The Travel World Comes to TPI Extravaganza 2014 Part I
TPI Extravaganza is an annual event that brings together the best within the travel industry and helps independent travel agents make connections with companies like Disney, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International and so much more. At the same time, attendees are given the resources and continuing education necessary in order to apply them to their business and careers to be able to enjoy success in the travel industry. Discover what took place this year at TPI Extravaganza and the days leading up to the incredible event.
Pre Conference: Cruise Ship Tours
Although the event officially began on October 8th, the days leading up to the extravaganza also contained plenty of excitement. On Monday, October 6th, TPI Agents were given the chance to do a tour and inspect two of the newest and most impressive cruise ships around: Breakaway from Norwegian Cruise Lines and Enchantment of the Seas from Royal Caribbean.
Wednesday: Opening General Session
The official start of TPI Extravaganza kicked off with VOX Audio, a plated breakfast, and two terrific Keynote Speakers. The MC was Joanie Ogg, of Joanie Ogg Marketing Group, who spoke about home-based travel as well as marketing tips.
Tony Jr and Ken, the Gagliano brothers, gave a riveting talk on the growth of Travel Planners International. Some of the topics they touched on included the TPI Events App, the new headquarters for TPI that is scheduled to be completed in the next few months and the various programs and resources available to agents.
Another fantastic presenter was Lynn Clark, the Vice President of Domestic Travel Industry & Destination Sales for Walt Disney Park and Resorts. Lynn Clark gave everyone a dusting of that Disney Magic as she introduced a live version of the Frozen hit song, “Let It Go,” which blew attendees away.
Wednesday: Vendor Classes and Lunch General Session
One of the highlights of TPI Extravaganza is the chance for attendees to sign up for classes hosted by travel industry vendors. These continuing education classes cover a range of different topics and are designed to help independent travel agents become better at what they do. A general session during lunch featured Keith Lane as the guest speaker. Lane is the Vice President of Field Sales and National Accounts North America for Celebrity Cruises, and he provided a ton of information for those in the crowd.
Wednesday: Welcome Beach Party
No day of learning would be complete without some entertainment and fun to round it all out. Since the event was held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida one of the most exciting destinations on the planet, there certainly wasn’t a shortage of things to do, see and explore.
Most of the attendees headed straight to the Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s biggest Convention Center Resort with a southwestern theme. There, a lively beach party held on the banks of a 22-acre lake served as the ultimate place to meet vendors, enjoy incredible fare, take some snap shots with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and get to know some of the other independent travel agents associated with Travel Planners International.
Day one was an incredible start to TPI Extravaganza in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Stay tuned for what follows in part two!