Work, Rest & Play

Work, Rest & Play: My Inspire Conference Adventure in Mallorca

Our very first overseas Homeworking by Inspire Conference wrapped up last Friday and…just.. WOW. Last year, I'd only just completed my induction with Inspire when I attended their conference held at Reubens Retreat up at Glossop (March 2024) and I soon learned this crew know how to balance learning, with community and having fun. So, it's no surprise that this was a three-day whirlwind of sunshine, learning, laughter and just a tiny bit of prosecco-fuelled chaos. I was decidedly sensible in my bedtimes but yet I still got back to Canterbury slightly sleep-deprived, definitely overfed, but absolutely buzzing with ideas, inspiration and gratitude.

Community, Connection & People Who Care

One of the reasons I joined Inspire is because, despite all of us being independent homeworkers and some would say competitors in an industry which can be tough, the culture is pure team spirit. We might run our own businesses, but we support each other like colleagues, cheerleaders and to be honest...family. This conference proved it in every way—not just through work sessions, the inspirational speeches, but through genuine connection with an agenda which gave us time to just be together.

This year’s conference theme was Work, Rest & Play and we certainly embraced all three with gusto!

Iberostar Jardin Del Sol Suites, Mallorca

A huge shout-out goes to Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, who hosted us at the stunning Adults Only Iberostar Jardin Del Sol Suites, walking distance to bars and restaurants in Santa Ponsa, just under 30 minutes to the capitol Palma and a 12 minute taxi ride to Magaluf, and believe me there have been some fun stories from those partied into the early hours in Maga (I wasn't one of them! I know, shock horror! eh!)

We were in the standard rooms at Jardin DelSol Suites on an All-inclusive basis and the rooms were peaceful, large and comfortable, with balconies overlooking the fabulous bay. I'm not a lover of the bath in the room concept generally (and especially when sharing with a colleague) but if you love a jacuzzi bath, you'd love these rooms. Of course if you fancy a bit more luxury you can uprage to their

WORK: Inspiring Sessions & Game-Changing Tech

Yes, we really did work. And it was worth every minute.

Apart from the opportunity to book 1:1 chats with our suppliers or members of our head office team we also had a full day of presentations, updates and informational and motivational panels. During this formal part of the conference Inspire unveiled not one but two powerful new tech tools designed to help us become true data-led travel entrepreneurs. Access to a live booking dashboard with incredible business insights and the one that caused the most excitement, our upcoming ability to book out of date range flights (this will be a game changer!). These upgrades are going to make a serious difference to how I can serve my customers and grow my businesses moving forward.

Our head office team poured time and passion into making these sessions so valuable and the opportunity to pick peoples brains in the 1:1's was just great. I left with pages of notes, fresh goals, and a head full of ideas, so keep watching...there's a lot of new stiff coming soon from Bags Are Packed Travel.

REST & PLAY: Poolside Peace, Pirate Shows, Prosecco, Rooftop Views and and the Lift 7

Between workshops, we recharged in the best possible ways:

✔️ Pool lounging
✔️ Fabulous food
✔️ Deep chats with our Inspire family
✔️ Rooftop drinks at sunset at the H10 Santa Ponsa ,(Mallorca, you really showed off)

My soul feels just as nourished as my notebook.

Let’s just say: when this group plays, it plays.

From the pirate show to endless giggles, prosecco, and lively nights out, the laughter was nonstop. But the moment that will go down in Inspire history?

👉 Seven of us (plus one poor stranger) trapped in a lift on the way to farewell rooftop drinks.

Equal parts comedy and trauma—but yes, we made it out. Yes, the sunset was worth it. And yes, Lift 7 now lives in infamy.

❤️ Gratitude, New Friends & What Comes Next

Massive thanks to:

• Lisa Henning and the incredible Inspire team for making the magic happen

• Crystal Hunter for her behind-the-scenes heroics

• My fab roomie Lauryn Jameson for the laughs

• Every single person who was part of this unforgettable trip

Three days. So much learning, bonding, mischief and motivation. I’m heading home wearing my Inspire pins with pride, already counting down to next year.

Roll on conference 2026 - looking forward to the same spirit… maybe fewer lifts. 😉

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