From the organizers of Global Travel Marketplace (GTM) and GTM West comes a series of articles about Travel Weekly's invitation-only conference, including this profile of Connie Risse, one of the travel professionals who is attending GTM West this spring. For more information about GTM and GTM West, including how to apply, click here.
Connie Risse, Owner of Ships and Trips Travel, is a member of the GTM Advisory Board and will be attending GTM West this year as both a veteran and a GTM success story. She attributes the continued growth of her business to GTM's fast-paced, "make every second count" structure.
"GTM came highly recommended to me by a very respected agency owner," Risse said. "Her enthusiasm was so overwhelming I knew she meant business. I had previously decided not to attend other travel shows, as my time is valuable, and I only wanted to attend a show that could guarantee new business for our agency."
Risse was first selected to attend GTM West in 2014 and returned in 2016. She was later selected as a member of the Advisory Board for 2016-2017. She attended GTM in Fort Lauderdale with this new title and will be attending the 2017 GTM West in her final year as a board member.
"Since I first began attending GTM, my business has grown over 7% each year," Risse said. "I was able to meet like-minded advisers who are serious about their business, and thanks to GTM's extensive vetting process, they were all the cream of the crop. At these events, I am able to network with so many of my peers and share business strategy ideas that benefit us all. I also formed meaningful relationships with suppliers that shed new light on their products. The fast-paced environment and short appointment times at GTM force the suppliers to be on top of their game and give detailed information on how we can increase sales and add value to our business."
Years ago, before GTM was even on her radar, Risse was selling travel as a hobby and loved it so much she quit her full-time job to pursue a career in travel advising full time. With 120 advisers working under her, and still selling on her own, her schedule is often full, but she makes time to attend GTM. In only three days, it offers a variety of benefits to anyone serious about succeeding in the industry.
"No matter what your business model is -- whether you specialize, run a home-based business or work out of a storefront -- there is such valuable education available during these jam-packed three days that every agent can use," Risse said. "As more and more agents are working from home, it is imperative we attend meetings that make the best use of our time to increase sales and bring new ideas to doing business. For those who have independent contractors, GTM even provides ways to mentor them, help them pick the specialty they want to sell and provides the best suppliers to get the job done."
GTM and GTM West are appointment-only events that connect the most productive travel advisers in North America with global travel suppliers in powerhouse, one-on-one appointments and exclusive boardroom sessions. This boutique-style event supports the best sellers in the business, encouraging them to expand their supplier portfolio and grow their global book of business.
GTM West will be held at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa in Henderson/Las Vegas May 18 to 20. GTM takes place at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale, Fla., July 9 to 11. Applications for GTM are currently open. Travel advisers who are selected to attend are fully hosted, including airfare, hotel and all meals during the event.
To submit your application to attend and to learn more, visit www.globaltravelmarketplace.com.