Just over a month ago I shared the branding session and launch of my dear friend’s joint new business venture, Travel Pro Theory. Noticing a lack of education and support available to travel professionals, Heather of Heather Christopher Travel Consultanting and Kate of North & Leisure set out to create the one thing they felt missing from the industry.

A cornerstone of Travel Pro Theory are their workcations. Workcations are an opportunity for like-minded business owners to gather and work together on improving their businesses while relaxing and enjoying time away with industry colleagues. As business owners, our days are often spent doing work on behalf of our clients. We don’t often take the time necessary to implement new processes, create new content or update existing materials. A workcation allows you to focus on creating better experiences for new and current clients while bouncing ideas and resources off of eachother.

For this workcation, Heather, Kate and fifteen other travel pros gathered at Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia for a three day get together. Located just outside of Washington D.C., Salamander is a gorgeous boutique property that provided the most picturesque setting. With an in house spa, fitness center with classes, world-class restaurant, and more, it’s the perfect place for a weekend away and makes the most gorgeous location for a wedding.

Most guests arrived Sunday evening where the group gathered for a relaxing dinner downtown. Like everything planned during the workcation, dinner was optional but a great way to meet everyone else. The next two days would be filled with a ridiculous amount of brainstorming and coworks so meeting for dinner was a great way to kick off the trip.

The beauty of a workcation is that you have the opportunity to collaborate and bounce ideas off of other industry pros but also set your own schedule. While there were group activities planned, it was optional for each attendee. This allowed everyone to dedicate as much time to work or take advantage of Salamander’s amenities  as needed and wanted.

Heather and Kate did an amazing job of sprinkling in group activities that encouraged everyone to put down their laptops for a minute, connect with others and relax. Doug Camp, sales manager for the Salamander gave a site tour to all who had never visited before showing off all the possibilities of the property. In addition to that, Heather’s cousin Erika, a fitness instructor on site, hosted her famous “Butts & Guts” class just for the group.

From Heather to attendees: We want you to know how grateful we are for believing in us and entrusting us with your time. Thank you to the Salamander for being the perfect host! As always, Travel Pro Theory believes in community over competition and we’re so grateful that you’re in ours.  

Heather + Kate, I had an amazing time capturing this workcation. The sense of community and collaboration was inspiring and I learned so much from just being in the room with this amazing group. I’m already excited for your next one and can’t wait to see how you two continue to inspire and elevate the industry this year!

-xo-

Jamie

Attendees

• Kate Thomas with Travel Pro Theory and North & Leisure – @travelprotheory @northandleisure
• Heather Christopher with Travel Pro Theory, Heather Christopher Travel Consultants and Wanderlust Wed Co. – @travelprotheory @heatherchristophertravel @wanderlustwedco
• Kathleen Sullivan with Anthology Travel – @anthologytravel
• Emily Matras with Bonvivant Copy – @bonvivantcopy
• Ashley Theis with The Constant Wayfarer – @theconstantwayfarer
• Julie Waldo with Day Spring Travel – @dayspringtravel
• Mackenzie Peyser – @destinationdesign
• Pamela Bivens with Distinctive Destination by Pamela
• Holly Mayhew – @hsmayhew1
• Jenna Daykin with In the Details Darling – @inthedetailsdarling
• Ashely Metes-McCoy with Kinship Vacations – @kinshipvacations @metesh_mccoy
• Rachel with The One Moment Events – @theonemomentevents
• Sarah Peterson with Sincerely Pete and Wanderlust Wed Co. – @sincerelypete @wanderlustwedco