Early demand for acceptance to this year’s exclusive Global
Travel Marketplace events has surpassed expectations with applications up 45%
over the launch period last year. Travel advisers interested in earning
fully-funded participation to one of the two events are encouraged to apply
today at www.globaltravelmarketplace.com.
"Given the remarkably high satisfaction rate from
attendees at last year's events, both travel advisers and suppliers, we anticipated
a growth in demand, but this pace has been quite extraordinary,” said
Jacqueline Hurst, director of acquisition for GTM and GTM West. “And, what is
truly impressing me right now is the caliber of travel professionals I'm
interviewing.”
The percentage of GTM applicants that say they have not been
attending industry events in recent years speaks to the opportunity for
suppliers and for fellow travel professionals to network and engage with
untapped talent in the industry.
"We noticed this last year as well. GTM attendees aren't the same people you'll
see on the trade event circuit. In many
cases, they've limited or stopped participating in trade events due to time
restrictions and business demands. But,
they see the value in the unique business format of GTM. Through word of mouth from past attendees,
potential candidates are hearing that GTM truly delivers."
A limited number of top-performing travel advisers will be
accepted to participate — 100 to 125 for GTM, and 75 to 100 for GTM West. GTM West will be at the Westin La Paloma
Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., May 1-3. GTM will be at the Diplomat Resort
& Spa in Hollywood, Fla., June 28-30.
Each event includes two days of one-on-one, pre-scheduled
meetings. Advisers have up to 50 face-to-face meetings and participate in a
number of supplier boardroom presentations in a collaborative and interactive
environment. Significant time is included for networking with like-minded
peers.
Travel agents must have $1 million in annual sales to
qualify for GTM, and $800,000 in annual sales for GTM West. Or, a participant
can be an owner of a multimillion-dollar agency who actively books travel. Participants must have the authority to make
product and partner decisions. Selected
participants will receive complimentary roundtrip airfare, three-night single
hotel accommodations, meals, networking opportunities and invitations to
special events.
GTM organizers are also committed to bringing new attendees
each year. Though requests to return are at over 75%, Northstar Travel Media is
limiting repeat opportunities to just 20% over two events. Those interested in
returning were able to apply for the new 2015 Ambassador program. These ambassadors will help new attendees
adapt to the format and get the most out of their experience, and refer and
recommend like-minded professionals to apply.
"With the demand we're experiencing this year we're
truly excited about our 2015 events. Once again our participating supplier partners will be introduced to an
unparalleled group of dedicated travel advisers and agency owners representing
every major consortia, host agency and independent business model,” said Alicia
Evanko-Lewis, senior vice president of events for Northstar Travel Media. “This year's increased demand is also
apparent with participating suppliers. Boardroom sponsorships for both events
are already sold out and less than 25 supplier opportunities remain for GTM
West.”
Agents must apply at www.globaltravelmarketplace.com,
providing supplier references and information about their annual bookings. The
next step is a one-on-one telephone interview.