Virtuoso, a leading network of travel advisors, recently held its first-ever Virtuoso Advance event in Austin, TX. The three-day event brought together 30 seasoned advisors who had graduated from the Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor (VCTA) program or were top producers from Virtuoso Communities specializing in various travel areas such as adventure, cruise, culinary, family and celebration, sustainability, ultra-luxe, and wellness.
During Virtuoso Advance 2023, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a range of workshops, ideation sessions, and discussions aimed at helping advisors maximize their time and finances to directly impact their success. One of the key sessions was an interactive presentation called “Keeping Your Eye on Your Why,” led by Helen Nodland, Virtuoso’s director of training and professional development. This session encouraged advisors to stay connected to the fundamental reasons that brought them into the travel industry in the first place.
Another workshop, titled “If Time is Money, What is Your Account Balance?” was led by Ellen Burton, a keynote speaker, executive career coach, and international business lecturer. This session aimed to help advisors assess how they allocate their time, recognizing that time management is essential for productivity and profitability. Jennifer Campbell, Virtuoso’s senior vice president of network products and events, led a conversation on financial fluency, focusing on the importance of profitability and efficiency in running a travel business.
In addition to these sessions, attendees had the option to choose from a variety of targeted sessions covering topics such as branding, best social media practices, technology, and future-proofing business plans. These sessions provided advisors with practical insights and strategies to enhance their marketing efforts, leverage technology effectively, and adapt to the changing landscape of the travel industry.
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According to Jennifer Campbell, the goal of Virtuoso Advance was to offer a dedicated event for the network’s most accomplished advisors. Campbell emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an industry that evolves rapidly. The event aimed to inspire and facilitate career growth and development, regardless of an advisor’s tenure in the industry. The success of this inaugural event has prompted Virtuoso to incorporate Virtuoso Advance into its annual events calendar.
In addition to the workshops and sessions, the Virtuoso Advance event provided networking opportunities for advisors to connect with their peers and industry leaders. These interactions allowed advisors to share best practices, learn from each other’s experiences, and build relationships that can lead to future collaborations and business opportunities.
Apart from the main event, attendees also had access to related articles and resources available via Virtuoso’s website. These resources included articles on topics such as the keys to success for travel advisors, reflections on successful careers in the industry, and recognition of exceptional travel agencies.
Virtuoso’s commitment to advancing the careers of its advisors is evident in the creation of Virtuoso Advance. By providing a dedicated platform for learning, collaboration, and career development, Virtuoso aims to equip its advisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a constantly evolving industry.
Overall, Virtuoso Advance 2023 was a resounding success, offering seasoned advisors the opportunity to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and connect with industry leaders and peers. The event demonstrated Virtuoso’s commitment to supporting the ongoing professional growth and development of its advisors. As Virtuoso looks to the future, incorporating Virtuoso Advance into its annual events calendar ensures that these valuable learning and networking opportunities will continue to benefit its network of travel advisors.
