Global Travel Marketplace (GTM), an elite travel event sponsored by Travel Weekly, has rolled out a brand new, Western-only addition, GTM West.
Scheduled for May 2-4, GTM West will take place at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Ariz.
This elite, appointment-only event will connect the most influential travel agents from Western North America with top travel suppliers from around the world. The interactive event is designed to allow pre-qualified travel agents and suppliers to do business face-to-face. Additionally, business networking events give travel agents the opportunity to meet new suppliers and build upon existing relationships, and to network with peers as well.
GTM West includes two days of one-on-one, pre-scheduled meetings. Travel agents and suppliers will conduct up to 50 face-to-face meetings, each of which lasts six minutes. Agents will also participate in boardroom presentations, in which suppliers interact with agents in a collaborative environment.
GTM West attendees represent the highest producing agencies in Western North America, and agents must qualify through a meticulous screening process in order to attend. Selected agents will attend as VIP guests of Northstar Travel Media, and will be fully hosted, receiving roundtrip air, a three-night hotel stay, meals, networking opportunities and invitations to events.
"The rigorous approval process has resulted in an incredible group of travel pros for our inaugural West event," said Jacqueline Hurst, Travel Agent Acquisition Director for Northstar Travel Media's events. "We are still in the process of evaluating all travel agent applications but if anyone wants to be considered they need to know that time is of the essence."
To qualify, agents must have a minimum of $800,000 in individual annual sales or be an owner of a multimillion-dollar agency. In addition, all candidates must have the authority to make product and partner decisions.
Applications for the inaugural Global Travel Marketplace West will officially close on March 28 or sooner if all remaining spots are filled. Eligible agents who are interested in being considered are encouraged to apply quickly.
GTM West is open to travel agents from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii, as well as Canada’s British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
A very select number of supplier spots are still available.
“As part of our commitment to provide an excellent return on investment for participants and suppliers, we are limiting supplier participation within product categories and global location to ensure equitable representation for our attendees and limited competitive suppliers for our partners," said Alicia Evanko-Lewis, Vice President of Events for Northstar.
Interested travel agents may apply at www.globaltravelmarketplace.com/west by providing supplier references and information about their annual bookings. Following the application process, agents will be contacted for a one-on-one telephone interview.
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