We Shipped Dashboards, Reporting, Mobile… and a Shipathon!

September 19, 2025

Episode Overview

Episode Overview:
In this episode, the Tern team dives straight into a packed agenda fresh off the user conference. David Shull (CEO and co-founder), Brad Turner (Head of Design), and Molly Johnson (Head of Product) break down major feature launches and the behind-the-scenes process that brought them to life. From the highly requested dashboard to next-level reporting, a redesigned mobile app, and a complete payments overhaul, the team shares how feedback and beta testing shaped the latest updates. Plus, an inside look at the first-ever “Shipathon” hackathon at sea and what’s next for Tern’s community.

Episode Topics:
(01:38) Dashboard Launch
Molly and Brad walk through the long-awaited dashboard, its design process, and how it has quickly evolved with user feedback.

(08:27) Reporting Reimagined
Brad and Molly explain the move to a new reporting infrastructure, the challenges of handling complex data, and the roadmap for additional analytics.

(15:41) Mobile App Upgrades
The team reveals the surprise mobile advisor login, early tester reactions, and the importance of phased rollouts.

(22:05) Payments Overhaul
Brad and Molly discuss the complete rearchitecture of payments and authorizations, why it was necessary, and how migration for older trips will work.

(28:26) Shipathon at the User Conference
Molly, Brad, and David recount the whirlwind live hackathon on Virgin Voyages, including chaotic behind-the-scenes stories and the big feature wins.

(33:32) Hackathon Highlights
From automated trip cancellations to bulk messaging, the team highlights features built in just three days at sea.

(39:46) Looking Ahead: User Conference 2026
David shares details on the next Tern user conference, moving to New Orleans with a more accessible format and pricing.

Show Highlights:

  • A dashboard designed as a true home base for advisors
  • Next-generation reporting powered by a new data warehouse
  • A surprise advisor login in the mobile app
  • Payments and authorizations rebuilt from the ground up
  • Live Shipathon hackathon delivering new features in just days
    Early details on User Conference 2026 in New Orleans

Keywords:
Tern, Flight Path podcast, CRM for travel agents, itinerary builder, automation templates, travel advisor tools, reporting dashboards, mobile travel app, payments for advisors, hackathon at sea, travel tech conference