Big Plans for Charlotte Show
by John Hawks

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Want to find the best (and most affordable) tech tools to run your home-based agency? On April 12, experts from leading travel and technology suppliers -- from Hewlett Packard and ClientEase to Passport Online and Royal Caribbean -- will share with you the secrets of harnessing the latest gadgets and programs to power your outside travel sales. You’ll learn about the best computer hardware, software (from accounting to customer management), credit card processors, and tools from suppliers, online vendors, and host agencies! Whether you’re a confirmed geek or a hapless tech beginner, you’ll learn a lot in these sessions. (Later, you can visit suppliers in the tech section of the trade show floor!)

Cruise workshops!

In one trip, you can earn several hours of CLIA credit -- and, you can complete your certification with the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance!

Practical, hands-on seminars for home-based agents!

Ever attended a travel show where the content was geared more towards storefront agencies? That won’t be a problem at the Home Based Agent Show in Charlotte. Every workshop -- from selling more golf trips or spa vacations to finding the best host agency -- will be focused specifically on your needs as a home-based travel seller.

More than 250 travel suppliers in one place!

As Ken Hall explains in his column this month, you can plan ahead with questions for key suppliers on the trade show floor so that you’ll come home with concrete sales ideas for your best clients. You can renew contacts with your preferred suppliers, while scouting other vendors that can work with you to expand your sales this year.

Here’s the bottom line: For the $30 registration fee, where else can you go for three days of training and networking that will mean more to your business than this event?

Make your plans now to join us in Charlotte for this event! You can register for the entire weekend at the special OSSN rate of $30. Go to www.HomeBasedAgentShow.com (promo code 3044), or call 925.701.0225 and press “0.” Plus, you can book discounted room rates ($129 a night) at the Hilton Charlotte City Center or the Omni Hotel by visiting the event’s Web site and clicking on “Hotel/Travel Info.”

(Photo credit: Visit Charlotte)