Written By: Andy Ogg, Editor and Marketing Director – Travel Professional NEWS
The 2018 Avoya Conference Paves the Way to the Future
Each and every year, Avoya Travel® hosts a spectacular conference bringing together Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network™, supplier partners, and support staff for a few days of education, networking, and celebration. Last year, the annual event was located at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California, and this year it was held both on land and at sea from May 22 – 27. The first component was hosted at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach, California, followed by the second component onboard Norwegian Bliss for its west coast inaugural sailing.
The Avoya Conference, no matter the location, follows the successful and time proven formula that not only brings together Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network, but also empowers them to connect and grow their business through peer-to-peer knowledge. In addition to connecting with fellow travel professionals, Independent Agents in the Avoya Network that attend the Avoya Conference also have the ability and opportunities to obtain further education from the industry’s top suppliers, connect with the Avoya support staff and leadership, and participate in professional development and educational sessions that are sure-fire ways to improve one’s business and sales success.
This year in Long Beach, Avoya released the innovative and forward thinking 5-phase roadmap known as Avoya 2025. The goal of this new 5 phase plan is to reimagine and create the future of vacation planning. The 2025 plan leans into Avoya’s unique vacation platform and drives powerful, distinct customer experiences by bridging modern technologies with the personal service of Independent Agencies as well as generating deeper collaboration opportunities with supplier partners.
In Phase One, which launched in June 2018 and carries through November 2019, Avoya will connect more travelers with Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network, increase communication and business intelligence sharing between suppliers and the Network, and ultimately streamline efficiencies so Network members can spend more time booking travel and earning above industry-average incomes.
While looking to the future, Avoya also celebrated milestone achievements during the conference. As a result of Avoya’s record success, which hails double-digit sales increases for 2017 and triple-digit Network growth, Avoya honored more Independent Agencies as top producers for annual sales than ever before.
Additional standout moments included, Avoya’s annual Make-A-Wish partnership presentation, Royal Caribbean International’s Caribbean Nights, and Carnival Corporation’s cocktail party at the refurbished Long Beach Cruise Terminal, the celebratory Chairman’s Great Gatsby Gala onboard the Queen Mary, and a first-look at modern cruising onboard the Norwegian Bliss inaugural.
“This year’s Avoya Conference was special because we could celebrate our record-setting accomplishments in sales and Avoya Network growth, while also introducing our bold vision for the future that charts the course to increasing success for all Avoya stakeholders. We are intentionally positioned for change and feel there is nothing out of our reach,” said Jeff Anderson, Executive Vice President, Avoya Travel. “Sailing onboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s highly anticipated Norwegian Bliss inaugural was the perfect closing to the Avoya Conference where Independent Agencies were among the first travel professionals to experience this innovative ship.”
Interviews with Avoya Travel Network Independent Agents
Interview With:
Roberta Mattice
Journeys By Roberta, LLC
An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network™
How long have you been an Independent Agent in the Avoya Travel Network?
I’ve been a member of the Avoya Network for four years. However, I worked for the Andersons in total for 29 years.
Did you start your career with Avoya Travel Network? If not, can you share how joining Avoya helped your business?
I began my travel career over 20 years ago as an employee agent with another travel agency. As the Anderson family grew and evolved the Avoya model, I took an opportunity four years ago to open my own Independent Agency in the Avoya Network.
Is this your first Avoya Conference? If not, how many have you attended so far?
This year was my fourth Avoya Conference.
What is your biggest takeaway from these yearly conferences?
By going to Avoya’s conference I get a chance to know the vendors on a personal level, which is more meaningful and beneficial to my business.
Do you find that your business sees a new level of growth as a result of attending conferences like this?
Most of my business is repeat clientele. However, that doesn’t mean I should stop learning and networking. My clients appreciate that I’m informed on what’s coming up with suppliers, know the latest products and promotions, and that I also understand how to maximize Avoya’s latest systems to deliver great value and service. My clients benefit because I have such great relationships with the suppliers and can have more direct relationships when we need help with an issue or have a favor to ask.
What is the tool that you find most useful as an Independent Agent in the Avoya Network?
One of the most useful resources Avoya makes available to my business is the great promotions. With access to exclusive group space, pricing and amenities, I have a competitive advantage in offering the travelers the best value thanks to Avoya.
If someone was considering partnering with Avoya as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
Avoya is a great choice for travel professionals who want cutting-edge marketing and attentive support. Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network have access to so many educational opportunities, Agent Power™ technology that saves time and makes running a business easier and are empowered to focus on product knowledge and selling because Avoya provides the marketing and Live Leads™ to generate new customers.
Is there anything additional you’d like to share with other travel professionals that may read this story?
Avoya has a great energy with the young minds and leadership that are helping to bring Avoya into the future of travel.
Interview With:
Alanna Johnson
Private Escape Travel
An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network™
How long have you been an Independent Agent in the Avoya Travel Network?
I’ve been a member of the Avoya Network for 18 months.
Did you start your career with Avoya Travel Network? If not, can you share how joining Avoya helped your business?
I started as a travel agent with AAA and prior to that I worked the other side of the desk in hotel sales and marketing. Avoya has helped me expand my reach. It has shocked me how more people pay attention to me and what I have to offer now as opposed to being with a brick and mortar agency.
Is this your first Avoya Conference? If not, how many have you attended so far?
Yes this was my first conference.
What is your biggest takeaway from these yearly conferences?
Motivation. I am more excited to get up and work. There is so much energy and excitement when we’re all together as a Network. I feel more empowered to apply the new things I’ve learned from Avoya and the suppliers to my business.
Do you find that your business sees a new level of growth as a result of attending conferences like this?
Yes, I love going to conference because of the networking with suppliers and other Independent Agencies. It makes me more excited and motivated to work harder and smarter in building my business.
What is the tool that you find most useful as an Independent Agent in the Avoya Network?
Avoya’s marketing and Live Leads™ program. Avoya is so cutting edge and always trying to reach new customers. Then they give me the resources and exclusive deals to be able to give travelers the best value.
If someone was considering partnering with Avoya as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
Do it! I was making money for another company and I wish I had a tenth of what they made on me. I love that I own and run my own business. I have a friend who is affiliating right now with Avoya and she will be able to reach the new clients with the best vacation options and value by being a member of the Avoya Network. She couldn’t do that with the agency she is leaving.
With a prospective Independent Agency, often their initial concern is about the commission split for Avoya Live Leads™. I try to show them that they’re looking at it the wrong way. Instead of charging you a fee for every lead, Avoya is splitting the commission with you only when you close a lead. The overall cost is a fraction of what it would cost to market and generate similar high-quality leads. When I joined Avoya I tripled my income because I no longer had to pay for marketing.
Interview With:
Carleen Lett
Lett’s Travel
An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network™
How long have you been an Independent Agent in the Avoya Travel Network?
I’ve been a member of the Avoya Travel Network since 2009
Did you start your career with Avoya Travel Network? If not, can you share how joining Avoya helped your business?
I was working in travel before joining the Avoya Network. Since affiliating my business with Avoya my commissions and sales grow each year. Avoya is completely positioned to take care of Independent Agencies. I have a wealth of Live Leads whenever I want them, my commissions are deposited every week, and most importantly I have a resource for questions and support.
Is this your first Avoya Conference? If not, how many have you attended so far?
This year was actually my eighth conference!!
What is your biggest takeaway from these yearly conferences?
The networking is so valuable to my business – meeting vendors and other travel professionals who all offer a wealth of knowledge to share.
Do you find that your business sees a new level of growth as a result of attending conferences like this?
Absolutely, I come back ready to work and implement new business plans and am excited about the information learned about new destinations and vendors.
What is the tool that you find most useful as an Independent Agent in the Avoya Network?
I really value the reputation Avoya has with the vendors. The relationship Avoya has with its suppliers benefits our commission structure, group space, amenities and deals we can offer customers, and the support we receive from the vendor if issues arise – it is phenomenal.
If someone was considering partnering with Avoya as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
Choosing your host agency could possibly be the most important business decision you make. As mentioned before, the relationship Avoya has with most vendors is invaluable. The education from Avoya University, the Avoya Mastermind program, to daily (almost hourly) webinars are so important and not always offered by other host agencies. Avoya’s Live Leads are the best! No other host agency feeds their affiliates new client leads that have been qualified and are constantly being “touched” to keep them interested.
Is there anything additional you’d like to share with other travel professionals that may read this story?
I have never been sorry a single day since joining Avoya, it has been the best business decision I have ever made.
Interview With:
Beth Leonardt
Vacations by Beth, LLC
An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network™
How long have you been an Independent Agent in the Avoya Travel Network?
I affiliated my business with the Avoya Travel Network in November 2010.
Did you start your career with Avoya Travel Network? If not, can you share how joining Avoya helped your business?
I’ve been in the travel business over 37 years. Before joining Avoya Travel I had my own travel agency and then I worked for another travel agency. I discovered that working for someone else after owning my own company for many years was not a good fit for me. When I wanted to go back out on my own, I researched and found Avoya Travel. After many months of going back and forth I chose to affiliate with Avoya Travel and they’ve been a great fit for me!
I have been to every Avoya Conference since 2011. I wouldn’t want to miss one. I love the interaction with the vendors and getting to network with them at a personal level.
Do you find that your business sees a new level of growth as a result of attending conferences like this?
I find that Avoya’s conference teaches me new things every time that I bring back to my office and that allow me to work smarter, not harder.
I love Avoya’s Agent Power™ technology system AP and most of all Avoya’s Live Leads. The combination of new clients being offered directly to my business and cutting-edge technology to help me manage bookings and customer relationships has contributed to my business growth. I feel like the sales potential with Avoya is unlimited.
If someone was considering partnering with Avoya as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
Affiliating with the Avoya Network is worth it! There is always going to be a learning curve when making any business decision and partnership. Avoya Network members have so much support available with the Avoya staff and education programs, that you never feel alone while running and growing your travel business.
Interview With:
Marie Rosenbaum
Oceanview Travels, LLC
An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network™
How long have you been an Independent Agent in the Avoya Travel Network?
I’ve been an Independent Agency Owner in the Avoya Travel Network for about a year and a half (one year and 5 months to be exact).
Did you start your career with Avoya Travel Network? If not, can you share how joining Avoya helped your business?
I owned a design and marketing business for over 10 years, then worked part-time as an independent agent at a brick and mortar agency where I learned the travel business for a year and a half. I wanted to be more successful and was looking for a way to purchase travel leads. That’s when I stumbled upon “Live Leads” in my Google search, and therefore found Avoya and learned about the host agency concept all-together. After researching many host agencies, I realized that Avoya was the only one who offered Live Leads™. It was an easy choice to join, knowing that I will have marketing and lead generation available to me when I start.
Is this your first Avoya Conference? If not, how many have you attended so far?
This was my first Avoya Conference.
What is your biggest takeaway from these yearly conferences?
I came back very inspired from my first Avoya Conference. I have been with Avoya for 17 months. Travel is my second career. After going to two Avoya Mastermind Academies and Avoya’s Conference, I’m very clear on a few things…
Specialize. Specialize. Specialize!
When my clients entrust me to plan their vacation, they expect an expert who can answer all their questions right away. If I don’t know what I’m selling forward, backward and sideways, I will not be as credible nor as helpful to them. Specializing not only is great for the client, but it makes my life easier. The more I know about a brand, the easier my job gets because I can anticipate my clients’ questions and needs. I think specializing can be applied to more than just brands. Drilling down specializations to niche markets within the brands I focus on will take it to the next level. Right now, I want to be known as the Club Med girl.
Urgency.
Do today what I could do tomorrow. Why? Because it’s off my list and it’s done, and I have taken action towards my goal. Life happens, time flies. If you can get to it now, you’ll be further ahead tomorrow. Urgency also applies to helping clients make a decision on booking their vacation. If I don’t create urgency with a promotion ending soon, there is no urgency for the client to book now.
Be Me.
The road to success looks different for everyone. There is no cookie-cutter path to follow. After speaking with Avoya’s most successful Independent Agencies, it’s become obvious that they might share similar sales philosophies, but all have a very unique approach to their everyday schedules and different systems in place that help them streamline their work flow.
Always Be Networking.
In my previous career, networking meant to simply get in front of my potential customer. Since I’ve been in travel, I have realized that it’s much more than that. Networking applies to having great connections with your travel professional peers. Everyone in the industry has something to contribute and teach one another. Networking is also tremendously important with the vendors you specialize in. For many reasons. You want your BDM to know you and you want to have a genuine and close relationship with them because they are a wealth of knowledge and can be there for you if anything ever goes wrong with a client’s vacation. It’s that extra help and recourse that you wouldn’t have available otherwise. They are there to help you and want you to be successful. The same goes for the Avoya support staff who are always there to point you in the right direction, help your business grow with constant technological innovations that streamline your workflow and save time, and who are the most knowledgeable and accessible people in place to help me grow my business.
Be Thankful.
It’s simple but be thankful for all of it. Be thankful for travel, it’s the greatest industry I could be in! Be thankful for my clients. Be thankful for Avoya’s support. Be thankful for my peers and the inspiring insight from many successful Independent Agencies in the Network.
Do you find that your business sees a new level of growth as a result of attending conferences like this?
Absolutely. I am more focused on the steps I need to take to become more successful as an Independent Agency owner.
What is the tool that you find most useful as an Independent Agent in the Avoya Network?
Avoya’s Live Leads™ program and the Support Request system in Avoya’s Agent Power™ system have been incredibly helpful in growing my business with new customers and connecting with Avoya’s support team as I learn the business. All this, backed up with stellar customer service is very helpful.
If someone was considering partnering with Avoya as a Host Travel Agency, what advice or insight would you offer them?
I would recommend that a travel professional interested in affiliating with Avoya request to speak to one of the most successful Independent Agency owners in the Avoya Network and hear why they have been with Avoya for years.
To my knowledge no other host agency has anything similar or even close to what Avoya Live Leads offer. Avoya strives to stay on the edge of the most current technology with all the systems they have in place.
Is there anything additional you’d like to share with other travel professionals that may read this story?
Join Avoya! You will be glad you did!