In what has been called “the best conference ever” by both advisors and suppliers, the just concluded Summit 5 by Travel Experts, the premier Host Agency with more than 600 independent advisors, has been lauded for its education, networking and cementing relationships.
Summit 5 was a sold-out event with 165 advisors and 70 suppliers enjoying the three of AmaWaterways luxury ships, the AmaBella, AmaMora and AmaSonata.
One of the popular ingredients at the Travel Experts Summit is the speed dating meetings between all the advisors and the suppliers. “Advisors get to spend quality time in these meetings with suppliers to learn and build stronger personal relationships with the suppliers,” said Sharon Fake, Travel Experts Executive Director, adding: “In addition, the advisors get to dine, participate in excursions and generally interact with different suppliers in a relaxed atmosphere for a full week.”
Claire Canady, Director, Travel Experts NC Operations noted: “The suppliers told us that the Summit is one of the best conferences they attend primarily because it provides the most interactive opportunities with the advisors.” She added, “We were impressed with AmaWaterways operations that enabled the three ships to be docked alongside each other enabling easy movement for mingling among the advisors and suppliers. And it was great having AmaWaterways Co-Founder Gary Murphy on board with us as well.”
Becky Murillo, Business Development Manager, AmaWaterways, said: “We were truly honored to host this year’s Travel Experts Summit, a most impactful event. Having Travel Experts advisors onboard for seven nights allowed for more meaningful conversations and relationship-building, while also giving them the chance to experience our product firsthand from our exceptional service to the overall onboard atmosphere that sets us apart.”
Murillo added: “We gained valuable insight into our advisors, their businesses, their clients, and what they need to succeed. Spending meaningful time together allowed us to better understand how our product fits within their portfolio.”
Shannon McGee, Manager, National and Strategic Accounts, Cunard, North America, said: “For me it is one of the best conferences. We get quality face to face time with leadership and the advisors.”
Lora Schapiro, National Account Manager, Tauck, said: “What I liked best about the Travel Experts Summit was the range of opportunities to engage and connect with the advisors.”
Mark Rubinstein, Explore LLC, Naples, FL loved “Networking with our advisors, we don’t often get together. We had ample time to network and feed ideas off each other.”
Jessica Lysy, Finding Your Adventure Travel, Argyle, TX, said: “The combination of meaningful supplier connections and the genuine community made the whole experience stand out. Getting that kind of face time with a wide range of top-notch partners is invaluable in this business. I also had the opportunity to talk shop with some of the most experienced and influential advisors in the industry, who opened my eyes to new ways of running, marketing, and conducting my business. The advisors at Travel Experts are truly unlike any other host agency.”
Carrie Mandala, ElmRock Travel, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, said: “I really appreciated the collaborative atmosphere; there was a genuine sense of community that made it easy to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another.”
Jennifer Falk Weiss, JFW Travel, Atlanta, GA, said: “Honestly, it was the best travel conference experience I’ve ever attended. I deepened relationships with partners and I also really valued the time with fellow advisors.”
Travel Experts is already planning Summit 6 to be held Oct. 3-7, 2027 with a buyout of the Hyatt Tamaya Resort & Spa in Albuquerque, NM. The dates coincide with the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts hundreds of balloon owners and thousands of spectators from around the world.
Heather McIntyre, Travel Experts Director, Technology & Finance, said, “Having the next Summit in a large hotel will enable us to accommodate and invite more advisors and more suppliers making Summit 6 and even bigger event.”