Written By Jennifer Kruse, CTA, ACC, LCS, Associate Director, Trade Recruitment & Engagement , Travel Weekly Events
Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld registration is now open. The event, slated for Nov. 9-11, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, will include general sessions jam-packed with industry leadership, supplier training programs, peer-to-peer workshops, and a diversified Exhibitor Showcase. Ship inspection options are available November 8, 12 and 13.
Don’t let the name fool you, though. CruiseWorld isn’t just about cruise. This event brings together all facets of the leisure travel industry. Exhibitor categories include: airlines, attractions, business tools, car rental, cruise, destinations, hotels and resorts, professional services, tour operators and packaged vacations and more.
Past travel advisor attendees welcome the diversity in supplier representation and programming.
“CruiseWorld offers a consistent level of quality of suppliers represented, educational sessions provided, and attendees who are serious about their craft,” said Steve Cousino of Journeys By Steve. “I come away from CruiseWorld each year with new practices and information, and my business the following year improves as a result.”
Tim Powell of Warm Weather Vacations notes, “CruiseWorld gave me the opportunity to interact with and gain insight from vendors and other agency owners that I ordinarily would not have access to. I left with new marketing ideas as well as access to suppliers that I previously had little to no knowledge of. This information will help me to provide more unique and exciting itineraries to my clients.”
The STAR (Select Travel Advisor Recognition) Program is also now open for applications. As part of Travel Weekly’s ongoing commitment to support the professional development and growth of the travel advisor community, this program will help fund attendance and two nights’ hotel accommodation for nearly 300 of the estimated 1,000 attendees at CruiseWorld. “We launched this program last year and it was a tremendous success. The supplier attendees were extremely impressed with the caliber of our travel advisor attendees and our travel advisors reported amazing leaps in their business after participating. As an organization we will continue to make financial and professional commitments to help bring the best of the travel industry together to learn and do business,” said Alicia Evanko-Lewis, Senior Vice President of Events for Northstar Travel Group. The program is structured to provide enhanced event programming while offsetting some of the financial expenses incurred by travel advisors to attend professional development events.
The core component of the STAR Program is a series of strategic and collaborative one-on-one connections scheduled between exhibiting supplier partners and pre-qualified travel advisors committed to business growth. Advisors who qualify for the STAR Program, and who are selected to participate, receive complimentary registration and complimentary hotel accommodation for two nights. Specific participation requirements are detailed on the CruiseWorld website. Traditional registration opportunities are available for those who do not wish to apply for the STAR Program.
Selected attendees in last year’s inaugural STAR program are reporting excellent results.
“My 2015 CruiseWorld participation was far beyond my expectations with the in depth training, diversity of the programs and one on one contacts” said Susan Russel of Cruise Options, Inc.
“I attended CruiseWorld last year in the STAR Program and it was a game changer!” added Krista Mayne of Wasatch Travel. “I booked 2 big groups immediately after. The suppliers and the friends I gained there are invaluable.”
Whether attending as a STAR Program participant or a traditional attendee, CruiseWorld’s robust programming provides value for all types of travel advisors, from the home-based professional to the cruise-centered advisors, the seasoned veterans and those new to the industry. Register for only $75 using code HBTA at checkout.
For additional information about CruiseWorld, ship inspections and how to apply for the STAR Program visit www.cruiseworldshow.com.