TTAND's national meeting officially kicks off

The Travel Agent Next Door’s (TTAND) first annual national meeting and Moon Palace FAM began on June 1 with a wealth of information for TTAND’s agents, who have flown into Cancun for a week of sessions and site inspections with TTAND and Palace Resorts.

The morning was dedicated to a lineup of presentations, beginning with Flemming Friisdahl, president and founder of TTAND, who took a moment to list TTAND’s accomplishments since its inception in March 2014, including a friend referral and award program, U.S. currency invoicing, and as Friisdahl put it, "the most significant achievement of all": the agents of TTAND.

“If you weren’t here, we wouldn’t be here,” Friisdahl said to those assembled in a ballroom at the Moon Palace Grand Golf & Spa Resort. “You’ve instilled your trust in us, and we’ll never forget that.” 

Below are some highlights from the official first day of TTAND's 2015 national meeting:

Friisdahl outlines TTAND’s latest objectives, listing a number of website developments, the implementation of a mentor/associate agent program, and moving the head office to acquire more space among other initiatives intended for the business in the upcoming year.

Penny Martin, vice-president of TTAND, gives an overview on the various tools and programs being offered by the agent network, including its Air Canada Vacations contest, the importance of social media content, direct mail marketing and how to read monthly marketing reports.

“Remember, this is your company, not ours,” Friisdahl pointed out following the overview. “We’re just telling you what we offer, and you can apply whatever strategies and products you want to enhance your business.”

Juan Carlos Calderon, corporate director of sales, Canada, Playa Resorts, showcases the Palace Resorts collection of products - including the brand's newest property, Moon Grand Jamaica, set to open later this year.

Debbie Girard, director of groups, Western Canada, Transat Tours Canada, explains the merits of booking groups with Transat Vacations.

Meredith Hill, founder & CEO for the Global Institute for Travel Entrepreneurs (GIFTE), the surprise speaker of the day, talks marketing and business strategies designed to help agents reach their full potential.

After the information sessions had wrapped up for the day, the FAM portion of the trip began, with agents and suppliers being whisked off to the impressive Le Blanc Spa Resort, a Palace Resorts adults-only product - and winner of the AAA Five Diamond Award - for a site inspection and private dinner, the first of several scheduled to take place throughout the week. 

Stay tuned tomorrow for more on TTAND’s National Meeting and FAM!