Jessica: Martin, you have over 50 years experience in the travel industry. We were so honored when you graciously accepted to be part of our Nomination committee. What was it about these awards that made you decide to join the committee?
Martin: Anything that helps the travel agent distribution system get closer to its suppliers is a positive at anytime, but especially in difficult economic times. I believe that programs like this are extremely valuable in educating both travel agents and venders in what’s going on and what is coming up around the corner in terms of new services and products. MailPound deserves a good deal of credit for creating such a program and I am not surprised by the successful response from the many travel agents who have cast their votes.
Jessica: What are the key elements that distinguish The Original Home Based Travel Agent Show and Conference?
Martin: Well, this 3-day program at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, October 7 – 9 is designed to train and educate travel agents in the latest developments in the supplier community that will help them increase sales and, ultimately, their profits.
Jessica: What are some of the highlights of your program that will enable travel agent delegates to accomplish some of their objectives?
Martin: We’ve got a terrific line-up of high-level key-note speakers, addressing the latest issues facing travel agents, and how to cope with these challenges. Further, we’ve got a tremendous line-up of seminars and panels targeted to training and educating travel agent delegates. If your readers want to learn more about the show, just go to our website, actravelshow.com where they can find a full event schedule.
Jessica: How about the accredited training sessions being offered? How do these sessions benefit the agents?
Martin: There is accredited training being offered by CLIA, NCMA, and OSSN. Seminars and panels will allow travel agent participants to bring home the bacon in terms of knowledge, newly-acquired expertise and in some instances higher commission levels.
Jessica: What induced you folks at Travel Industry Shows to concentrate on the home based travel agent community?
Martin: We felt that this rapidly-expanding segment of the travel agent family was basically overlooked by existing trade shows. This is a reality, now reinforced by the fact that we are the only such home based trade show in the travel industry. As technology dictates the ability for agents to work from home, this market is only going to grow and strengthen in size and relevance. And, remember that these events usually draw travel agents from more than 40 states and Canada.
Jessica: Do you have any special offers for MailPound subscribers who are thinking of joining you in Atlantic City?
Martin: We sure do. The current rack-rate is now $69 for the total package, but beginning today and through Sept 8 MailPound travel agents will be able to sign up for the original Early Bird cost of $39. Click here to register NOW! And the special hotel rate of $89 at the Taj Mahal is available by clicking here and entering group code: BHOMEB9. Travel agents should keep in mind that Atlantic City is easily accessible by major highway systems, as well as by air and train. Several airlines now fly directly into this entertainment and gaming capital on the South Jersey shore, or they can fly in from anywhere on the continent by way of Philadelphia and/or Newark, N.J. Amtrak provides convenient access from up and down the East Coast, and there is a new service available Friday’s – Sunday’s called ACES, that connects New York and Newark non-stop to Atlantic City.
Thank you Martin for taking time to share more about The Original Home Based Travel Agent Show and Conference with us.
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