Avalon Waterways, an ARC Helix preferred supplier, will offer an in-person option of their robust online Avalon Waterways Specialist Program to attendees at the third Helix Regional Symposium, which will take place Oct. 9-11, 2011 at the M Resort Spa Casino in Las Vegas.
Helix members who successfully complete the workshop and take the final course online will be certified Avalon Waterways Specialists. They will become eligible for exclusive booking incentives, special offers and promotions, 10 CLIA credits, CEUs with The Travel Institute, and a $50 gift card for their first Avalon Waterways booking after completing the course.
Paula Hayes, Avalon Waterways’ vice president of sales, commented, “Our research shows that becoming an Avalon Waterways Specialist is a critical step in increasing agents’ sales; to date, we've had more than 500 agents successfully complete the course, with a five-to-one average increase in river cruise sales. As a result of these successes, we're testing this accelerated program on the road to reach agents personally as well as virtually.”
The Helix Regional Symposium in Las Vegas comes on the heels of similar events produced in Philadelphia and Chicago, which earned rave reviews from attendees, ARC reports. As in the past, the Las Vegas event will showcase industry experts who will share actionable ideas for agents to help keep their businesses successful. Plus, agents will meet with Helix Preferred Suppliers using a fun and innovative “speed dating” process, allowing both groups to build closer ties.
Also featured at the symposium are presentations by international motivational speaker and author Nolan Burris, “Preparing for a Fee-based Business Model” and “Social Media: From Time-Waster to Money Maker.” Joanie Ogg, a 35-year travel industry veteran who specializes on the topic of home-based travel agents, will discuss “Making Your Customer Relationships Rock!” Site visits to Las Vegas hotel and casino properties are also planned.
“The symposium in Las Vegas is filled to the brim with content relevant to a travel professional’s business,” said Christopher Flores, Helix program director. “Add the invaluable opportunity of speaking with decision makers representing the best suppliers, plus a specialist program, and this event offers quality education and training for agents.”
Helix is an exclusive members-only program for home-based and retail travel agencies, ARC says. It offers a preferred supplier portfolio covering all segments of travel, multiple business services, and the professional education and training opportunities to assist agencies in operating more efficiently and becoming more profitable. Helix currently features more than 30 preferred suppliers in its portfolio.
The final Helix Regional Symposium of 2011 is scheduled for Fort Lauderdale later this year.
Visit www.joinhelix.com