TTAND Agents Dish on Why Conference is Important to Them

The recent conference of The Travel Agent Next Door held in Jordan was a major feat in many respects —
– thanks to G Adventures and the Jordanian tourism authorities, it went off without a hitch but leading
up to conference, there were many logistical challenges to overcome, not the least of which was the
volatile situation in the Middle East.

Happily, the conference went off without a hitch and the travel agents who attended were full of praise.

TTAND interviewed several attendees to ask why they attend the annual TTAND conference, what they get
out of it. Here are some of their responses:

TTAND Agent Aaron Sidenberg

Aaron Sidenberg, King City, Ontario – “The main reason I attend annual conference is NETWORKING with
FELLOW AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, and SUPPORT STAFF. There is always something to learn and take
away. We are here to support and help each other – and also to have fun together! Putting a face to a
name and having a drink with them makes doing business easier and more comfortable.”

“It is SO valuable to have suppliers at conference because if you can make a social connection with
them, it is easier and more likely they will assist you in increasing sales for your business back
home. Plus, I learn something new from them each time I meet them or hear them present. The one-
on-ones are a great way to meet new suppliers.”

Cathy Wiechnik, Consort & Calgary, Alberta – “The biggest takeaway I have from my time in Jordan is
The Travel Agent Next Door is not just a host agency, it is a unique organization that truly takes into
consideration the needs of everyone — from every single agent, to the suppliers we work
with. Flemming’s “Win Win Win” is not just a catch phrase, it is the foundation that enables all of us to
be successful.”

“The annual conference is extremely important to my business, and to my career as a professional in the
travel industry. It is a time to reflect on the past year, on our individual and agency wide
accomplishments. It is a chance to reunite with other agents, suppliers and support staff who have
become friends. It is a time to become re-inspired, and excited about the coming year in our industry.”

Beverley Edgar, Orangeville, Ontario. – “It is very important to me! I look forward to attending this event
more than anything else throughout the year. I also think it is very beneficial to get to know the support
office staff. I want them to know me, as well.”

“The suppliers are crucial because having a relationship with the BDMs ensures they know who I am and
are therefore more willing to assist me with questions or concerns. I also learn how I may be able to sell
a supplier/product I may not have thought about, previously…it just opens up so many opportunities.

Yasmin Herwig, Edmonton, Alberta –” Holding an annual conference gives everyone a chance to truly
feel a part of a community. Everyone who attends has the opportunity to connect, collaborate and build
lasting relationships which is so important in a virtual world.”

“Building bonds with our suppliers is a valuable tool to have. Having our suppliers at conference gives us
the opportunity to really get to know each other on a professional level.” 

Monty Dinally, Ancaster, Ontario. – “The primary rationale for my attendance at Conference is: Networking
with other agents who are quite successful in their business. It’s important for me to as they say, pick
their brains, in order to determine what makes them stand out and to see if I can incorporate some of
those ideas into my own business.”

“Secondly, meeting with suppliers which is always interesting as contrary to popular belief, the industry
is transformative with no products being displayed frequently. Although it is difficult to keep up with
these changes, meeting with the suppliers provides a mechanism to build relationships with them in the
event one may have a question that is not easily answered. “

“Finally, learning about a new Destination such as Jordan this year. This was magnificent as I would
never have thought this to be a viable destination, until now of course. “ 

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