TPI Rocks Onboard the Harmony of the Seas
Written By: Michelle Ferrand, Marketing Specialist – Travel Planners International
TPI Rocks 2018 was one for the books. It was the first time we dared to put on our biennial conference on a cruise ship. But not just any cruise ship; it was on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, the second largest cruise ship in the world. Considering the amount of manpower it took to put on a production this large, the conference went off without a hitch. (Also, bonus points for hosting a conference on a cruise ship in the middle of hurricane season.) TPI Rocks also marked the official celebration for our 30th anniversary in the industry. So, between the parties, breakout sessions, and stunning port days, a lot happened.
But we won’t bore with the details; below are the highlights, the oohs and ahhs, of our week-long conference. This recap will make it feel you were there!
Day 1: All Aboard the Harmony of the Seas
Months of planning and weeks of no blood, some sweat, and a few tears were all distant memories – it was day one of TPI Rocks. We kicked off the conference with our first party, the 30th Birthday Bash. Agents filled the Royal Theatre – which also served as their check-in point – to raise a toast to themselves. The walls were buzzing with excitement – it helped that we raffled a $250 spa credit voucher.
The party continued at our Boardwalk Blowout where agents mingled between themselves and our Preferred Suppliers, copious amounts of mini desserts and sushi were served, and our huge three-foot wide birthday cake was cut. What a spectacular way to set the tone for the rest of the week!
Days 2 and 3: It’s Showtime
Day 2 was the first conference day and what a whirlwind! We got the ball rolling bright and early at The Warm Up: General Session #1 where our TPI Rockstars were jazzed up by Vicki Freed’s, Royal Caribbean’s Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, invigorating keynote. Her advice to all travel advisors? Stand out in a world full of O’s. Be a Q. What’s the difference? The little hook.
On day 3, our TPI agents woke up bright and early again to attend The Warm Up: General Session #2 to hear motivational speaker Simon T. Bailey’s inspirational and stimulating keynote. He encouraged us to own the moment, enthusiastically called us the “oh brilliant one”, and reminded us that customer service is dead, that this is the era of customer love.
The Warm Up ended on a heartwarming note. Ken Gagliano, TPI President, presented our first annual Marietta and Anthony Gagliano Legacy Award (known as The MAG Award) to his parents, Marietta and Tony Sr. for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. There wasn’t a single dry eye in the room.
Days 4 and 5: R&R by Day, Party Like It’s 1975 By Night
On our first day off, we docked in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. TPI agents, staff, and suppliers spent the day exploring the island or relaxing by the beach. The only thing on agenda was a little R&R.
Second day off, second island. This time, we had a short stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Again, nothing on the itinerary, but as the sun started setting, the party was just starting! Agents, suppliers, and TPI staff donned their finest disco gear for Studio TPI, a disco-themed party. While the DJ played classics from the Bee Gees and ABBA, everyone boogied like it was 1975. But that’s not even half of it. Towards the end of the party, we announced details about TPI Rocks 2019! Yes, our biennial conference will now be an annual conference. We’ll host it at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, August 21 -25, 2019. Maybe we’ll see you there?
Day 6: Winner Takes Gold
On our last port day, we docked in Labadee, Haiti, Royal Caribbean’s private island, to hold our first ever Beach Olympics! The sun was scorching but that didn’t stop TPI agents and staff alike from splitting into two teams (Team Pink or Team Blue) and enjoying themselves. Over the course of two hours, both teams competed in obstacle-style games, thanks to the help of Royal Caribbean’s Sports Team. Eventually, Team Pink walked away with the gold medals, Team Blue with the silver, and all players and spectators left with a sunburn.
Day 7: The Last Hurrah
The week literally flew because before we knew it, it was the last day. We dedicated the day to just TPI trainings and bid the conference farewell with our last party, The After Party. Royal Caribbean was so gracious to shut down the Solarium for our crowded event. Agents and suppliers got to network and lay the foundation for a solid relationship before disembarking the following day. The cherry-on-top moment was the beautiful sunset that provided many with an Instagram worthy shot.
And just like that TPI Rocks 2018 has come and gone. But don’t worry, we’ll be back in 2019! Maybe we’ll see you there.
Interviews with Travel Planners International Agents
Interview With: Scott Byne | Time Is Now Travel
Thank you for speaking with me today! Can you share how long you’ve been working with our wonderful friends at Travel Planners International (TPI)?
I’ve been working with TPI for 3 years.
Have you attended a previous TPI conference or event? If so, what do you feel is the largest benefit of attending?
I attended the TPI Extravaganza conference in Florida on my first week of being travel agent, back in 2015. Back then, the biggest benefit of attending was that I gained a scope of the industry, and how much was involved in making building a business that works. Today, my biggest benefit is networking with vendors and fellow travel professionals and learning about all of the newest products available to my clients.
Did you start your career with Travel Planners International? If not, can you share how joining TPI has helped your business?
Yes, TPI was my first host agency. I did quite a bit of research in choosing a host agency to affiliate myself with, vs. buying into a franchise. Joining a host agency seemed like the right choice for me. And I finally chose TPI after narrowing my search down to my top two options.
What tool(s) offered by Travel Planners International do you find most helpful in your business?
The two tools I use more than anything else at TPI are the accounting tools for tracking payments, and the interactive provider list. I’m using both of those multiple times a day.
If someone was considering partnering with TPI as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
Do your research. Find the right agency for you. My relationship with TPI has been very successful, and I can whole-heartedly recommend them. They have provided me with the tools I need to run a profitable business, and they are constantly working to keep their resources cutting edge and relevant. I really appreciate that! Plus, they are the nicest people you could ever hope to meet!
Do you have any additional tips or comments you like to share with your fellow Travel Professionals reading this?
Treat every client like they are your most important client, because they are! Let them know how much you appreciate them. And always go the extra mile to make their vacation experience that much better. If you do good by your clients, they will do good by you. A happy client is a repeat client.
Interview With: Ran Cohen | RC Travel For Less
Thank you for speaking with me today! Can you share how long you’ve been working with our wonderful friends at Travel Planners International (TPI)?
5 happy wonderful years
Have you attended a previous TPI conference or event? If so, what do you feel is the largest benefit of attending?
Yes, I have. The biggest benefit for me is the chance to network with fellow agents and suppliers. You learn so much about the industry and discover new tools to better grow your business.
Did you start your career with Travel Planners International? If not, can you share how joining TPI has helped your business?
TPI was my first and only host agency.
What tool(s) offered by Travel Planners International do you find most helpful in your business?
The support from TPI is the most important thing for me. You have professional people that guide you in every aspect of your business such as Marketing, accounting, business development, and supplier relationships. Throughout the year, they host several, private TPI events where you will meet different suppliers that just focus on us (TPI agents) compared to other national events where there are agents from all over the globe.
If someone was considering partnering with TPI as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
As a business owner, my goal is to grow my business every year. That’s why TPI is the perfect match. You want to make sure you partner with a host that is looking to improve and grow without losing the focus on their agents. Since day one, I felt the passion of this great family-owned host agency.
Do you have any additional tips or comments you like to share with your fellow Travel Professionals reading this?
With TPI I’m not just another agent, I’m a Rock Star agent!!!
Interview With: Renee Dunkin | Around About Travel
Thank you for speaking with me today! Can you share how long you’ve been with our wonderful friends at Travel Planner’s International (TPI)?
15 years, Anniversary Date: 12/03
Have you attended a previous TPI conference or event? If so, what do you feel is the largest benefit for attending?
Reconnecting with staff and other agents. It’s great to put a face with a name. You are able to learn more about TPI as a company, and what all they have to offer. Then, the supplier training is amazing. Basically, one on one time with supplier representatives.
Did you start your career with Travel Planners International? If not, can you share how joining TPI has helped your business?
No, I was with another company for about 7 years. TPI is more of an approachable company, more accessible, when you call in; you get a person to talk to. TPI is there for you, and they give access to the tools you need to succeed!
What tool(s) offered by Travel Planners International do you fins most helpful in your business?
Back Office Accounting Events
Supplier Contacts Webinars
Training Facebook Live
If someone was considering partnering with TPI as a Host Travel Agency, what advice, or insight would you offer them?
Just DO IT! You will be glad you did. TPI is there to help you succeed. They give you the necessary tools you need. You will become & feel like Family.
Do you have additional tips or comments you would like to share with your fellow Travel Professionals reading this?
I love what I do and who I partner with. If you are looking to get into this awesome business – Look no further than TPI to partner with. You will be glad you did.
Interview With: Michele Cartwright | Destinations by Design
Thank you for speaking with me today! Can you share how long you’ve been with our wonderful friends at Travel Planner’s International (TPI)?
I started working with Travel Planners International in January 2013.
Have you attended a previous TPI conference or event? If so, what do you feel is the largest benefit of attending?
The two previous conferences I attended were fabulous! TPI conferences provide an opportunity for motivation and professional development – both have truly helped me to further grow my business. TPI does an incredible job with their conferences, and easily competes with the largest travel industry conferences.
Did you start your career with Travel Planners International? If not, can you share how joining TPI has helped your business?
I started my career with TPI, and I feel their commitment to be an industry leader has affected my own success.
What tool(s) offered by Travel Planners International do you find most helpful in your business?
The seemingly endless direct-with-suppliers educational opportunities are fantastic! These live (and recorded) sessions allow those of us who are not in the Maitland area to participate and form relationships with suppliers and TPI staff from the comfort of our own offices. It’s truly a wonderful, personal opportunity.
If someone was considering partnering with TPI as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
Take time to research the available opportunities, then look at the differences with TPI. They provide opportunities for new to the industry agents, experienced agents, home based agents, and brick & mortar agencies. Active and productive Facebook and Livestream platforms also allow additional learning and support opportunities. No matter what sales level I’ve been in, TPI has always supported my goals, provided professional support, and encouraged me to do my best. The TPI family truly includes the agents!
Do you have any additional tips or comments you like to share with your fellow Travel Professionals reading this?
I encourage travel professionals to do their homework prior to joining a host agency, and remember that a host is more than the commission split. Ask yourself what perks are provided for free or reduced costs – toll free numbers, back office support, GDS booking, high level commissions, website, email marketing, group space, timely commissions, and so much more. Whatever your decision, choose an agency the is focused on continuous improvement so you never outgrow your agency.
Interview With: Lisa Vermaak | BluSkyy Travel
Thank you for speaking with me today! Can you share how long you’ve been working with our wonderful friends at Travel Planners International (TPI)?
Sure! I’ve been working with TPI for about 1.5 years now.
Have you attended a previous TPI conference or event? If so, what do you feel is the largest benefit of attending?
Yes, I have. I have attended TPI Rocks 2017 in Atlanta, TPI’s Insight 1.0 in Orlando, and this years TPI Rocks 2018 on board the Harmony of the Seas. The largest benefit of attending these events is great training they give us. The TPI staff and suppliers give us such great information that I can immediately put into practice to improve my business when I return home.
Did you start your career with Travel Planners International? If not, can you share how joining TPI has helped your business?
Yes, I did start my business when I signed up with TPI. I researched a bunch of host agencies before choosing to work with TPI. They had the best “eye-catching graphics, and their advertising was very clear. I’m so glad I chose them as my host company… I love the staff and the information and training I get from TPI is priceless.
What tool(s) offered by Travel Planners International do you find most helpful in your business?
Gosh, am I allowed to say, “All of it”? Lol! They do so much to keep us up-to-date and informed on all the latest and greatest travel info out there… I love the accounting system… it helps us keep our commission organized. They have a great business development team which brings us daily info through FB lives, supplier presentations, and emails. I honestly love all the tools they give us!
If someone was considering partnering with TPI as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
I would say without hesitation…. DO IT. I can honestly say I haven’t had 1 issue with TPI in the past 1.5 years that I’ve been a part of the TPI family. I know agents that have been there over 20+ years and they still love it too! The staff at TPI truly care about their agents and are there to help you succeed. You are not just a number.
Do you have any additional tips or comments you like to share with your fellow Travel Professionals reading this?
Yes, being a part of a host travel agency has really helped me grow as a new agent. I knew what I wanted but I had no idea of how to get there. The TPI staff has helped me each step of the way and my business is growing because of my partnership with them. If you are a new agent, or if you are an agent that feels “stuck” consider coming over to TPI with me. You won’t regret it. It’s the best choice I’ve made in my company. The knowledge I’ve gained and the tools I have learned, as a result of being a part of TPI, keep taking my company to the next level. I wouldn’t be nearly where I am today if it wasn’t for TPI.