Jamie Biesiada
A fam trip can be overwhelming. Between taking notes, capturing photos and videos and seeing multiple products and destinations, it can be a lot.
On top of that, sharing your experiences on social media to drum up client interest, often in real time, is enough to make anyone's head hurt.
That's why organization is key, said Keith Waldon, founder and director of host agency Departure Lounge.
Waldon recently held his agency's first MasterClass, an intense, in-destination learning program that is the evolution of exclusive fams and the destination-focused Duco Travel Summits. Thirty-five of his advisors visited the coastal communities of Italy's Campania region in April, visiting four sub-regions over the course of 10 days. They saw 28 hotels during that time -- quite a few.
Their experiences inspired clients, as many of Departure Lounge's advisors made sales while still in Italy. I asked him for advice about taking advantage of fam trips.
"Being organized beforehand is important," Waldon said. "Have your list of questions."
Departure Lounge has such lists available as resources for its advisors, he said, including smart questions to ask during a site inspection and recommended things to capture via photo and video.
Other hosts or travel advisor resources might have similar lists. Alternatively, advisors can craft their own in advance so they are prepared.
Departure Lounge also asks advisors to share their photos and information in its internal communications platform so other advisors can benefit -- consider checking with your host if similar resources are available. It's a valuable resource on its own, but others advisors' fam reports could be instructive in sparking questions to ask or information to seek out when on the ground.
Consider, too, who is leading fam trips or in-destination experiences.
"It's important to be with the right person showing you around," Waldon said. The ideal person is a hotel's sales director who already is working with the advisor's network. They have a vested interest in the host agency relationship and can offer a more in-depth look at a property.
Finally, professionalism is important.
"Plan ahead and make an appointment," Waldon said. "Be respectful. Be professional."