FLYING
HIGH is the name of the first annual conference sponsored
by the Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST), the industry
marketing group for home-based agents. The event will be held Sept.
12 to 14 at the Palms Casino & Resort in Las Vegas. Senior vice
president Stuart Cohen, who announced the date and venue, added
that the group reached a milestone of signing on 175 members who
are home-based and proud.
ALONG
WITH motivational sales and marketing training, the
conference will give agents and suppliers a unique way to interact
and network, using an Inside-Out tradeshow approach, Cohen said.
Agents will work the booths and suppliers will walk the floor.
Every NEST member agency will receive a tabletop display that they
can decorate as they wish in order to attract suppliers to learn
about their agency. For more information on the conference, contact
Cohen at (888) 245-NEST, Ext. 2341. The groups Web site is at www.jointhenest.com.
FORTY
AGENTS from around the country, the majority home-based,
completed requirements for the Level 1 Travel Sales Certification
designation, said Cruise Agent Only, a Fort Lauderdale-based
educational organization. The agents constitute the first
graduating class of Cruise Agent Onlys Cruise University. The event
took place aboard the Norwegian Sun.
THE
PROGRAM combines seminars with an onboard cruise
experience and a series of exams, said Charlie Dubinsky, president
of the 2,500-member organization. Travel agents interested in
learning more can contact Cruise Agent Only at (954) 491-2269. Its
Web site is at www.cruiseagentonly.com.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Hawaii
Dates valid: Year-round for overnight stays.
Sponsor: Sheraton Hotels in Waikiki, Waikiki
Beach, Hawaii.
Cost: $59 at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, $79
at the Princess Moana Surfrider or Sheraton Waikiki and $139 at the
Royal Hawaiian. Rates are per room, per night.
Noteworthy: When booking, travel agents must ask
for rate plan TAED.
Contact: (800) 782-9488; Web: www.starwoodhawaii.com/agents.