Welcome to The Biz Huddle with Courtnie Nichols
We’re kicking things off with a powerful welcome from Courtnie Nichols, the visionary behind The Biz Huddle. Courtnie will set the tone for the days ahead—sharing what inspired this event, what makes it different from any other industry experience, and how to make the most of your time here. Get ready for a mix of real talk, purpose, and big energy as we officially open The Biz Huddle.
Setting the Intention, Share the Wisdom
We’re kicking off The Biz Huddle by tapping into the real magic of this event: you. This peer-to-peer session is designed to ground you, connect you, and align your focus for the next three days.
Through intentional reflection, authentic conversations, and a powerful group exercise, you’ll identify the questions you want answered and the expertise you bring to the table. You’ll leave this session crystal clear on how to show up, what to ask, and who to lean on.
This is where the Huddle begins. Come ready to share, be seen, and set the tone for a high-impact experience.
Turn Qualified Leads into High-Value Clients–Sales Framework with Katy Hoagland
Elevate your sales conversations with a high-converting, trust-based approach. In this session, you’ll learn a simple 5-step framework to confidently guide consultative sales calls, deeply understand client needs, and offer premium solutions that set you apart. Unlearn limiting beliefs, show up authentically, and shift from just selling to truly serving—leading to stronger conversions, retention, and referrals.
Optional: Nightcap at The Powderoom Speakeasy
Unwind. Connect. Sip.
After a powerful first day, join us for an intimate nightcap in one of Austin’s most stylish hidden gems — Powder Room. This relaxed, come-as-you-are gathering is your chance to let your hair down, make new connections, and toast to what’s ahead.
No agendas. No pressure. Just good vibes, curated cocktails, and meaningful conversation with fellow travel CEOs who get it.
You’ve earned this moment.
Rewire Your Mindset for Success with Jen Diaz
Our subconscious mind impacts our actions, habits, and results. During this session, you'll learn about the different types of mindsets you need to embody in order to be a successful CEO. You'll learn how to make powerful shifts that will help you unblock and move forward with confidence.
The $1Million Shortcut: The Systems No one Told You About with Jordan Gill
Tired of juggling endless tasks manually? This session is your roadmap to smarter systems that streamline your workflow, improve client experience, and free up your time. Learn what can actually be automated so every client gets the VIP treatment—without you working around the clock. Because a seamless client journey isn’t just good for business—it’s good for you, too.
Wellness Break
Wednesday Midday Reset: We’ve built in a quick wellness break to help you recharge and stay energized for the rest of the day. Enjoy a curated selection of nourishing snacks and drinks!!!
Scaling Beyond the Solo Entrepreneur: Streamlining Operations with a Team with Tatiana O’Hara
This workshop will teach you how to implement systems and delegate effectively to reduce burnout and increase productivity.
Systems Overhaul: Introduce project management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Asana) to simplify workflows and reduce friction.
Strategic Hiring & Delegation: How to hire and delegate to free up time for high-impact work.
Onboarding & Performance Management: How to set clear expectations and track team performance without micromanaging.
Building Your Team’s Core: Delegation, Accountability & Performance with Tatiana O’Hara
Part II of Scaling. This session will build on the first part. You will learn tools to set up clear roles, responsibilities, and goals for your team.
Effective Delegation: How to delegate high-value tasks to scale faster.
KPIs & Performance Management: Setting up simple but effective performance metrics.
Team Communication: Best practices for transparent, productive communication.
Action Plan for Scaling Smarter with Tatiana O’Hara
Part III of Scale. This time will be used to put together a 30 day action plan for imporving team communication, training and delegation. This will also be a time to get personalized advice for challenges you are currently facing in team and operations.
Provide practical templates and tools to start implementing immediately.
Focus on real-world solutions to common struggles like burnout, delegation, and system implementation.
Dinner on Your Own: Explore Austin
The evening is yours to explore! Grab a few fellow attendees and discover Austin’s vibrant food scene—from rooftop tacos to upscale southern fare. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back bite or a lively hotspot, this is the perfect time to unwind, connect, and soak in the city’s flavor.
Breathwork Workshop Presented by Miraval Resorts Austin
Take a pause and reconnect with yourself during this guided breathwork session. Led by Susan from Miraval Austin, this practice is designed to help you ground your energy, clear mental clutter, and return to the day with more focus and presence.
No experience necessary — just come as you are and breathe.
Booked & Banked Profitability & Marketing Strategy w/Kim
Facilitated by Kim Trathen, Business Growth Strategist + Fractional CMO
This session is all about turning the business you have into the business you want. Whether you’re scaling past six figures or working to get there, Kim will guide you through her signature 3-step framework to build a luxury travel business designed for long-term profit, not burnout.
You’ll walk away with clarity around:
What’s really driving (or blocking) your revenue
How to design a high-end business model that aligns with your goals
The messaging and positioning that attract premium clients who are ready to book
Expect hands-on strategy, guided reflection, and real-time shifts. Bring your numbers, your vision, and your questions — this is where we build.
The Reel Way to Grow Your Travel Biz on Social Media with Shannon McKinstrie
This session will help you move beyond simply posting to Instagram and start creating content that actually drives bookings. Shannon will guide you through how to use short-form video, especially Reels — to connect with your audience in a way that builds trust and makes your value crystal clear. You’ll learn how to present yourself consistently and authentically, even if social media doesn’t come naturally to you. It’s not about going viral — it’s about being seen, remembered, and chosen. Whether you’re new to video or already posting regularly, this session will give you a fresh perspective and practical direction to make your content work harder for your business.
SEO Power Hour: The Future of Travel Search is Here with Meg Clarke
AI is rapidly changing how travelers search, plan, and book — and most travel advisors are already behind. In this eye-opening session, Meg Clarke will break down how AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and TikTok are reshaping the travel landscape and what that means for your visibility. You’ll learn what it takes to show up in AI search results, how to optimize your content for both traditional and AI-driven platforms, and the key steps you can take right now to future-proof your business online.
If your name isn’t coming up when someone asks ChatGPT for the best travel advisor, this session will show you how to change that.
Mini Break w/ Classic Vacations
Take five to hear from our friends at Classic Vacations during this informal spotlight session. Designed to be more conversational than salesy, this quick breakout gives you a chance to connect with a trusted partner, learn something new, and discover how they’re supporting advisors like you.
Four Simple Funnels Every Travel Planner Should Have with Cathy Olson
Your dream clients are curious but cautious. This workshop will show you how to guide them from stranger to buyer using high-converting funnels designed specifically for luxury travel businesses. Cathy Olson will guide you through four strategic funnels that enhance visibility, foster trust, and generate consistent leads without requiring complicated tech or custom code. From social bio funnels to micro offers, you’ll learn how to design a client journey that feels elevated, intentional, and aligned with how luxury travelers actually book. You’ll also have time to map out your own funnel strategy, so you leave with something you can implement right away.
Cool Connections Popsicle Break Sponsored by Remotely
Take a sweet break, cool off, and connect! Join us for 30 minutes of casual conversation, cold treats, and good vibes. It’s your chance to meet Korie from Remotely, mingle with fellow attendees, and enjoy a little midday refresh before we dive back in.
The Travel Pro’s Guide to Email Marketing: Build, Nurture, Convert with Sam Vander Wielen
Your email list isn’t just a backup plan for social media—it’s your most valuable marketing asset. But are you using it to its full potential? In this session with attorney-turned-entrepreneur Sam Vander Wielen, you’ll learn how to attract the right subscribers, keep them engaged with emails they actually want to read, and turn them into loyal, repeat clients. We’ll cover the biggest mistakes travel pros make, how to audit your opt-ins and newsletters, and simple strategies to optimize your emails for more bookings and revenue. Whether you're just starting or ready to refine your strategy, this session will give you the tools to make email marketing work for your business.
Personal Time
Take a moment to recharge before the evening begins. Use this time to head back to your room, cool off, change clothes, or simply unwind before joining us upstairs for Cocktails & Conversations on the 15th floor.
Cocktails & Conversations (15th Floor Penthouse Suite)
Grab a cocktail and join us for an unfiltered, fireside-style conversation with Austin-based Creative Attorney Alyce Zawacki as we dive into the legal essentials every travel business owner should understand. This session is designed to make legal feel less intimidating and more empowering—covering everything from trademarks and intellectual property to chargebacks, contracts, FTC rules, AI in marketing, and IC vs. employee classification.
Whether you’re scaling a team, launching a new brand, or simply want to tighten up your backend operations, this is your chance to ask questions and get real-world legal insight tailored to your business.
How AI is Reshaping Your Business with Tahnee Perry
AI is changing the economy, the way we work, and how people travel—and it’s redefining what it means to be a travel advisor. In this two-hour session, we’ll explore how these shifts are impacting the travel industry and what they mean for your business. Through real-world case studies, you’ll see how AI is transforming leisure travel and learn how to integrate it into your workflows. We’ll also play Human or AI, a fun debate on who should do what, followed by small group brainstorming to identify the best AI use cases for your business and how to implement them.
Smart Break: The Power of the Markup with TripSuite
Join TripSuite’s Jacey for a quick yet powerful look at how top-performing advisors are maximizing profits through net pricing strategies. Backed by real data from over 240,000 trips, this informal session breaks down how net trips drive 3x more revenue, how to manage financial risk effectively, and why TripSuite’s platform is designed to support the evolving needs of modern advisors.
Understanding Your Business Finances & Cash Flow Clarity
With Natasha Carrillo, Founder of Money with Confidence
Ready to ditch the stress and take control of your business finances? In this practical session, Natasha Carrillo will guide you through assessing your business’s financial health, projecting cash flow, and implementing systems that actually work. You’ll uncover what’s really causing cash flow issues, learn how to plan for taxes, pay yourself with confidence, and finally separate the chaos from your cash.
Walk away with simple action steps, smarter systems, and real clarity on how to build a financially sustainable business that’s ready to scale. This one’s for the advisor ready to get serious about their money.
Send-Off with Courtnie
As we wrap up an incredible few days together, we’ll gather one last time to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead. Courtnie will close out The Biz Huddle with final thoughts, takeaways, and a few parting words to keep you inspired long after you leave Austin. You came to grow—now go implement, lead, and keep the momentum going.