Following tremendous success, the STAR (Select Travel Advisor Recognition) Program returns to CruiseWorld in 2017. The application to participate is now open.
Planning for Travel Weekly's CruiseWorld is well underway. The event, slated for Nov. 15 to 17 in Fort Lauderdale, with ship inspection options November 14, 18 and 19, will include general sessions jam-packed with industry leadership, supplier training programs, peer training, a diversified Exhibitor Showcase and the opportunity to attend the event in an enhanced capacity as a "STAR."
The STAR Program is structured to provide customized event programming while offsetting some of the financial expenses incurred by travel advisers to attend professional development events.
As part of Travel Weekly's ongoing commitment to supporting the professional development and growth of the travel adviser community, this program will again help fund attendance for nearly 300 of the estimated 1,000 travel adviser attendees at CruiseWorld.
"Since the program's inception two years ago, we've seen real results from our adviser participants with regard to business grown and supplier partnership development," said Alicia Evanko-Lewis, senior vice president of events for Northstar Travel Group. "Supplier attendees continue to be impressed with the caliber of our travel adviser attendees and the effectiveness of the in-person connections the program facilitates. Travel Weekly is dedicated to making financial and professional commitments to foster the growth of our industry through live events."
The core component of the STAR Program is a series of collaborative meetings scheduled between exhibiting supplier partners and prequalified travel advisers committed to business growth. Advisers who qualify for the STAR Program, and who are selected to participate, receive complimentary registration and hotel accommodations for two nights.
Specific participation requirements and program criteria are detailed on the CruiseWorld website. Traditional registration opportunities will be available for those who do not wish to apply for the STAR Program when event registration opens in early spring.
STAR Program alumni are reporting excellent and tangible results following the event.
"Thanks to CruiseWorld and the STAR Program, I received several client inquiries into vacations the first week following the conference," said Christopher Mushrush of Starfish Travel, LLC. "I was very fortunate to have been selected to participate in this program."
Added Roberta Hebenstreit of A Time To Go Travel: "I have benefitted greatly from CruiseWorld's STAR Program by learning how to partner with suppliers to optimize my clients' experience -- my commissions. January 2017 was my best month for bookings ever."
For additional information about CruiseWorld, and to apply for the STAR Program, visit www.cruiseworldshow.com.