WHY IT RATES: At the conference, TPI took the opportunity to pull back the curtain on a host agency's process when helping out "solopreneur" agents - positive feedback from participants showed the benefit of understanding how it all works. -Michael Isenbek, TravelPulse Senior Editor
Travel Planners International, a top travel host agency, organized a Pop-Up TPI event at the Travel Agent Forum in Miami on Oct. 5, 2016. Held in an extra room, agents experienced first-hand what it feels like to be supported by Travel Planners International - corporate headquarters was brought to them on a smaller scale. Employees from departments such as accounting, business development, group cruise, marketing, social media and more were available to speak with prospective and current TPI agents.
The Pop-Up TPI event was a "test" and proved that "solopreneurs" with strong sales, marketing and back office support can build thriving travel businesses.
According to Jenn Lee, VP of Sales and Marketing, "When independent travel agents or solopreneurs as we refer them, entered the Pop-Up TPI area, they were walked through the process of working with us. For example, if a travel business owner specialized in cruises, he or she met with the cruise department and then spoke with a TPI employee from social media, marketing, accounting and so forth. The agent gained a better understanding of what a host travel agency can do for them, from promoting their businesses to submitting sales and collecting commissions."
Even though hundreds of people fled Miami because of Hurricane Matthew, for those who stayed, they got a chance to experience what Travel Planners International can do for them, first hand.
"Some of the agents who've been with TPI for years didn't know about some of the programs and support we offer. Why? Because as their businesses grew, morphed or changed, they didn't realize our business had grown, morphed and changed to support them. We also proved the following points:
• Solopreneurs who build and grow thriving businesses, whether $10,000 or $2 million per year, need more sales, marketing and backend support than ever before.
• A travel host agency is viable for all types of agents.
Many stated that the event was the most productive three hours of the year they've had," said Jenn Lee, VP of Sales and Marketing.
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