Headquarter Happenings: NEST’s Home-Based Travel Agents Gather in Orlando

Editor’s Note: Headquarters Happenings keeps you updated on the marketing and technology programs of major travel agencies, host agencies, travel agency consortia, cooperatives, travel networks and franchise groups.

The Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) held its conference at the JW Marriott in Orlando, Fla. last weekend, bringing together home-based travel agents from around the country.

NEST FEST, which ran from Oct. 12 to 14, “provides the opportunity for our NEST members to truly connect, exchange ideas and help take their business to the next level,” NEST President Kathryn Mazza-Burney said.

Paul Wiseman, the former president of Trafalgar USA and Brendan Vacations, who stepped down in May, delivered the keynote address.

Wiseman, who now owns and operates Partner Leading Solutions, spoke to NEST attendees about the importance of goals and how to grow their businesses. He presented four different types of personalities — peacocks, owls, doves, and eagles — and described how agents can identify their personality and the ones of their clients and what tools they can use for each.

Attendees and staff at this year’s NEST FEST.

“I was blown away by Paul Wiseman. I sat through and participated in personality analysis testing in the past, but the way he presented was not only informative but hysterical,” Tammy Shamblin-Renie, a longtime NEST member and first-time NEST FEST attendee told TMR.

“He is super energetic and motivating. He helps you challenge yourself and think outside the box,” attendee Susan M. Kruk of Diplomat Travel said.

The conference’s featured speaker, Steve Phillips, a senior business analyst with American Marketing Group, spoke to attendees about their five-year plan for reasonable and attainable growth.

Shamblin-Renie said about the session: “A lot of us have this great intention of setting goals. He broke it down a little more to make it easier on us and tell us how to actually come up with a business plan.”

NEST FEST Attendees with Rosemary Sarkis (center), senior director of business development

For the first time, this year’s NEST FEST included hands-on product experiences from suppliers — attendees got a chance to drink wine, taste food, and hear music from tourism boards, tour operators, and more from around the world. Participating suppliers included Avanti Destinations, SITA World Tours, and Qantas Vacation.

Also new this year was NEST FEST’s first Preferred Supplier Trade Show and Genius Bar, which gave attendees an opportunity to explore software and technology demos on products available to help them sell and market their business.

“Our agenda of educational sessions, supplier networking opportunities and product workshops help position our members for success in an ever-changing travel market,” Mazza-Burney said.