Travel Edge Network recently held its bi-annual virtual conference, “Limitless.” The theme of this year’s event was “A World of Difference: Fresh New Places and Perspectives from Around the World,” and included several sessions and networking opportunities for the network’s advisors.
The daylong agenda included sessions with highlights on the state of the business, marketing and training updates and a Q&A session with leadership. Besides one-on-one appointments with suppliers, there were also partner booths offering information, videos and resources for advisors. This included information presented by Tourism New Zealand/Air New Zealand on this break-out trending destinations, which is gaining popularity for its mix of adventure and nature offerings, besides its wine destinations and growing art community.
Among the highlights included:
- Panel on the future of luxury travel – Advisors and partners shared their outlook on the future of luxury travel including top trends to watch out for, the one change they would make to improve the travel experience if they could wave a magic wand; marketing techniques to help advisors grow their business and how to deliver exceptional customer service with actionable takeaways. They also spoke about the evolution of the travel advisor profession and how more young advisors are entering the field today along with other professionals such as doctors and lawyers who are leaving those fields to pursue careers in travel. Moderated by Larry Garnett, relationship director for cruise, tour and DMC, for Travel Edge Network, panelists included Steve Lassman, VP, Villas of Distinction; Brian Pentek, owner, LuxeLife Travel; Maria Belinda Paez, senior account manager for national TMC and retail accounts, Qatar Airways; Brian King, regional sales manager, Travelex Insurance Services; Anna Crosby, lead designer, Travel Edge
- New programs for training and development – Over the past year, Travel Edge Network has launched several new programs to support the development and training of its advisors. Most recently, the network launched its “Champions” program of ambassadors to represent the brand at industry events, trade shows and in media. In 2022, it also launched “Knowledge Trips” to help advisors gain firsthand knowledge of its partners for hotel, air, tour operators and more. It also launched “Edge Advantage” for both new-to-business advisors as well as for tenured advisors who may need training in limited areas
- Growth of Travel Edge – The network has welcomed 25 new advisors so far this year and anticipates another 30-40 new advisors to join in the coming months
- Updates on ADX – Including plans to introduce cruise; launch of a 24/7 support team, expanded air desk support and new training modules to help onboard new advisors quickly
As with every “Limitless,” there were several prizes including for Overall Engagement, Networking Engagement, The Limitless Quiz and more. These included stays at Round Hill Hotels & Villas; Secrets Santorini; Carnation Hotels in London; Rocco Forte Hotels encompassing its five properties in Italy and London; Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam; Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa; The Lodge at Blue Sky an Auberge Resort; a trip to Fiji; and flights on Iceland Air.
The next “Limitless” event will be held in August and will also incorporate live regional events to complement the virtual format.
For more information, visit www.traveledgenetwork.com.
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