In an era where technology often feels impersonal, Tern, a cutting-edge travel technology platform, has flipped the script by hosting an unprecedented user conference aboard a Virgin Voyages sailing. This five-day event, which convened over 180 travel advisors, agency owners, and industry leaders, wasn’t merely a meeting of minds but a transformative experience that fused professional growth with groundbreaking innovation. Far from the typical trade show format, Tern crafted a space where real-time software development, immersive learning, and community building took center stage. With unique elements like a live product hackathon and destination stops such as Bermuda, the event challenged conventional norms in the travel tech industry. This deep dive explores how Tern’s bold approach has set a new precedent for engagement and collaboration, potentially reshaping the way technology serves travel professionals.
The Power of User-Centric Innovation
Breaking New Ground with Real-Time Collaboration
Tern’s conference introduced a revolutionary concept to the travel tech world by hosting a live hackathon that turned user feedback into tangible software updates during the event itself. Over the course of the five days, attendees voiced specific needs and feature requests, which Tern’s engineering team tackled on the spot. By the closing keynote, new tools shaped by these suggestions were unveiled, leaving participants astounded at the speed and direct impact of their input. This level of responsiveness is rare in any industry, let alone travel tech, where product updates often lag behind user demands. The hackathon didn’t just solve immediate pain points; it demonstrated a partnership model where end-users become co-creators of the tools they rely on daily. Tern’s leadership highlighted this as a cornerstone of their philosophy, emphasizing that technology should evolve in lockstep with the professionals who use it to build their businesses.
This real-time collaboration also sent a powerful message about accountability in the travel tech sector. Unlike traditional development cycles that can span months or years, Tern’s approach compressed innovation into mere days, proving that user needs can drive immediate action. Attendees weren’t just passive recipients of updates; they witnessed firsthand how their ideas could shape the platform’s future. This dynamic shifted the typical vendor-client relationship into a true alliance, fostering trust and loyalty among Tern’s 6,000+ user base. Moreover, the event’s structure ensured that even those not directly involved in the hackathon felt the ripple effects through shared insights during networking sessions. Such an interactive process could inspire other companies to rethink how they engage with clients, potentially setting a higher standard for responsiveness across the industry. Tern has shown that listening isn’t enough—acting swiftly on feedback is the key to meaningful progress.
Pioneering a Feedback-Driven Future
The implications of Tern’s live development model extend beyond the confines of a single conference, hinting at a broader transformation in how travel tech companies operate. By prioritizing user input in such a public and immediate way, Tern has raised the bar for what travel professionals can expect from their technology providers. This wasn’t about showcasing pre-planned features but about solving real-time challenges faced by advisors and agency owners. The transparency of the process—where attendees could see their suggestions come to life—built a sense of ownership over the platform’s evolution. It’s a stark contrast to the often opaque nature of software updates, where users are left guessing about timelines or priorities. Tern’s method could push competitors to adopt similar strategies, fostering a more collaborative tech landscape.
Additionally, this feedback-driven approach aligns with a growing demand for personalized solutions in technology. Travel professionals operate in a complex, ever-changing environment, and generic tools often fall short of addressing their unique needs. Tern’s hackathon model tackled this by allowing for customized adjustments, ensuring the platform remains relevant and effective. The event also served as a testing ground for ideas that could benefit the wider user community, with plans to roll out these new features via an upcoming webinar for broader access. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that even those unable to attend the conference can still reap the rewards of collective innovation. As travel tech continues to evolve, Tern’s emphasis on direct user involvement may well become a benchmark, encouraging a shift from static software to dynamic, user-shaped solutions.
Building a Community for Travel Professionals
Filling a Critical Industry Gap
Tern’s conference addressed a long-standing void in the travel tech industry by creating a dedicated space for its users to connect and grow, something previously unseen in this sector. While other industries have benefited from robust user conference ecosystems for years, travel technology has often lacked such focused events, leaving advisors and agency owners without a centralized hub for learning and collaboration. Tern changed that by designing an event exclusively for its 6,000+ users, steering clear of the vendor-heavy focus typical of trade shows. Over 20 hours of educational sessions covered critical topics like AI-powered automation and strategies for mastering group travel, equipping attendees with actionable knowledge. This user-first mindset fostered an environment where participants could prioritize their business needs over external sales pitches, marking a significant departure from industry norms.
Beyond education, the conference cultivated a sense of belonging among travel professionals who often work in isolation or within small teams. The shipboard setting amplified this community-building effort, as curated social activities and shared experiences encouraged meaningful connections. Attendees weren’t just learning about the Tern platform; they were forging relationships with peers facing similar challenges, creating a support network that extends beyond the event. One-on-one consultations with Tern staff further personalized the experience, offering tailored advice to help participants maximize the platform’s potential for their specific business goals. This emphasis on community fills a crucial gap, as it provides a space for shared learning and mutual growth. Tern’s initiative could inspire other tech providers to invest in similar platforms, recognizing that a strong user community is vital for sustained engagement and innovation in the travel sector.
Empowering Through Shared Knowledge
The educational component of Tern’s event went far beyond surface-level training, diving deep into strategies that could transform how travel professionals operate their businesses. Sessions led by industry experts tackled cutting-edge topics such as leveraging AI for operational efficiency and navigating legal considerations in travel planning. These weren’t generic lectures but targeted workshops designed to deliver practical takeaways, ensuring attendees left with tools to enhance profitability and streamline workflows. The focus on real-world application set this conference apart, as participants could immediately implement what they learned, whether through the Tern platform or in broader business practices. This dedication to empowerment through knowledge underscores Tern’s role as more than a software provider—it positions the company as a partner in its users’ success.
Moreover, the event’s structure encouraged peer-to-peer learning, amplifying the value of the formal sessions. Travel advisors and agency owners shared insights from their own experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives that enriched the overall learning environment. This collaborative atmosphere was particularly impactful in addressing niche challenges, such as managing complex group bookings or adapting to rapidly changing technology trends. The shipboard setting played a subtle yet significant role, as informal discussions during downtime often led to unexpected solutions and ideas. Tern’s ability to facilitate these organic exchanges highlights the importance of community in driving innovation. By fostering an ecosystem where knowledge flows freely among users, Tern has laid the groundwork for a more connected and capable travel industry, potentially influencing how future events are designed to prioritize shared growth over isolated learning.
Disrupting Travel Tech with Experiential Learning
Merging Education with Destination Immersion
Tern’s decision to host its conference on a Virgin Voyages sailing wasn’t just a novelty—it was a deliberate strategy to blend professional development with immersive experiences that deepened learning. The shipboard environment offered a refreshing departure from sterile conference halls, allowing over 180 attendees to engage with educational content while surrounded by the unique backdrop of a cruise. Stops at destinations like Bermuda provided firsthand exposure to travel experiences, reinforcing the relevance of the sessions on travel planning and client engagement. This fusion of work and leisure created a dynamic atmosphere where participants could absorb complex topics like AI automation in a more relaxed, inspiring setting. The result was a holistic experience that made learning feel less like a chore and more like an integral part of a memorable journey.
This experiential approach also strengthened the bonds among attendees, as shared destination experiences fostered camaraderie that traditional venues often lack. Networking didn’t happen in rushed coffee breaks but through curated activities and informal moments against the backdrop of the open sea. Such an environment encouraged deeper conversations about business challenges and opportunities, often leading to collaborative ideas that might not emerge in a conventional setting. Tern’s leadership recognized the value of this immersion, noting that experiencing travel firsthand reminds professionals of the passion behind their work. By integrating destination exposure with over 20 hours of education, the conference offered a dual benefit: enhancing skills while reigniting enthusiasm for the industry. This model could redefine how travel tech events are structured, proving that learning is most effective when paired with meaningful, real-world context.
Redefining Professional Growth Through Unique Settings
The unique setting of Tern’s conference played a pivotal role in reimagining how professional growth can be achieved within the travel tech space. Unlike typical industry gatherings confined to predictable hotel ballrooms, the cruise ship offered a backdrop that naturally encouraged engagement and creativity among participants. Attendees found themselves discussing business strategies or platform features while exploring new environments, which often led to fresh perspectives on longstanding challenges. The intentional design of blending social activities with educational content ensured that learning wasn’t confined to formal sessions but permeated every aspect of the five-day event. This innovative format challenged the status quo, suggesting that professional development can be both impactful and enjoyable when delivered in an unconventional space.
Furthermore, the immersive setting underscored Tern’s broader mission to align technology with the human elements of travel. By placing advisors and agency owners in a context where they could experience the essence of travel, the conference reinforced the idea that tech tools should enhance, not overshadow, the personal connections central to the industry. Participants returned not only with new skills but also with renewed motivation, inspired by the tangible link between their work and the destinations they help clients explore. Tern’s approach highlighted a critical insight: environment matters just as much as content in shaping effective learning experiences. As other companies observe the success of this model, there may be a shift toward more experiential formats for user events, prioritizing settings that inspire and connect over those that merely accommodate. Tern’s pioneering effort in this regard looks back at a moment that reshaped expectations, proving that innovation in travel tech extends beyond software to the very spaces where ideas are born.
