July 15, 2024 – Atlanta – WorldVia Travel Group, a collection of leading travel companies in the United States, is set to host WORLD24, its premier annual conference, September 11-13 at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Funner, California. This education and networking event is expected to draw hundreds of travel professionals from across the nation, offering three days of intensive relationship-building, learning opportunities and award celebrations.
Members of WorldVia Travel Quest Network, the travel host agency operating under WorldVia’s flagship, will have the chance to connect with top travel advisors and suppliers, gain insights from industry pioneers and forge invaluable relationships. The education and programming agenda for WORLD24 focuses on enhancing travel agency profitability through four educational tracks: Business Management, Marketing and Sales, Travel Advisor Skills, and Growth Strategies.
“Our members have a strong preference for the type of in-depth, face-to-face interactions WORLD24 offers,” said Jason Block, chief executive officer of WorldVia. “WORLD24 education is tailored to meet the specific needs our members have voiced, combining our expertise with their most sought-after travel business management and marketing topics.”
Day one of WORLD24 will open with general educational sessions, concluding with WorldVia’s annual Purple Party reception. Top producers will then be hosted at an exclusive Crown Dinner, honoring their exceptional contributions and success over the past year.
Highlights of WORLD24’s learning opportunities includes a session on “Leveraging AI in Your Sales Process,” led by Block, aimed at transforming the sales strategies of travel professionals through advanced AI applications.
Another notable presentation, “How to Make Your Website Your #1 Salesperson” by Sean Fagan, sales and marketing director for WorldVia, will include a live 15-point website audit, offering attendees practical tips for overnight website optimization for improved sales performance. Erica Scannelli, WorldVia’s director of member development, will conduct “Anatomy of a Booking,” offering a deep dive into booking cruises, all-inclusive packages and tours.
The conference will also feature pop-up demonstrations focusing on media production and technological proficiency to help members enhance their business operations.
Event sponsors for WORLD24 comprise a robust list of 70 partner suppliers categorized into numerous sponsorship tiers. One particularly noteworthy supplier is ALG Vacations, the Platinum-level Sponsor of the event. Gold Sponsors include Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Sandals & Beaches and Celebrity Cruises. A slew of high-level suppliers makes up the remaining three sponsorship tiers: Titanium, Silver and Bronze. WORLD24’s success is owed to all sponsoring suppliers whose generous contributions enrich the educational content, provide invaluable resources and elevate the overall experience for event attendees.
New for 2024 are post-WORLD24 extensions, each with their own unique itinerary. Interested members will convene at either Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa, or the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California, just steps from the Gaslamp Quarter. These extension sites offer additional networking opportunities and relaxation following the intensive WORLD24 conference days.
“WORLD24 is not just a pivotal gathering for travel professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and networks through actionable strategies,” said Block. “WORLD24 is a testament to our collective passion for the travel industry and entrepreneurship as well as a celebration of our members’ successes, offering a platform to honor those commitments and achievements.”
WorldVia’s 2024 conference event will also include the prestigious Questy Awards Dinner, honoring travel agencies and professionals around the United States that have demonstrated remarkable growth and achievement during the past year. The 2024 Questy Awards ceremony marks the awards program’s fourth year. Award winners will be honored in recognition of their business successes and dedication to current and prospective customers.
WorldVia travel agency owner and advisor members had the opportunity to nominate themselves or others for the awards program. A committee of long-standing travel industry leaders working with WorldVia carefully reviewed and evaluated all nominations to select this year’s winners across nearly a dozen categories.
The 2024 Questys Awards program will introduce new award categories like the “Spark of Excellence Award,” celebrating members who excel in theme-park travel planning and the “Trailblazer Awards” for outstanding sales performance in key travel sectors, including Cruise, Beach Breaks, Theme Parks and Family Travel, Touring and FIT (Fully Independent Touring), Corporate and Air Travel, and more.
Returning for the 2024 Questys award categories are the “Monarch Agency Awards,” celebrating travel agencies that demonstrate exemplary sales performance and growth, support of the network, use of WorldVia Travel Quest Network products and programs, and a helping spirit within the community of travel entrepreneurs.
The “Monarch Agency of the Year,” which celebrates the agency with the highest score in the awards scoring process, will also be included in the 2024 Questys slate of awards. Last year’s “Monarch Agency of the Year” was awarded to Alan Granza of ExtravaGranza Travel.
The “Dynasty Award” returns to this year’s Questys, continuing its tradition of recognizing one agency that has consistently demonstrated a longstanding commitment to excellence within WorldVia Travel Quest Network. The award was previously given to John Brawley of Premier Travel Service in 2023.
The “Local Community Leadership Award,” first introduced at the 2023 Questy Awards, continues to recognize entrepreneurs who profoundly impact their communities. Last year’s recipient, Tyson Wharton of Sioux Empire Travel, exemplified this commitment by actively fostering community spirit, inclusivity, and well-being. This award honors those who excel in volunteer service, organize local events, and demonstrate exceptional leadership and advocacy within their communities.
The 2024 award recipients will be honored at the Questy Awards, taking place at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, September 12. To learn more about the 2024 Questy Awards, visit www.travelquestnetwork.com/questy-awards.