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4 minutes readContents
- When the world counted agents out
- ETG: Empowering agents through innovative tech
- The value of collaboration: The ConХ experience
- Shared vision for the future
About ConX
ConX is a handcrafted, invitation-only conference designed for 800+ C-level decision makers from some of the most relevant and game-changing companies in the travel distribution sector. The event is a unique forum where industry leaders exchange ideas, challenge norms, and spark innovation.
When the world counted agents out
When Emerging Travel Group (ETG) began its journey in B2B travel, developing products for travel agents, the sentiment across the industry seemed almost unanimous: travel agents were a relic of the past. The prevailing narrative was clear — agent platforms, often referred to as the “blue screen of death,” were sufficient because agents would be dead in 10 years anyway.
Felix Shpilman, President and CEO of Emerging Travel Group
At ETG, things were seen differently. “We thought this was wrong,” declared Felix during his speech at ConX 2025. “We thought the world would continue using travel professionals to help them book travel.”
This belief has proven to be correct. Even after the disruptions brought by COVID-19 — when global travel came to a halt — travel professionals persevered. They didn’t dwindle into irrelevance. Instead, they adapted. They booked trips for clients from their homes and demonstrated a resilience many had underestimated.
“Travel professionals and travel agents turned out to be much more resilient than everybody thought,” Felix stated. Today, the industry is seeing growth, not just in the number of agents but also in the volume of bookings they are managing globally.
ETG: Empowering agents through innovative tech
Here’s how ETG is driving change:
- Unmatched Supplier Connectivity: “We have 325 supplier connections with wholesalers, consolidators, DMCs, and global and regional chains. Anything and everything that’s APIable, we will find, integrate, match up, optimize, and make work very well for our clients to book,” Felix said. This expansive supply network ensures travel agents access a broad range of optimized inventory at their fingertips.
- Intuitive Products to Empower Professionals: Supply is only one part of the equation — agents need fast, modern, and easy-to-use tools. “We were one of the first players in the world — if not the first — to have a mobile app for the travel professional to be able to step away from their desk and do their work on the go,” Felix declared. Built with usability in mind, these innovations empower agents in their day-to-day operations, giving them flexibility and efficiency like never before.
- AI-Assisted Real-Time Service: Service speed is critical in travel tech, and ETG recognizes that automation — and AI specifically — has tremendous potential to accelerate problem-solving for clients. “We think having real-time service that is AI-assisted — not AI replacing humans, but AI helping humans do service faster — is our strategic priority,” explained Felix. This approach enables agents to retain their personal touch while working more efficiently, ensuring exceptional service delivery every time.
The value of collaboration: The ConХ experience
ConX isn’t just another industry event — it’s a catalyst for innovation. With 800+ top executives in attendance, the conference is a rare opportunity for leaders from different sectors of B2B travel to come together, exchange ideas, and identify new approaches to growth and problem-solving.
“I’ve been coming to ConX since its early years,” shared Felix Shpilman. “I think the world of what the team has built here today, and I truly believe that it’s the best collection of minds in B2B travel tech.”
The event in Palma — the birthplace of B2B travel — offers an unparalleled environment where decision-makers can challenge each other, build relationships, and leave stronger as a sector.
This kind of collaboration is transformative, enabling companies to innovate and adapt for the greater benefit of their customers and clients.
Shared vision for the future
As the B2B travel industry continues evolving, ETG remains laser-focused on enabling travel agents to thrive.“We will continue taking our supply strength and building functional and easy-to-use products on top of that,” Felix committed during his speech.
Travel professionals have already proven their resilience and resourcefulness, regardless of their challenges. ETG definitely has the tools, technology, and support to navigate the future confidently.
“Together, as a sector, we can push the innovation forward — on behalf of our clients and the global travel market,” Felix concluded.
Watch the full interview here:
If you’d like to see how ETG empowers B2B travel globally, follow the link to the RateHawk website and the blog to discover how the brand supercharges travel professionals worldwide.
