Agents + Suppliers = Destination Success
Written by: Michelle on July 22, 2022
What’s the recipe for success? If you asked ten travel agents, you’d receive ten different answers in return. For some, it’s expertise. Others may say time management and firsthand experience. While the 90+ attendees at Destination Success each have their own path to success, what’s shared by all is their passion for travel.
Our 4-day Destination Success event started on Monday with exclusive seminars from Travel Leaders Network and Sandals Resorts. Over the course of several hours, agents learned about groups, golf, scuba, and the importance of partnering with Sandals & Beaches Resorts for their client’s next getaway. Travel Leaders Network explained all the resources our agents have access to through our exclusive partnership with TLN.
Before diving into the supplier sessions on Tuesday, KHM Travel Group’s executives greeted agents. Vice President of Engagement Bill Coyle acknowledged the different levels of agents who were in the room – showing there’s always an opportunity to learn, regardless of your sales goals.
President Rick Zimmerman offered a deeper look at KHM Travel Group’s Core Values and asked everyone to remember why they got into this business. “We’re calling you to find your audience. We’re calling you to find what makes you unique,” he shared.
Geoff Cox, our VP of Sales talked numbers, stating that we’re projecting a record-breaking year in 2022. “2023 looks very bright. There’s a lot to look forward to.” Next up, Senior Vice President of Operations Lisa Findura took to the stage to express her gratitude. “Coming back to in-person events is like a homecoming.”
Although learning was the theme of the event, there was also a focus on giving back. Director of Marketing Strategy and Community Engagement Carolyn Sekerak spoke about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the KHM Cares “Fill the Backpacks” School Supply Drive. Thanks to our agents and team members, this year’s drive filled 48 backpacks for children in need in Cleveland!
KHM Today went live from Destination Success with an amazing lineup of supplier guests.
The majority of presentations were from our Business Development Managers, but we were also treated to a few panels too. The first was a land panel featuring:
- ALG Vacations
- American Airlines Vacations
- Delta Vacations
- Sandals & Beaches Resorts
- Vacation Express
Friendly banter brought the laughs, but Sandals’ Director of Sales Chad Krueger said it best: “Competition is a good thing. It means the industry is bouncing back.”
Next up, our friends from the cruise lines (Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean) got into the panel action. This group shared fun facts and favorite cruise memories–which included onboard costume contests and taking Mom on the first rollercoaster at sea!
While this supplier-centric event was all about what and how to sell travel, we also wanted to explore life as an agent. For our agent panel, Education Manager Carolyn Orf chatted with five agents who shared their success stories and ways they hope to improve.
What were the big takeaways from the agent panel? Resetting expectations for clients thinking they’ll see 2019 pricing. Making videos, checklists, and explaining the process of testing before travel are keys for clients today. Sending a letter or putting a card in a client’s room goes a long way. And patience! The whole world is short-staffed, so travelers need to always pack their patience.
A special thank you to our keynote speaker Jacki Marks Executive Vice President, Trade Brands from ALG Vacations. Throughout her speech, Jacki demonstrated how children are our greatest teachers. Through curiosity, determination, fearlessness, and kindness, travel agents can create a lasting legacy and truly make a difference. She had the crowd laughing and crying as she related to each of these important values.
Destination Success wrapped up with KHM Travel Group’s largest supplier trade show to date, featuring 70+ suppliers and industry partners. It provided attendees the chance to connect with suppliers and pick up giveaway prizes that were announced throughout the event.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our team and unwavering support of our attendees and suppliers.
Thank you to the following supplier sponsors of Destination Success 2022:
DIAMOND SPONSORS
ALG VACATIONS — AMERICAN AIRLINES VACATIONS — CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE — DELTA VACATIONS — DISNEY DESTINATIONS — NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE — ROYAL CARIBBEAN — SANDALS & BEACHES — VACATION EXPRESS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
CELEBRITY CRUISES — GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS — PRINCESS CRUISES
GOLD SPONSORS
AMAWATERWAYS — BEDSONLINE — HOLLAND AMERICA LINE — SCENIC — UNIVERSAL
SILVER SPONSORS
ALLIANZ — AZAMARA — CELESTYAL CRUISES — GOGO VACATIONS — MSC CRUISES — OCEANIA CRUISES — RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES — VIRGIN VOYAGES
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIERS
AIC HOTEL GROUP — ALEXANDER AND ROBERTS — AMERICAN CRUISE LINES — AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES — AMRESORTS — AMSTAR — ANTIGUA & BARBADOS TOURIST — AVANTI — CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPT OF TOURISM — CENTRAV — COLLETTE — COUPLES RESORTS — EUROPE EXPRESS — FAREBUZZ — G ADVENTURES — GOWAY — HILTON WORLDWIDE — INSIGHT / UNIWORLD — HURTIGRUTEN — JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD — KARISMA RESORTS — LAS VEGAS TOURIST BOARD — NTABA TOURS — PLAYA HOTEL & RESORTS — PLEASANT HOLIDAYS — PROJECT EXPEDITION — ROCKY MOUNTAINEER — SEABOURNE CRUISE LINE — TAUCK — TRAVEFY — THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE — TRAVEL INSURED — TRAVEL LEADERS NETWORK — TRAVELSAFE INSURANCE — VAX VACATIONACCESS — VIKING CRUISES
View our Flickr album for more photos from the event!