FORT LAUDERDALE -- The floor of the CruiseWorld Exhibitor Showcase was buzzing with activity Thursday afternoon, giving agents the opportunity to interact with nearly 200 suppliers ranging from cruise lines, to tour operators, to agency networks and more.
Between the informative presentations supplier representatives offered and the entertainment many featured, like prize wheels and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau's musicians and dancers, agents were kept busy at the show.
They could also have some fun for a good cause by participating in the Scooter for Charity event put on by Special Needs Group. Participants were asked to get behind a scooter's wheel and navigate an obstacle course; donations for Camillus House, which offers services to the homeless, were also collected. The event was also designed to help agents appreciate special needs and accessible travel, according to the group.
The suppliers in attendance included both first-timers, like the Dominican Republic Tourism Board, and CruiseWorld veterans, like Cruise Planners.
"I think this is a great opportunity to promote our country, not only as a cruise destination, but also as a family, all-inclusive, [and] for honeymooners," said Raquel Ramirez, director of central Florida/Texas with the Dominican Republic Tourism Board. "We are definitely the top destination in the Caribbean, so we are very excited and happy to be here."
Cruise Planners CEO Michelle Fee (left) and COO Vicky Garcia used the Exhibitor Showcase to network with prospective agents as well as suppliers. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada
For Cruise Planners, the event offers access to agents who might benefit from purchasing a franchise.
"We get access to new agents who possibly can better understand how we can help them grow their business," CEO Michelle Fee said. "We're a franchise company and we're always looking to see if there are agents out there, independent agents, agents that haven't connected themselves with a host or consortia. We would like them to give us a look to see if we can help them with all our marketing tools."
In addition to the networking agents can do with suppliers, it also gives companies like Cruise Planners a chance to visit with suppliers they don't regularly see, as well, COO Vicky Garcia added.