Day Three of Outside Agent Travel Agent Conference (1/11/23)

Wednesday was a different set-up from the two previous days. When we signed up for the conference, we were able to sign up for different vendors we wanted to meet with to learn more. So today we went to the classes we signed up for. We still had breakfast and lunch. We also were able to visit with various vendors at a trade show. It was a great time to talk to vendors and meet with them face-to-face. Universal was there with a spin-the-wheel game. I played and won any prize on the table! This is what I chose: We had fun and learned a lot from our conversations with the vendors. All of them had QR codes and we did too!So those who were not familiar with QR codes had a nice lesson on how efficient they were. I was even able to share my app (HiHello) that I use with some of the agents for them to create their own. QR codes are the way to go and better than paper business cards for so many reasons. I can't tell you the number of times I have had to throw away business cards because of a change in an email address or phone number. So having a QR code where you can change the information and the code will adjust to the updated information. It certainly saves on time and is safer. Also, you can send a code by email or text message. When you do that, something wonderful happens. The person who you sent the information to will have their information on your CRM within the app. So, instead of waiting for them to call you, as with a business card, you get to reach out to them because you have their information too! So it is a win-win for follow-up. That is something a business card cannot do. So today was a great day and we even had time to do other things after class because we were out earlier than normal. The weather this week has been cool which is unusual for Florida. So, it has been difficult to do too many things for me personally. And with the temperatures are going to be worse on Friday with a high in the 40"s and rain!! So this has not been the most ideal weather. But then again, it is winter, even in Florida. No natter the weather, it doesn't stop us from learning and meeting agents from all over the country. If you are looking for a great host agency with top-notch training, consider Outside Agents. And if you are looking to travel, call me, Brenda McMillian at BMac Travel. My number is 704-294-9150. I look forward to working with you to help you make memories with those you love.

Day two of Outside Agents Travel Conference

Day two is now in the books, as they say. Each speakers has 45 minutes to present information on their particular brand. I may not have mentioned it but yesterday we heard from Playa Hotels & Resorts, Delta Vacations, Sandals Resorts, G Adventure, Royal Caribbean and Vacation Express. 

Today it was Virgin Voyages, Viking River Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruise Lines (the Love Boat), Disney Destinations, and Globus.

We have three more days to go! So when I tell you we are absorbing information from morning till night, believe me! We get there at 7am and have breakfast till 8am. Then classes start and we get out around 5pm. We do break for lunch. Both breakfast and lunch are provided each day by sponsors. So, they make sure we are fueled for the days activities. Here are a couple of the meals I had these two days:

I have been able to meet other agents from around the country. It has been a pleasure to meet agent who, like me, work hard to learn more so they can better serve their clients. 

Although we are in Florida, it has been chilly each day. It has been in the 60's and low 70's with cool breezes. This is not at all what I planned for. Usually when I am in Florida, I am tickled with 

80's and plenty of sunshine. Not this time! I feel sorry for those who are vacationing and did not check the forecast before leaving home. That's a travel tip to remember: check the forecast in the city you will be traveling to before leaving to make sure you packed appropriately! I always bring a sweater or light jacket because conference rooms can get cold. I wore a sweater here because it was cold in NC when we left. Little did I know I would need it when I got here. I checked the forecast but thought 70's would be OK. I was wrong 😊. 

So off to bed now but not before giving you a second travel tip: Call me! BMac Travel for all your travel needs. Also make sure you like my @BMacTravel page on Facebook. I am giving away prizes, surprises and keeping you up-to-date with all the latest travel deals. Call me at 704-294-9150 and start packing. #BMacTravel #LetsGo #WhatsOnYourBucketList #Travelin2023

Outside Agent January 2023 Conference-Experience Traveling our World

On Monday January 9, 2023, over 200 agents with Outside Agents conveined in Orlando, Florida at the beautiful Universal Resort Hotels. I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Others stayed at the Aventura Hotel while others stayed at the hotel where all of the classes were, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The Cabana Bay is a retro style resort designed for fun and affordability according to Universals website. The architecture is inspired by the Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. There is a lazy river, two pools, sand with lawn chairs, a bowling alley and more!There is bus transportation from the resorts to City Walk. City walk is the free epicenter that is the gateway to all three theme parks. Since it is a free area, you can go there and shop, eat, catch a movie, or get a drink. City walk is also beautiful at night.I did manage to get a couple of shots of it at night but the photos do not do it justice. The first day was filled with great information from our suppliers and we were able to get lots of great information to pass on to our clients. We were also given tools to help our business thrive. We are learning more abour All Inclusive Resorts, Cruises and Adventure Companies that we can market with confidence. Both Breakfast and Lunch were provided for us by different sponsors each day. I am excited about what I learned today and look forward to the next four days of training. I can't wait to get back to work so I can share what I learned so I can make the most of my training. If you are interested in traveling in the next couple of years, call me and let's talk about it! Lock in todays prices for travel later.