My first interview with Lisa Watson went great. She was easy-going and her dedication of work to the creation of FyndTravel was obvious. However, a dead computer on my end took all text and recordings with it to the scrapyard. Chaos happens, I suppose.
We tried again and, as expected, I found the conversation just as enjoyable and informative.
Lisa started our conversation by pulling up a screen share that showed the FyndTravel website. There was a visible excitement in being able to show how the website works.
“I’m really proud of the events calendar. Since I have an independent platform, I can post whatever I want on there—so that gives travel professionals more options.”, she began.
The screen popped on my Zoom, and she clicked to open the aforementioned events calendar. And, as the interview unfolded, I found it one of the most organized and useful calendars I’ve seen for travel professional events yet. The functionality of searching for events starts with keywords, zip code, and dates. But it further breaks down into a choice of categories: Chapter Events, Expos, Training, Trade Shows, and more.
“I believe in networking… having that one-on-one connection.”, Lisa said.
She continued, “Advisors needed a one-stop-shop for in-person travel events. My industry event calendar helps them expand their reach beyond what their host agency may provide.”
Lisa says she is all about streamlining the process of finding events, and she pulls up a map of all Florida events for travel professionals. Each pin on the map brought up a page of information about the event. More impressive is the 190 events she had on there for 2024, and the map of the world showing events (though, most are located in the US).
Actively seeking out information on events comes naturally for Lisa. It is a combination of her own networking gained from 20 years in the travel industry, larger events that are well-known, local ASTA chapters that advisors may not know about, and community Facebook pages (including her own private group).
Lisa doesn’t charge anyone for the events she posts. Though she does research the events before posting them. “I look into it [the event]. I vet it. I see if it’s a supplier that I personally know that’s a good resource for travel advisors.”
There are two memberships available for travel advisors, basic and VIP membership. The basic account is free and gives the advisor access to the aforementioned Events Calendar & Directory, Podcasts & Magazine Directories, and Educational Programs & Webinar Listings.
The VIP membership is $8/month or $67/year, a lightweight cost for keeping informed of networking opportunities. This level includes everything from Basic, and more:
- FAM & Special Events Updates
- VIP Full Access to FyndTravel.com
- Create Your Custom Travel Library
- On-Demand Workshops & Webinars
- DMC & FAM Directory – Full Access
- Upgraded Business Profile
- Access FyndTravel Community Forum
Lisa elaborated on the pricing, “It’s a very reasonable price. I’m not trying to get rich on this; I’m just trying to make it sustainable and be able to provide a great resource for the travel advisor community.
Advisors that sign up do get vetted. “I do vet the advisors, especially for the free membership. They have to have an online presence. They have to be part of an affiliation that is reputable within the travel industry.”, she said.
FyndTravel also has a newsletter, sent out about three times a month, featuring new events and news. Signup can be found at the bottom of FyndTravel.com.
The way it seems to me, Lisa has created exactly what she wished was available during her decades as a travel professtional. A commendable goal, and one that shows an understanding of how passionate travel advisors have long held a belief in community and people as the keys to good business… and the events that bring them together.
“It’s all about travel professionals.”, she said.
