A recent poll by TTG found that of the 162 respondents, 138 said they had personally seen unprofessional antics at trade events.
Several said they’ve repeatedly encountered this disruptive conduct, with others raising concerns over its impact on the industry as a whole.
“I have been to many events recently where it is clear that some of the agents are there for a good time and to see what they can get for themselves, rather than focusing on gaining knowledge and experience to help their customers,” said Sue Porter of Not Just Travel.
“I have witnessed some appalling behaviour that makes me cringe with embarrassment that I’m even in the same industry,” said Paul Smith. “Way too often I have experienced unacceptable behaviour by some agents, and it reflects badly on the good ones.”
Lorraine Gallimore of Cosmos Tours echoed this sentiment, adding she’s seen “horrendous behaviour” over the course of her travel career.
“I’ve been on educational tours where agents have been walking around hotel inspections so hungover they were throwing up in plants and bushes around the complex,” she said.
‘A free for all’
Some travel advisors even admitted to avoiding certain industry events over fears these unprofessional agents will ruin the experience.
“I’ve stopped going to some because I’m sick of people drinking as much as they can and talking during presentations,” said Rachel Coyne of Not Just Travel. “It’s appalling – a free for all.”
Others reported feeling ashamed of their disruptive peers, warning that these actions threaten the reputations of travel advisors across the sector.
“I get embarrassed that this is happening in our amazing industry,” said Melanie Kay Johnson from Travel Counsellors. “If it all stopped it would sort out the true professionals.”
‘Show some respect’
Agents also raised concerns over the impact of this unprofessional conduct on the hosts. “I feel really bad for the suppliers who have spent a lot of money out of their limited budgets to host such people.”
Porter went on to urge her peers to “remember what these events are for and show more respect to our generous hosts.”
‘I don’t see it’
Not all agents agree, however, that unprofessional behaviour is commonplace. Max Stobbart, founder of Stobbart Travel, told TTG he’s “never come across unruly agents or people getting really drunk.”
The independent advisor added: “I'm sure there is a small percentage that takes it too far but in my long experience of working in travel for over 25 years I just don't see it.”
Others argued that there’s too much focus on alcohol consumption – and not enough on agents’ motives for attending events.
“Surely those who only go to events to win things are more of a scourge on the industry than somebody who has a few drinks?” said Daniel Bartholomew Oates of The Awesome Adventure Co. This perspective was shared by Mike Johnson, who wrote: “I’ve never seen people drunk, however, I’ve been to some recently, quite prestigious, where ‘agents’ have paid a small amount to join and openly admit they only go to the events to see what they can get.”