VAX at the Dare 2019 National Conference

I was fortunate to be able to attend the CruiseOne/Dream Vacations National Conference this fall where the theme this year was Dare. World Travel Holdings has D.A.R.E as their mission statement: Deliver A Remarkable Experience. That in and of itself would be enough for a theme, but realizing that Dare has another meaning really expanded the impact of the conference. Most of the leadership team dared themselves to speak on a personal level concerning their own dares that really elevated their influence at the conference. In addition, David Horsager made a return appearance as a key note speaker and effectively communicated more than I thought possible in the time frame he was given. He is the author of “The Trust Edge” and his message can be summed up with his quote, “Everything of value is built on trust.” What really impacted me most was a story he told about walking with his daughter when she was struggling with something and when asked what it was she replied, “You’ll never understand Dad, you’re perfect.” We need to dare to be human with those around us.

On a lighter note, there were plenty of theme opportunities for dressing fun at receptions each night and the networking was definitely on point!

The conference was aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas which included port in St. Marteen, San Jaun and a special stop at CocoCay, RCL’s private island which is so much different than it was the last time I was there. The thrill and chill side are amazing, and The Snack Shack’s burgers are something everyone needs to try, IMO.

Puerto Rico was a new destination for me, so I truly enjoyed a walking tour of old San Juan with a few agents and my first authentic mojito, which was so yummy!!

I do want to add the biggest surprise was one of my dares, and that was to eat at Wonderland on the ship. Our top agent requested it and we obliged nervously, but what a remarkable experience! It was my favorite event of the entire trip. So unusual, but so delicious and so satisfying!

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.