Beth’s Buzz on the Inspire National Conference!

Norwegian Cruise Lines has a new supplier showcase on VAX and it excites me more than ever just coming off of the Norwegian Bliss for a National Conference with CruiseOne, Cruises Inc. and Dream Vacations!

This National Conference is one I always look forward to because it offers so much in the way of agent engagement! A cruise is always a great way to have a conference, in my opinion, because the agents are all in one place and well, because I love being at sea. And where else do you have the opportunity to grow a full zoo of towel animals?

Our training was completely filled with agents overflowing into other areas for VAX training information since they knew we soon would be hosting Apple Vacations. I was especially invigorated by the amount of new agents that came to talk to me at the tradeshow that were hungry for tools that will help them grow their business, and to learn more about the content that VAX provides within our Leisure Travel Marketplace.

I always appreciate being around top land agents from this group that are so gracious about sharing their feedback and giving new agents a step up by sharing their best practices for success. Here I am with Jeff Leach, the top land seller for The Mark Travel Brands this past year!

Most conferences that I attend have an opportunity to give back. This one is no different other than the opportunity to give back and yet better ourselves at the same time. Our company has a strong wellness core value, so of course I would take the opportunity to participate in the Make-A-Wish Zumba festivities, which was a fun, energizing and engaging opportunity to donate as well! With all of the options to participate in the Make-A-Wish festivities, I believe an impressive $116,000 was raised during the conference, allowing the granting of wishes for 23 children with life-threatening medical conditions!

There was a perceived downside to this event. Our cruise was scheduled to port in the Mexican Riviera, however, Hurricane Willa had a different idea for us. We had such great excursions planned and that went down the virtual drain in a heartbeat as we switched our course to San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada. Well there was no sense is letting that get us down so we made some plans to enjoy SFO despite the difference in temperature for the clothes that I had packed! Here are a few great snaps of the lovely day with a few top agents and colleagues. Also a lovely shot of the Golden Gate as we just barely made it under towards our next port!

I’ll leave you with one last thought that inspired me this conference. This quote is impactful and was shared during the closing general session by Drew Daly I believe. The agents I love to work with are eager with a passion for learning and growth and inspire me to WORK that much harder for them. Those that aren’t make me

want to work that much harder to reach them. Of course the team that I have to work with for this conference is a true blessing as well as you can see in my last selfie.

About the Author

Beth Kitzman is the business development manager for Trisept Solutions' Agency Channel for VAX VacationAccess. Beth focuses on nurturing business relationships and finding exciting, unique ways for VAX to support travel agencies. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning with Walt Disney World then working for airlines and now focusing on travel technology, Beth loves using her education degree to find ways to educate and empower travel agents to grow their leisure travel business.