by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Fri September 26, 2025
Nexion Travel Group recognized top members at its CoNexion annual conference, held September 8–10 at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando.
Marking the group’s 30th anniversary, the event gathered 725 advisors, staff, and partners for its largest conference to date.
Kevin Lapointe of Sunscape Vacations in Orléans, Ontario (Photo Credit: Nexion Travel Group)
Canadian advisors were among those honoured:
- Kevin Lapointe of Sunscape Vacations in Orléans, Ontario, was named Canadian Rising Star. With a year and a half in the industry, Lapointe built a foundation through Nexion University before launching into sales, specializing in vacation packages.
- Gillian Scott of St. Thomas, Ontario, received the inaugural Fostering Excellence Award, created in honour of Mike Foster for his contributions to the agency.
Gillian Scott of St. Thomas, ON. (Photo Credit: Nexion Travel Group)
- The Spotlight Success Award was presented to an outstanding group of NEXTalk speakers, including Lisa Dunne of Dunnville ON.
Lisa Dunne of Dunnville ON (Photo Credit: Nexion Travel Group)
- Kim McPhail of Petrolia, Ontario, earned the Be Kind Award, recognized for consistently bringing positivity, professionalism, and grace to her work.
“Congratulations to all of our award winners,” said Jackie Friedman, VTA, CTIE, president of Nexion Travel Group.
Jackie Friedman (Photo Credit: Nexion Travel Group)
“This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate Nexion’s 30th. It’s inspiring to honor those who truly embody our values. Whether chosen by a fellow member or by Nexion staff, they share one thing in common: a deep passion for supporting Nexion. We are proud to call them members—they represent the very best of who we are!”
The awards also included the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Steve Lincoln, owner of Lincoln Travel in Bridgewater, Virginia, for his 43-year career in travel. In addition, the Robbi Hamida Ambassador Award—renamed this year in tribute to Nexion’s late senior vice president—was awarded to Rachel Kerr of Globe-Treks Consulting in Colorado.
Other honours ranged from the Everyone Is In Award, given to Mike Plumton of Philadelphia, PA, for fostering inclusivity, to the Ray of Positivity Award, presented to advisors in Seattle and Ontario.
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