Ensemble President Michael Johnson discussing the consortium’s goal of raising $150,00 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Source: Ensemble)
With upward of 50 new agencies joining Ensemble in the last year alone, and with network sales up 11% year-over-year, the Ensemble Horizons 2026 conference underscored the consortium’s upward trajectory.
The conference, held at Resorts World Las Vegas, drew almost 1,000 members, up from 400 at the previous conference, with 40 percent of advisors attending the event for the first time.
A Focus on Quality Over Size
“I think it’s important to hearken back to where it all began on June 1, 2022, when Ensemble transitioned from a cooperative to a private company,” said Ensemble President Michael Johnson, adding the network is “proud of the momentum” it has built.
“It’s never been our goal to be the biggest; it’s always been our goal to be the best,” he said.
Ensemble’s focus, Johnson noted, “is helping advisors build more profitable, sustainable businesses.”
The consortium's top growth source? Referrals from existing members.
“That’s very interesting because it means that not only are our members engaged, but they are out there acting as advocates on our behalf,” Johnson said.
New Partner Framework Enhances Advisor Opportunities
Part and parcel to Ensemble’s strategy regarding its preferred suppliers, with the introduction of an updated partner tiering framework, which provides members with“clearer visibility into preferred partners, recognizes top performers, and creates more transparent, consistent earning opportunities across the network,” Ensemble said. “It is designed not simply to expand the partner marketplace, but to make sure every relationship within it is driving real value back to advisors, the company added.
Philanthropy in Focus: Make-A-Wish Partnership
The conference also put the spotlight on Ensemble’s partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation. “Building on the campaign launched at the October Summit, Ensemble has already raised one-third of its $150,000 goal, with additional funds generated during Horizons through a sweepstakes supported by Silversea and other partners, while its parent company committed to match the full goal dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact,” the company said.
Recognizing Top Agencies and Supplier Partners
The event also honored top travel agencies and supplier partners.
Rainbow Getaways received the Innovation Award (USA); Misha Kostiuchenko of Crown Cruise Vacations and Shaila Sedani of Paull Travel earned the Rising Star Award; Millbrook World Travel took home the Outstanding Contribution to the Community Award; and Ambassador Tours received Member Excellence.
Meanwhile, the top supplier award went to AmaWaterways, named Overall Partner of the Year.
Supplier Awards Span Key Categories
Other Partner of the Year winners included:
Partner of the Year winners included The Cove and The Reef at Atlantis Paradise Island (Hotel Collections), Viking (Ocean Cruise), AmaWaterways (River Cruise), Silversea (Expedition Cruise), Explora Journeys (Luxury Cruise), Norwegian Cruise Line (Family Cruise), ALG Vacations (Sun & Sand USA), Kensington (Luxury Tour Operator North America), Globus (Escorted Tour Operator North America), G Adventures (Adventure Tour Operator North America), Bedsonline (FIT Tour Operator North America), Exodus Travels (New Tour Operator North America), Travel Guard (Travel Insurance USA), Travelive (DMC Europe & UK), Metropolitan Touring (DMC Rest of World), One Aldwych (Individual Hotel), Nassau & Paradise Island (Tourism Board), and Delta Air Lines (Air).
Looking Ahead to Horizons 2027
Ensemble’s Horizons 2027 conference will, for the first time, take place at sea aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy from April 5-9.
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