2025 Peer-to-Peer Sessions
Friday, November 7
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time. Program is tentative and subject to change.
10:30am – 11:00am
Building A Stand-Out Brand
With so many great agency and supplier brands in the travel industry, it can often be hard for a company or advisor to cut through the noise. Adam Duckworth, President & Founder of Travelmation shares how he and his team built a fresh, forward-thinking, stand-out brand, and how they champion their advisors to utilize the brand for the most potential. Developing a brand in a crowded space
Presented by Adam Duckworth, President & Founder, Travelmation
From Lookers to Bookers: Optimizing Your Discovery Call to Seal the Deal
This session will share strategies for guiding a potential client through a call with confidence and clarity. Learn how to ask the right questions, build trust quickly, and position yourself as the expert they need. You’ll walk away with a clear framework for structuring your discovery calls to convert curious travelers into committed clients.
Presented by Jennifer Kellum, Owner, Neverland & Main Travel | Aire Luxury Travel
Scroll, Post, Profit: Social Media Made Simple for Travel Pros
Ready to turn likes into leads? Join us for a fun, fast-paced session all about using social media to grow your travel business! Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up your online presence, you'll walk away with easy-to-follow tips and creative strategies you can put into action right away.
We’ll explore:
The best platforms for travel advisors (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube & Facebook)
Simple ways to create scroll-stopping content
What to post, when to post it, and how to get noticed
Strategies to grow your audience—and your business
Presented by Susie Flores, Owner, Countdown Travels; and Marcus Williams, Owner, Impressive Travels
From BDM to Bestie: How to Building Strong Supplier Relationships that Boost Your Business
Your Business Development Manager (BDM) can be one of your most valuable allies—if you know how to work together effectively. In this peer-led session, you’ll learn insider tips for cultivating productive, mutually beneficial relationships with your BDMs. Discover how to communicate your needs, leverage their expertise, and tap into their resources to grow your sales, enhance client experiences, and strengthen your reputation in the industry.
11:15am – 11:45am
The Campfire Effect: How to Build a Culture People Gather Around
What if your team culture felt like a campfire—warm, magnetic, and full of stories that connect people? In this session, we’ll explore how to create an environment where people feel safe, inspired, and part of something bigger than themselves. It’s not about hype—it’s about human connection, consistent leadership, and cultivating values that actually matter. Pull up a chair—this is where the spark starts.
Presented by Tim Sawhook, Owner, Exclusive Travel Partners
Partnering with Purpose: Leveraging DMCs to Boost Profits and Efficiency
Discover how partnering with the right Destination Management Companies (DMCs) can transform your travel business. In this session, luxury travel advisor and GTM board member, Lesley Egbert shares proven strategies for working effectively with DMCs to streamline your planning process, unlock hidden revenue opportunities, and create seamless, high-touch experiences for your clients. Learn how to vet the right partners, delegate with confidence, and build relationships that save you time while elevating your bottom line. Whether you're new to DMCs or looking to deepen your partnerships, this session will give you the tools to work smarter—and more profitably.
Presented by Lesley Egbert, Owner, Live Longitude Travel
AI Unboxed – Empowering Travel Advisors with Smart Technology and Mastering Effective Prompts
Step into the future with Rich Ferrucci, Director of Educational Programs at Nexion Travel Group, as he unpacks the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence for travel advisors. This session will guide you through essential AI tools tailored to simplify your workflow, spark creativity, and attract new clients. In addition, we’ll dive into the art of crafting effective AI prompts—showing you how to communicate with AI in a way that maximizes efficiency and produces the best results for your unique needs. This session is designed to show how AI acts as your trusted ally, enhancing your unique skills rather than replacing them.
Presented by Rich Ferrucci, Director, Educational Programs, Nexion Travel Group and Travel Leaders of Tomorrow
Caviar Clients & Red-Carpet Bookings: How to Become the Go-To Travel Advisor for the Rich & Famous
Want to swap balcony cabins for billionaire yachts? Learn from Celebrity Travel Advisor Nick Pena as he shares the real scoop on attracting affluent clients, charging premium fees, and keeping high-net-worth travelers loyal for life. From where the rich actually hide (hint: it’s not your gym) to how to deliver flawless white-glove service, Nick dishes out proven strategies, insider stories, and a bit of tough love. If you’re ready to level up your business and book dream trips for the world’s elite, don’t miss this VIP masterclass on selling luxury travel like a pro.
Presented by Nick Pena, Luxury Travel Advisor, Cruise Planners
12:00pm – 12:30pm
Winning with Groups: Retreats, Charters & Affinity Sailings That Sell Themselves
Discover how to tap into the power of group travel with retreats, charters, and affinity sailings that practically sell themselves. Learn proven strategies to identify the right audience, craft irresistible group offers, and create buzz that drives bookings. You’ll gain the tools you need to turn one client into many.
Presented by Angela Hughes, CEO & Founder, Trips & Ships Luxury Travel / Luxury Travel University
Turning Budgets into Bookings: Thriving Amid Rising Travel Costs
In this session, we’ll examine how rising travel costs are affecting client budgets and explore effective strategies to help clients maximize value within their spending. Learn how to communicate the true benefits of experiences, tailor options to fit budgets, and guide clients to make confident, satisfying travel decisions. Join us to discover how you can turn budget challenges into opportunities for value-driven sales and happier clients!
Presented by Jessie Morris, Brand Ambassador, Travel Professional NEWS
Scaling with Purpose: How to Grow a Travel Brand that Changes Lives
Travel is more than the experience; it is a powerful tool for transformation and impact. This dynamic session will explore how to build a mission-driven travel brand that scales profitably while creating meaningful change. Discover how to elevate your business by developing purpose-driven initiatives that fuel business growth, strengthen communities, and position your brand for long-term success. From launching global programs to leveraging strategic partnerships, this session offers proven strategies shaped by real-world experience and personal growth. Perfect for travel advisors who are ready to lead with intention, give back, and create a lasting legacy through the power of travel.
Presented by Sanya Weston, Owner, Your Premier Travel Service Group
Legal Lowdown: Protecting Your Travel Business with Confidence
Join industry attorney, Jeffrey Ment, and a panel of your peers for an informative and engaging conversation on legal issues that impact travel advisors and agencies. He will discuss the best practices to protect your business: entity formation, documentation with both customers and advisors (whether they are IC’s or employees), insurance, and succession planning. Jeff’s 30+ year career as a travel law attorney, combined with his experience working as a travel advisor, allows him to provide great peer-to-peer advice!
Presented by Jeffrey Ment, Managing Partner, The Ment Law Group