When it comes to travel agents, we know that they are always looking for new ways to serve their clients, and demonstrate their value. That’s what made our theme for this past Crystal Conference and Awards so successful, and why we continued to build on this theme for our annual Destination Success, held July 10th-13th.
We were thrilled to welcome agents and special guests from all over the country to northeast Ohio for this live event packed with educational sessions, networking, and fun.
On Tuesday evening, agents had the option to attend beginner and advanced sessions with our Disney Travel Company BDM to learn about booking not only tickets and accommodations, but also the additional experiences that make their clients Disney vacations truly magical.
We began our first full day at the our corporate office in Brunswick, Ohio. Our agents had the chance to hear from Rick Zimmerman, KHM Travel’s CEO and President, and to meet the team members in person. The morning was busy with sessions by Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line as well as a panel discussing the features and functionality of our CRM (Customer Relations Management system) by members of the KHM Travel team. Agents were also introduced to MPG Travel Solutions, a new partner that is helping to enhance what we offer our agents and continue KHM Travel’s growth.
Then, it was off to our supplier tradeshow! Agents met with our Preferred Suppliers, plus members of our Marketing Team and Systems and Development Team to ask questions and learn more about what they can offer their clients.
After the tradeshow, Carnival Cruise Lines sponsored a social hour and pasta bar. Following dinner, we provided several extra sessions to help agents expand their knowledge on specific aspects of travel. Rick Zimmerman, Craig Freeman, and MPG Travel Solutions discussed the Keys to a Successful Business. Cinda, from KHM Travel’s Agent Support team presented on booking group travel, and Brian Miller, one of our experienced agents, spoke about special needs travel.
On day two, agents could choose from a wide variety of breakout sessions with our top cruise suppliers, tour operators, and travel insurance providers. These supplier sessions let agents discover suppliers they aren’t familiar with, ask questions to BDMs about the products they have, and stay up to date on the latest innovations and news from suppliers they work with frequently.
The KHM Travel Group team led many of the sessions on the final day of Destination Success. Sessions covered social media marketing, time management, gaining referrals and two of our cruise suppliers, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Agents also heard from a very special guest, Emily, KHM Travel Group’s top producing agent for 2017! We were very fortunate to have Emily visit our home office for the first time to share her story, knowledge, and strategies with her fellow agents. It’s fantastic to see our agents, both those just starting out and those who have been in the travel industry for many years, connect and share ideas.
One of our agents, Linda had this to say about her experience:
Destination Success 2018 — it was, well…a huge success! Thank you to everyone on the KHM Travel staff — you guys made it wonderful/engaging/lots of fun…Feeling empowered to implement the many things I learned! How awesome to have such a great turnout from all the suppliers too! – KHM Travel Agent Linda
The KHM Travel Group team loved getting to know our agents better over the course of these three days and helping them find the answers to their questions. We hope that everyone in attendance gained valuable insights on not only how to sell travel, but the practical steps they can apply to growing their business after returning home.
There are more KHM Travel Group live events coming up! Boot Camp is a great way for agents who are just beginning to learn the basics or for agents looking to take their business to a new level. The 2019 Crystal Conference and Awards is perfect for any level of agent as it combines educational sessions, supplier information, and a sailing with Princess Cruises! You can find out more at TravelAgentMeeting.com.
Are you looking to start your own travel business? With the support and dedication of our team and education opportunities like Destination Success, KHM Travel Group can help you start and build your travel business. For more information fill out the form on the right or give us a call at 1-888-611-1220.