Facebook FAM Trip Launches for Agents

TRAINING
Sophie Bujold Launches Facebook FAM
Social media consultant Sophie Bujold has launched a new Facebook training program for small businesses. Her Take Flight With Facebook FAM trip is aimed at providing travel professionals with knowledge on how to best reach clients via social media. The program, which launched on Oct. 10, features five online training modules, including videos, that cover various aspects of Facebook marketing. It also includes worksheets and checklists for structured homework that agents can apply immediately to their online presence. The Take Flight With Facebook FAM is priced at CA$197 (US $201) and includes a 30-day risk-free guarantee.

“The Take Flight with Facebook program takes participants beyond the mechanics of building a business page into actually developing a step-by-step action plan for their brand,” Sophie Bujold said. “By completing each module, students will walk away with the knowledge they need to manage their Facebook business page and start generating leads. Combined with bonus materials and access to a VIP Facebook Group where they can ask questions and share ideas, they will have all the tools they need for support and success.”

Travel Impressions Details On-Demand Webinars
Forty-seven suppliers and destination trainings are now included in Travel Impressions’ Dimension Series education programs. The programs, designed to enhance product knowledge, feature video, narration and interactive quizzes. Special offers from suppliers are also included. Destinations covered include Alaska, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Israel, Mexico and Panama. The presentations are downloadable and accessible on a wide variety of mobile devices, including the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android handsets.  “The webinars provide a comprehensive experience of each of the featured products, enabling agents to sell more effectively and increase client satisfaction,” said Susan Black, EVP and chief marketing officer of Travel Impressions.

Talking Travel Launches ‘Destination Mastery’ Program
Steve Gillick, CTM, and his company Talking Travel have introduced two travel agent training programs – Business Solutions and Destination Mastery. The Destination Mastery programs are aimed at agents who want to go beyond traditional destination specialty programs. Among topics: planning an information evening; avoiding travel scams, and focusing on niche interests. “Distinguishing yourself can make the difference in revenue, seats on busses, airline load factors, cruise passengers, niche groups, repeat business and referrals,” said Gillick, former president and COO of the Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors.

On the business side, Talking Travel is offering Talking Brochures and Talking Newsletters, designed to help agents improve their reach to clients, retailers and wholesalers.

Pacific Holidays Schedules 2013 FAM trips
Pacific Holidays has detailed its 2013 travel agent FAM trips. The Indonesia Explorer FAM runs from May 6 to 15 and includes 11 days across Indonesia; priced at $2,299 per agent, including airfare and taxes. The Classic New Zealand FAM is a 10-day trip, departing April 16 and priced at  $1,999 per agent. The Idyllic Islands of the Philippines trip runs from April 10 to 18 for $2,195 per agent. A 10-day Vietnam Experienced is priced at $2,199 per agent.

GBTA and MPI Team Up on Training
The Global Business Travel Association and Meeting Professionals International have teamed up to operate and manage a new training curriculum, starting in 2013. The curriculum will share aspects of GBTA’s Strategic Meetings Management Certification and MPI’s Certificate in Meeting Management program and be available to members of each group. “GBTA believes MPI is the right partner to reach the meetings management industry and marketplace,” said GBTA executive director and COO Michael W. McCormick.  “Our collective members will be reaping the benefits of this partnership for years to come.”