PHOTO: Cruise-selling agents are invited to attend the industry's biggest annual conference free of charge. (courtesy of Cruise Shipping Miami)

The world’s biggest cruise convention traditionally attracts industry executives and companies who want to do business with them. Now the organizer of Cruise Shipping Miami, formerly known as the Seatrade convention, is actively wooing travel agents. This year’s conference is scheduled for March 10-13 at its long-time home, the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The conference is offering free admission and complimentary educational sessions presented by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) trainer Cella Baker. Agents also will get access to the trade show floor for three days and admission to the welcome reception March 11. Agents can register here.

“A majority of cruises still are sold by travel agents, and it is in the best interest of the cruise industry to have well-informed cruise sellers providing guidance and value to consumers,” said Daniel Read, director of cruise events organized by UBM. “We believe providing these complimentary training sessions and offering a chance to spend three days at the exhibition will prove invaluable to agents.”

The CLIA training will be conducted on March 13, a day designated as Travel Agent Thursday. Each session is worth 10 credits good toward earning CLIA certification. The first seminar, “Cruise Events: Creative Ways to Increase Your Sales,” is scheduled for 8:30-10 a.m.

It offers tips on how to plan, publicize and present a successful cruise event, including venue selection, timing, supplier relationships and on-site sales tips. The second seminar at 2-3:30 p.m., “Selling Successfully Across Cultures,” will explore the subtle values, behaviors and practices that can influence the decision-making process for clients of different cultures.