Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to grow your current independent travel business, the Home Based Travel Agent Forum is a must attend. The event, which is approaching quickly (March 20 – 23 at the Paris Hotel & Casino Las Vegas), will offer a roster of educational opportunities, networking and so much more. In fact, here are ten reasons you should plan to be in Las Vegas later this month:
#10 – Las Vegas: March in Las Vegas not only offers a full range of special attractions and events, (i.e. March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and an all-star line-up of residencies) coupled with the ongoing city-wide offerings such as world-class gaming, shows, concerts and more, but it also is the most desirable time to be in the desert with average temperatures of about 70 degrees! By the way, the Forum has negotiated some discounts with airlines such as Delta and United, so getting to Las Vegas is more reasonable than ever! Check out the deals here: http://vegas.travelsmg.com/transportation-info/
#9 – Paris Las Vegas: A little joie de vivre on the Las Vegas strip, where the host property brings the passion and sophistication of the City of Lights to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, transporting guests to Europe’s most romantic city. A distinctive 50-story replica of the iconic Eiffel Tower offers a great picture opportunity, and having the chance to experience all this world-class property offers will certainly earn you bragging rights with your clients. Best of all, the property is offering an incredible low rate of $109 for Forum delegates. Merci!
#8 – Evening Fun: When the sun goes down before you hit the casinos, the Forum’s agenda features three fun-filled evenings that will round out your Las Vegas experience while allowing you to network with other delegates. On Sunday, March 20th from 8:00 – 10:00 pm, CCRA, the Forum’s premier sponsor, along with a collection of suppliers will host the renowned VIP High Roller Event at The Linq. Agents will have the ride of their lives with incredible views. Once you’re back on the ground, you’ll enjoy a fantastic reception at the High Roller’s Wheelhouse, complete with fun, food, and drink. On Monday, March 21st, the Paris Hotel & Casino will treat delegates to A Night In Paris, a fun-filled reception complete with savory bites, drinks, and great networking opportunities, with the City of Lights as the backdrop. Tuesday, March 22nd is the final night and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and other key partners will help everyone experience old school Las Vegas with a modern flair with an evening down on Fremont Street. There will plenty of fun and some tasty bites. What more could you possibly want?
#7 – Roundtable Series: With four unique categories to choose from (Oceangoing & River Cruises; Resorts & Destinations; Tours & Packaged Vacations; Technology & Business Services), the Roundtable Series is the most comprehensive way to build your product knowledge. Agents convene in an individual small-group setting, while suppliers navigate throughout the room offering small group presentations. Taking place on Monday, March 21, each of these series will feature a minimum of 15 suppliers. You won’t want to miss it – but you need to pre-register since space is limited!
#6 – Globetrotter Series Destination Training: Around the world in three days, the Globetrotter Series offers you a glimpse at the big world that your clients want to explore. You’ll have the chance to learn about the best times to visit a destination; the different regions and climates; hidden gems and local cultures and so much more. Destination features include:
North America (Monday, March 21 from 9:45 – 10:15 am): Alberta, Canada; New Orleans, Louisiana; and North American National US Parks.
Asia (Monday, March 21 from 10:25 – 10:55 am): Taiwan; India; and China.
Latin America (Tuesday, March 22 from 9:35 – 11:05 am): Peru; Los Cabos, Mexico; and other regions of Mexico.
Africa and Middle East (Tuesday, March 22 from 11:15 – 11:45 am): Dubai, UAE; Southern Africa; and Uganda, East Africa.
Caribbean (Wednesday, March 23 from 8:30 – 9:00 am): Cuba; and Puerto Rico.
Europe (Wednesday, March 23 from 9:15 – 9:45 am): France; Italy; and the Mediterranean. As good as getting your passport!
#5 – Sales, Marketing and Social Media Coaching: Marketing your agency; developing a social media; and of course, sales are probably the three most critical factors in your success. Don’t have a plan? Fear not, the Forum has you covered, with sessions such as Bringing Out Your Inner Sales Superstar; Creating a WOW Experience Using Digital Marketing; Blogging and Sharing Content via Social Media; Finding & Qualifying Leads; The Instagram Workshop; How to Develop a Strong Marketing Plan… the list goes on and on. Attend the Forum, and you’re sure to get build your sales, marketing, and social savvy!
#4 – Niche and product training: Got a niche to itch? Maybe a segment that requires a little more direction? Take note, the Forum will offers sessions on Destination Weddings; All-Inclusive Vacations; Multi-Generation Travel; Tours; Cruise; Air Consolidators, and more!
#3 – Professional Development: Attending a conference that provides solutions and connections that are relevant to your agency is the most important investment you can make in your professional development. With a roster of programs to choose from, such as How to Build a Successful Home Based Business; Seller of Travel Laws, Risk Management and Cyber Security Issues; Savvy Customer Service Skills; Crash Course: Navigating the Challenges on the Road to Success; and more. Additionally, for the first-time ever, the Forum will feature You’re Here, Now What? How to Make the Most of the Home Based Forum – so if you need a plan on how to tackle all of these great opportunities, this is a must-attend session!
By the way, this is just a sample of sessions and workshops. You can find a complete agenda online here: http://vegas.travelsmg.com/conference-schedule/
#2 – Peer-to-Peer Connections: Working from home can be isolating. Take advantage of the fact that you will be among a thousand peers who share the common pressures and victories of maintaining an independent travel business. This alone is worth the trip!
#1 – Money money money: Yes, it’s a rewarding experience to fulfill your clients’ vacation dreams, but let’s face it… you want to make money! Well, with over 300 domestic and international travel companies on the tradeshow floor providing a balance of names you know and destinations that are off the beat and path, you will undoubtedly uncover some terrific commission opportunities (and some business resources to help you run an efficient agency, too). Check-out the supplier list: http://vegas.travelsmg.com/attendee/exhibiting-companies/ The tradeshow will be open on Tuesday, March 22 from 4:00 – 6:30 pm; and Wednesday, March 23 from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm.
Another fun fact: at the close of the tradeshow, you will have the chance to win a fabulous travel prize!
To learn more or to register, visit www.LVTravelShow.com. TRO subscribers should use Registration Code 3025 to receive a low registration rate of $80 – a nearly $30 discount!
Travel agents with questions should contact Lisa Marshall, at (508) 553-3593 or by email at Lisa@TravelSMG.com.
Supplier interested in exhibiting, contact Jim Cloonan, (617) 337-5132 or email Jim@TravelSMG.com.
