PHOTO: The Norwegian Getaway, site of this year's CoNexion conference. (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

Nexion’s CoNexion conference aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway is meeting with rave reviews from agents, said Jackie Friedman, Nexion’s president.

“It is the very first time we’ve ever been on a cruise ship – and it’s something agents have asked for,” Friedman said. “We’re getting great feedback from agents on this particular event. This year is our 20th anniversary and we wanted to something to do something different to celebrate.

In all, the CoNexion conference drew approximately 375 agents and a total of 550 attendees, including suppliers.

“Attendee numbers are not significantly different from the 2014 CoNexion conference in Orlando. We’re probably at about 50 or so less attendees than last year,” Friedman said, adding that the numbers were in line with what Nexion had anticipated. “We’ve got some agents who attended because it’s on a ship, and we have other agents who can’t be away for the week.”

This year’s CoNexion conference includes five general sessions, 60 workshops and a trade show with 70 exhibitors. “Agents have plenty of opportunities to not only take classes but to network with other agents,” said Friedman. “They really place a high value on what they can learn from other agents.”

In other developments, Friedman noted that 2015 has been a very strong year for Nexion agents. “We’re definitely having a great year,” she said, particularly on the leisure side of the business. “Our cruise business has been on fire, and we’re seeing that going into next year as well. We are absolutely optimistic and continuing to have really solid growth.”

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