Signature Travel Network concluded its annual sales meeting and trade show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Nov. 13 after three days of meetings, workshops, networking events and trade show. The event was attended by nearly 1,900, including 1,123 Signature member travel agents, representing 92 percent of Signature member agencies. But it also was the first Signature sales meeting in 21 years missed by Michelle Morgan, Signature’s president and CEO, who is taking the rest of the year off to recuperate from an illness.

“This year has been a great year for our members,” said Alex Sharpe, chief operating officer and executive vice president. “In 2012 alone, Signature has grown preferred supplier sales by 17 percent in terms of same store growth, as well as expansion of the network. We have added a number of new members, as well as 78 new partners. The overall feeling of the network is very positive entering 2013 and our members are optimistic looking forward.”

In addition to these updates, announcements during the General Sessions included a new program called ClientReach, enabling Signature’s consultants to better and more frequently communicate with their clients on a regular bases, a new annual luxury publication called “Ultimate Experience,”  and Signature’s social media functions, marketing (including the new annual luxury publication, Ultimate Experiences), an expansion of Signature’s hotels and resorts program, which now has 790 hotel partners, and much more.

The event included 50 workshops for members to learn about Signature offerings and best practices. Owners and front line consultants were able to acquire destination knowledge expertise, increase technology skills, learn about new tools and sales techniques, and learn about Signature’s newest marketing offerings. Networking roundtables, supplier breakfast seminars and the trade show allowed members one-on-one access with Signature’s preferred suppliers and suppliers an audience with members.