer, including burgers, open sandwiches, and fishcakes, with the bar open for refreshments. Guests were able to take their food, socialise, and sit outside whilst relaxing in the sun.
After lunch, guests were then split up into pre-planned groups and taken for a guided tour around the Zoo, where they were able to see all sorts of amazing animals such as snow leopards, giraffes, monkeys, and more. When all guests returned they then made their way around each breakout room to experience three different Aviate presentations to help give them all a better idea of how different aspects of the company work, what we offer, and a chance for them to ask any burning questions they had.
The afternoon then progressed with a speech and Q&A from our Managing Director, Michael Edwards who gave everyone a great insight into his views around the travel industry and answered any questions guests had. The day then concluded by announcing the winners from our prize draw giveaway, which included some amazing prizes this year, with flight tickets, vouchers, hampers, and more up for grabs. Congratulations to all the winners!
What our partners thought about the event
‘Great mix of networking and seminars, also a break to actually walk around the zoo (this was a great touch!)’
‘Excellent all round productive day, thank you for the invitation’
‘The event was well laid out, with area to relax and catch up with like minded associates’
‘Having the different sections of the day meant it never felt stale.’
‘It was really well planned, timings were perfect, very informative and useful’
A big thank you to our airline and our tour operator partners for your continued support. The event wouldn't have been what it was without you all.