It’s awards season here in Los Angeles, where TravelAge West is based, and it seems like everywhere we go people are talking about who has the best chance to win this award or who was snubbed with that nomination. As someone who is not in “the industry,” it all seems very silly. (Maybe there should be a second Oscar season about six months later for those who see everything on Netflix. They can call it the Flixies.) You don’t have to be in the industry, however, to realize how important winning an award is in business terms. If Harvey Weinstein at Miramax is spending millions of dollars to get a statue, you know there is serious profit to be had in winning.
Here at TAW, we have our own awards season, and it has just kicked off. We are currently accepting nominations for our annual Trendsetter Awards. The Trendsetters were created to acknowledge travel agents in the West who go above and beyond in their businesses and who can provide inspiration to fellow agents.
This year’s Trendsetter categories include: Best Trip of a Lifetime Itinerary, Best Use of Social Media, Best Group Booking Sales Effort, Upward Bound Rock Star Agent Under 40 and Industry Activist (notable achievements in support of travel agents). If you have a great story — or have an achievement that you are especially proud of — visit TravelAgeWest.com/Trendsetters to fill out an entry form.
In my experience, travel agents are, by nature, a humble group (bordering on self-deprecating). Throughout the course of the year, the editors hear plenty of stories about great sales efforts, unique marketing initiatives, industry activism and more — yet, when the time comes, we know agents don’t always want to blow their own horns. Well, now is your chance. Go ahead and let us know how great you are, and you might just win one of several great travel prizes, as well as be recognized by the industry you love.
It might not mean millions in profits, but I bet you’ll feel pretty good about it anyway.
