The Travel Agent Next Door recently held its annual conference. We asked some of the agents who attended why they go to their conference and what they get out of it – including agents who joined during the COVID pandemic.
Tammie Ledlie CTC, Tammie’s Travel Concepts, Port McNicoll, ON – joined 2017
What is the main reason you attend the conference?
Conference is the most important investment in my business! The relationships I have formed with the TTAND Support team, suppliers and colleagues are so important to me and to my day to day business and growth!
What is the biggest takeaway for you?
I always come away with new strategies for building my business and marketing my value. What I love most about this industry is that you NEVER stop learning.
Marion Dyksterhuis, Sage Travel Design, Georgetown, ON – joined 2017
What is the main reason you attend the conference?
Relationship building and motivation. I love meeting other agents and suppliers. The connections made here are invaluable.
What is the biggest takeaway for you?
That you can build your business the way you want. You don’t need to be all things to all people.
Joni Davis, Travel With Joni, Quesnel, B.C. – joined 2021
What is the main reason you attend the conference?
Product knowledge from the suppliers and to learn tips and strategies from other agents and guest speakers.
What is the biggest takeaway for you?
Reminder that this is my business and I have an amazing host that gives me the tools I need to achieve my goals.
Garth Layden, Elevation Travel & Tours Inc. Innisfail, AB – joined 2020
What is the main reason you attend the conference?
To get updates from suppliers and to network with fellow agents.
What is the biggest takeaway for you?
Needing to work smarter not harder
Susan Ruiter, TTAND, London, ON – joined 2018
What is the main reason you attend the conference?
This is my first conference. I have heard so many wonderful things for so long about conference and how everyone needs to attend. I am so happy I could finally make it; hearing is one thing, experiencing it is what really counts.
What is the biggest takeaway for you?
Biggest take away for me is we ARE one big family and we generally work really well together. If I need help, I feel comfortable reaching out to others. All the agents I met were easy to talk to and most have an area of expertise or experiences they are happy to share.
Denise Hanuska, TravelLux, Dartmouth, NS – joined 2019
What is the main reason you attend the conference?
Basically it boils down to learning and connections, in order to benefit my business and ultimately my clients. Since most of us are home based, working alone can be tiring. Seeing suppliers in person — to make that connection while they give us the scoop on what is upcoming, what has changed, and their personal experiences — is invaluable.
What is the biggest takeaway for you?
That we are resilient, and that travel is back. Where we want to take it is up to us.
Laura Tempan, Sun Touch Travel, Spruce Grove, AB – joined 2021
What is the main reason you attend the conference?
I attend the annual conference because it gives me a chance to meet with 39 different supplier partners. It also gives me the opportunity to network with over 200 of my fellow agents.
What is the biggest takeaway for you?
My biggest takeaway from conference is that I am going to pick three things that I am going to implement into my business in the next 3 months. This month, I am working on expanding the cruise sales. I have committed to doing three training courses with three different cruise suppliers, and to having a one-on-one with the BDM to see how they can help me sell their product to my clients.
