Planning an Open Day or Online Q&A for Local Clients
Planning an Open Day or Online Q&A for Local Clients

If you are searching for travel business event ideas that genuinely attract clients and position you as the local expert, hosting an open day or online Q&A could transform your visibility overnight.
For any travel homeworker building momentum, events are not about selling - they are about building trust, confidence and long-term relationships. In a world full of price comparison websites, personal connection is your competitive advantage. An open day gives people the opportunity to meet the face behind the brand. An online Q&A removes travel barriers and expands your reach. And when done correctly, both formats position you as the trusted specialist in your area.
Whether you are brand new to travel homeworking or already building your client base, this guide will show you how to plan, promote and deliver an event that generates enquiries long after the chairs are packed away or the Zoom room closes.
Why Events Still Work in a Digital World
Many consultants assume social media is enough. It helps - but it is noisy.
Local events cut through that noise because they create authority and presence. When someone meets you face-to-face or hears you speak confidently about destinations, something shifts. You are no longer just a Facebook post. You become their travel consultant.
For travel homeworkers especially, events solve three common challenges:
- Building local recognition
- Creating trust quickly
- Generating warm leads
Searches for “independent travel agent UK” and “travel consultant in the UK” continue to grow because travellers want reassurance. They want someone accountable. Hosting events shows you are real, accessible and invested in your community.
Open Day vs Online Q&A – Which Should You Choose?
Both formats work - the best choice depends on your confidence level, audience and location.
Local Open Day
Ideal if you:
- Want strong community presence
- Have a local following
- Prefer in-person conversations
You could host it at:
- A village hall
- A hotel meeting room
- A café (quiet afternoon slot)
- Your own home (if appropriate and safe)
Online Q&A Session
Ideal if you:
- Want to reach a wider audience
- Have followers across the UK
- Feel more confident speaking virtually
Online sessions also allow you to record the content and reuse it for marketing - something many new travel homeworking businesses overlook.
The Strategy Behind Successful Travel Business Event Ideas
The highest ranking competitor articles focus heavily on hospitality event structure. What they often miss is small-business practicality. As a travel homeworker, your goal is not spectacle - it is sustainable client growth.
Here is the smarter framework.
1. Choose a Clear Theme
Generic events underperform. Specific events attract buyers.
Examples:
- “Family Holidays for Summer 2027”
- “Luxury All-Inclusive Explained”
- “Cruise Myths and Must-Knows”
- “How to Book Safely with an Independent Travel Consultant”
Specificity builds credibility.
2. Position Yourself as the Expert - Not the Salesperson
Your event should educate first.
Discuss:
- Booking protections
- ATOL coverage
- Supplier relationships
- Why independent travel consultants can offer tailored advice
Transparency matters because members of the public may land on this article while searching for an independent travel consultant. That is completely fine. In fact, every consultant is listed on our public travel consultant directory, helping clients find the right specialist for their trip. If someone reading this is looking to find an independent travel agent, they can browse our consultants and connect with a specialist who fits their needs.
For new consultants reading this from a career perspective, this visibility matters. Your name can sit alongside experienced professionals across the UK, helping you grow faster.
3. Create a Simple Event Structure
Avoid overcomplicating things. A strong event follows this flow:
- Welcome and introduction
- Your background and why you love travel
- Main theme discussion
- Live Q&A
- Clear next steps
Keep it to 60–90 minutes. Respect attention spans.
Promotion: How to Fill the Room (or Zoom)
Even the best travel business event ideas fail without promotion.
Use Local Facebook Groups
Share value-based posts:
“Thinking about a cruise but not sure where to start? I am hosting a free local Q&A next Thursday…”
Email Your Existing Database
Past clients are warm leads. Encourage them to bring a friend.
Partner With Local Businesses
Collaborate with:
- Bridal shops (honeymoons)
- Estate agents (relocation travel)
- Schools (family holiday talks)
This multiplies reach without increasing cost.
What to Include in Your Presentation
High-performing events include:
- Real itinerary examples
- Booking timelines
- Budget breakdowns
- Supplier insights
- Honest expectations
Do not rely on glossy brochures alone. Share your process. Explain how you research, compare and protect bookings.
This is where your identity as a travel homeworker becomes an advantage. Clients appreciate working with someone who runs their own travel business and is personally invested in every booking.
Turning Attendees Into Clients
Events are lead generators - but only if you follow up.
Collect:
- Names
- Email addresses
- Travel interests
- Approximate travel dates
After the event:
- Send a thank-you email
- Share a summary of key points
- Invite them to a 15-minute discovery call
Speed matters. Follow up within 24–48 hours.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Making it a sales pitch
- Overloading slides
- Speaking too technically
- Ignoring time management
- Failing to follow up
Confidence builds through repetition. Your first event will feel different to your fifth - and that is normal.
Jamie Says:
“People book with people. Hosting an event - whether in a village hall or on Zoom - shows you are serious about your travel business. It builds credibility faster than months of passive posting. If you want to grow in travel homeworking, step into visibility. Authority is earned by showing up.”
Imagery & Visual Identity
For any event promotion materials, ensure imagery reflects your brand colours.
Why This Matters for Your Travel Homeworking Growth
Hosting events positions you differently from price-led online agents. It builds authority in your postcode. It creates personal referrals. It strengthens brand recognition.
For those exploring travel homeworking as a career, this is the kind of proactive marketing that separates hobbyists from professionals. It demonstrates confidence, ownership and long-term thinking.
And for members of the public researching an independent travel agent UK, it signals something important: accessibility. Events show there is a real person behind the booking.
Ready to Build Momentum in Your Travel Business?
If you are serious about growing a profitable, professional travel homeworking business, do not wait for clients to appear. Create opportunities. Host the event. Start the conversation.
Join The Independent Travel Consultants and gain the structure, protection and support to confidently run your own travel business - with the credibility of an established brand behind you.
Book a discovery call today and take the first step towards building a travel business that stands out in your community.
About Jamie Wake
Jamie is the founder of The Independent Travel Consultants and a passionate advocate for empowering others to succeed in the travel industry through honesty, training, and community. He brings decades of travel experience, a focus on doing things differently, and a strong commitment to supporting UK-based homeworkers.












