Aptly held at the MGallery by Sofitel in Milton Keynes on March 8 - International Women’s Day - the event also featured a line-up of inspirational guest speakers, covering everything from technology to planning and time management.

GNOW was set up last year by Global’s commercial director Cherie Richards to “champion the role of women in travel”.

The first GNOW event took place last year in Chester and Richards is now planning to make the event annual, taking it to different locations across the UK and targeting different members each time.

Speaking at the event, Richards said: “Being an independent agent can be isolating. GNOW is a way of bringing agents together to meet, so that they feel less alone.

“We hope to champion the role of women in travel through our networking events. GNOW will inspire, coach, develop and motivate women, and promote diversity."

Guest speakers at the event included Jonathan Collins, Global Travel Group’s IT project manager, who spoke about Global’s new technology iBos; and media professional Laura Penn, who explained the importance of using video as a marketing tool.

Richards added: “Last year we sent out a survey to our members who attended the GNOW event in Chester, to hear their feedback and to find out what they would like to hear and see at the next event. It’s an event created entirely with our members in mind.

"It’s been great to see our members interacting with each other today, offering ideas and supporting each other.”