It's a well-known psychological fact that nothing is remembered without emotion, and by sharing an experience with another human, it creates a shared emotion. When we remember that person, we remember the emotion and of course if the emotion is positive, we are far more likely to pick up the phone and reach out to each other in the future.

Inspired by science. Designed for decision-makers.

At the turn of the millennium, the Austrian-born American neurobiologist, Eric Kandel was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology for discovering the role that memory plays in our brains; nothing is remembered without emotions.

We believe that Mr Kendel was spot on - he did not win a nobel prize for nothing after all.

Connections was born in 2014. Inspired by the science of mind and behaviour, we pioneered the Connections Way, a new-age networking concept which combines one-to-one meetings and memorable experiences to forge long-lasting business relationships.

Today, the Connections Way of doing business has been experienced by thousands of leaders who have become part of our global community. Senior executives from around the world can connect and transform their businesses by utilising the Connections Way, and contribute to progressive conversations that will shape the future of their industry.

Milestones

2014: Jacobs Media Group’s revolutionary networking brand Connections launches Connections Luxury in the high end travel sector with an event at Four Seasons Hampshire. Focusing on the highest-calibre leisure agents and suppliers in the premium travel industry, Connections Luxury has taken its unique approach across the world, including Portugal, Abu Dhabi, China and Brazil.

2015: Connections expands footprint with first meetings incentives event in Portugal. Suppliers are the most relevant and handpicked meeting supplier brands including national, regional and city convention bureaus, hotels, DMCs, as well as event services. Buyers come from all over the world – 70% are corporate and incentive meeting planners, whilst 30% are International Association meeting planners represent global corporations, eager to book their next international board meeting, global sales kick-offs or incentive trips.

2016: Connections introduces educational ConnecTALKS in collaboration with recognised industry partners, artisans and pioneers in the luxury realm. Delegates can discuss trends and challenges facing the market to help drive their businesses forward.

2017: Connections focuses on growing trends with the launch of the first wellbeing event in Portugal. Suppliers are globally-known brands who sell wellbeing as part of their core offering including hotels, spas and practitioners. Buyers are established luxury agents and operators interested in building their understanding of wellness to better serve their clients.

Connections also launched its bespoke events in Switzerland, bringing the Connections Way of doing business to destinations around the world. Connections has hosted bespoke events on behalf of Switzerland Tourism, ENIT Italian National Tourist Board, Visit California, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, Oman Ministry of Heritage & Tourism and Atout France.

2018: Connections launches adventure specialism in Slovenia. We bring international buyers who are interested in adding extraordinary travel experiences to their portfolio together with suppliers who offer the most unique and authentic travel products on this planet – who enable travellers to discover natural wonders and enjoy life-enriching immersion in indigenous cultures.

2019: Connections introduces wedding series in Italy, dedicated to empower event planners to organise every element of a luxury wedding, from the venue to bespoke tailoring to experiences.

Connections also celebrates its fifth anniversary.

2020: Jacobs Media Group is awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of international growth.

Connections Luxury establishes the private community for trusted decision-makers in high-end travel.

Connections Luxury releases brand-new digital platform, a first-of-its-kind platform to support the luxury travel industry. Presenting a powerful directory of decision-makers, a versatile event programme, ConnecTALKS series and news bulletin, members can connect, chat, share, learn and do business with the best in the industry. Accessible worldwide, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Connections Luxury launches the first of their virtual one-to-one meetings events for luxury travel professionals and tourist boards.

2021: Connections launches Connections For All, the annual travel trade event for mainstream travel which includes beach, culture, family and gastronomy, to name a few.