Become a Home Based Travel Agent

Oh, What a Show!
By Tom Ogg

Right around the first of the year Joanie received a call from her friend Mary Pat Sullivan regarding Travel weekly’s potential acquisition of the Home Based Travel Agent Show and Conference. When it was all said and done, Travel Weekly produced one of the best shows that I have attended in my 40-year tenure in the travel industry.

There were two things that made this show different.

First, the quality of the agents attending was extremely high. There was no one walking around in shorts wearing a tee shirt saying “I Travel For Free Ask Me How” and going from booth to booth collecting freebies and asking for fam trips or free accommodations. This, in itself, made the show seem much more professional.’

But second, the peer-to-peer sharing was AWESOME! Instead of attending general and break-out sessions where supplier reps gave sales pitches guised as seminars, there were sessions given by agents willing to share their secrets to success. It was extremely motivating to say the least. There was a panel of agents that make in excess of $100K per year that shared exactly how they did it. Everyone that attended was exposed to some unbelievable ideas and concepts and it got everyone’s creative process ticking. And then there was Geoff Millar, who generates approximately $300K profit between his wife and himself selling exclusive all-inclusive resorts. His story left folks with their mouths hanging open.

The general session comprised of agents that do huge groups left everyone motivated and excited. Captain Lou exclaimed that he had become an “overnight Success” after only 17 years of trying new things. Just hearing Captain Lou speak was worth the price of the conference alone.

There were so many successful entrepreneurs willing to share their stories that everyone couldn’t help but gain some valuable and motivational information. Even the break-out seminars were motivating. Panels of agents that have used social media successfully were sharing their insight and secrets.

The peer-to-peer networking amongst the attendees was also quite obvious. Here is what is being said about the conference on HBTACommunity.com:

“I thought it was a great show. The agents who attended seemed to be very interested and engaged. They took the time at the booths to listen to what the vendors had to offer, rather than just running off with the free trinkets. There were so many great vendors at the show, and something fun to do each evening after the show closed up. There was a good mix of brand new agents and agents who started before I was born. Most of the vendors that were there seemed like they were enjoying themselves as well. And I had a great time meeting so many people that I only knew from the boards!” Laura Frazier – Bliss Honeymoons

“I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the show. This is the first show I have been able to attend and my brain is so full of information and great ideas that it is still spinning. The show was much more than I could have ever expected.” Lois Hoover – Tropical Cruise and Travel

“Joanie and Mary Pat were exceptional, and the near cat fight (on the cruise panel) was tense- and interesting- and telling. I was impressed with the array of choices, the venue, and the way they pulled off a great show in a short amount of time.” Scott Jones – EZTravelPad.com

“I loved the show! My only other experience with a travel show was the Luxury Travel Expo. While I liked that one very much, I especially liked the Critical Issues panels that were presented over this week. Yes, the cruise line reps one was particularly interesting!” Rosemary Danielson – Expedia Cruise Ship Centers

“This was one of the best shows I have attended in a long time. Kudos to Travel Weekly and the entire staff. I particularly liked the variety of speakers/content and also found the presentations interesting and informative without feeling like they were just trying to sell me something. In fact, there were so many interesting topics and presenters that I found myself having difficulty making a decision as to which session I would attend.” Nancy Norris – Portside Travel

“I truly enjoyed the show and made some great new friends. I've already been busy trying to implement some of the new ideas I learned!” Tracy Dennis – Four Seasons Travel LLC

“The show was great. I have to agree that it was one of the best that I’ve attended. The content was varied and some downright inspirational. I especially enjoyed the panel with the cruise line sales and marketing people (great points brought to the forefront)” Marlene DePalma – Dynamic Getaways

“Kudos to the folks at Travel Weekly for an outstanding show. It was a great opportunity to get energized by a great group of agents who are serious about being successful. I'm looking forward to Atlantic City in October” Jackie Friedman – Nexion

“It was a great show. The workshops and ship tours were excellent. I am relatively new to the business and learned a lot. I would highly recommend if you did not go to this show take a look at the one coming up in Atlantic City.” Ron York – Jelly Bean Travel

“I thought this was one of the best conferences I have attended in a long time. I left Ft. Lauderdale motivated; it definitely was worth my time and investment. I have learned so much and will be applying them to my business.” Linda Farlow – Treasured Escapes and Travels

“I too thought it was one of the best shows I have attended. I echo the post that stated that the sessions were not just advertising for the people putting on the sessions, they were full of meaningful content. I agree that there should be a doubling up off sessions so everyone has a chance to see as many as possible. I met so many nice people and renewed old friendships and the enthusiasm was off the chart. In talking to Mary Pat I think we will all be very pleasantly surprised at the Atlantic City. They are taking all and any suggestions to heart.” Geoff Millar – Ultimate All-Inclusive Travel Inc.

As you can see, this show was exceptional. And, I believe the upcoming show in Atlantic City, October 27^th through the 29^th, 2010, will be even better.

Take advantage of a special offer from HomeBasedTravelAgent.com and save $35.00 whem making a reservation to the conference. Simply enter the promotional code "HBTA" whem making a reservation. Book NOW!

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