Every year, the editors of TravelAge West pack our bags and head to Future Leaders in Travel, our event for successful travel advisors age 40 and under who are committed to the future of this career.
Part of what makes Future Leaders so special is how open and vulnerable attendees are with each other. At last year’s event, I overheard a few advisors commiserating over challenges with former host agencies. Wondering if this was a bigger trend in the life cycle of an advisor, I asked attendees to raise their hands if they had left a host before. I was shocked at how many hands shot up.
To be sure, there are many incredible, ethical host agencies that are dedicated to helping advisors grow through great training, technology, community and opportunity. And there are many examples of advisors simply outgrowing their host or making a swap after pivoting their niche or business model. But, unfortunately, I’ve also heard far too many stories of money earned but not paid, unfair commission splits and unprofessional or even illegal behavior by agency leadership.
This issue’s cover story is a direct result of last year’s discussions. We hope it serves as a meaningful resource about the major red flags advisors should look for when vetting a host. Unlike other industries, there is no mandatory education required to become an advisor — no class called “Host Agencies 101” they must pass. That’s why we are committed to producing crucial professional development content like this that both protects advisors and further professionalizes the career. If you also believe in honest, educational conversations that move the needle for all advisors, please consider joining us for this year’s Future Leaders in Travel event this Aug. 25-28 in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Your idea might just become the next TravelAge West cover story.
