Chapter Chats

Albuquerque

Keith Powell (far left) -- a popular travel industry speaker known as the "Business Revivalist" -- dropped by the Feb. 13 meeting of the OSSN Albuquerque Chapter to preview his special presentation for the chapter in March. As these agents met at the Pappadeaux Restaurant for a February "meet and greet" session," Keith talked about his March 20 lunchtime seminar for the chapter titled 'The Power of Passion in Your Travel Business." He'll teach agents techniques to empower and energize the agents and their prospects. If you're in the Albuquerque area, contact Dennis Kelly (the chapter's director) at albuquerque@ossn.com for more details!

(Credit: Dennis Kelly)

Chicago

On Feb. 19, the OSSN Chicago Area Chapter conducted a special seminar on the topic of "Building Group Travel." Almost three dozen agents took part in the session at the Old Country Buffet in Lombard, Ill. Maureen Sullivan (the chapter's director) invited several expert speakers -- including Rick Rosenfeld, Joanne Giampa, and Eugene Nicewonger -- to share strategies for prospecting, selling, and managing group trips.

(Credits: Maureen Sullivan)

Cincinnati

Melody Gaskins -- the director of the OSSN Cincinnati Chapter -- hosted a dozen home-based agents at her group's Feb. 13 gathering at the Blue Goose Sports Cafe. Beverly Brean with Costa Cruises discussed her company's 2008 itineraries, specials, and marketing programs for agents. Also, the chapter talked about the upcoming OSSN conference in San Diego.

(Credit: Melody Gaskins)

Daytona/Orlando

The OSSN Daytona/Orlando Chapter welcomed two notable speakers during its Feb. 12 meeting at the Universal Orlando Resort: Gary M. Fee (OSSN's president and founder) and Amy Tine (Universal's sales representative for travel industry sales)! Myrtis Rimassa, the chapter's director, reports that the turnout was great despite terrible weather -- and that Universal has invited OSSN agents back for another meeting later this year.

(Credits: Myrtis Rimassa)

Houston

Cynthia Perry (standing in both photos) -- the vice president of sales for Travel Insured -- spoke with 20 Houston-area agents at the Feb. 28 OSSN Houston Chapter meeting. This was Cynthia's last stop on her "Texas Tour," in which she visited every OSSN chapter in the Lone Star State in less than one week! Jeff Grieder (the chapter's director) says the agents definitely appreciated her collateral materials and selling tips -- and they even shared a few travel insurance stories (good and bad!).

(Credits: Jeff Grieder)

Memphis

The OSSN Memphis Chapter traded many tips and selling secrets at its recent meeting at a local Perkins Restaurant location. Larry Bannister (right) talks here with Ron Bartlett of Premier Air Charter, one of the vendors who attended the meeting.

Chapter members enjoyed listening to their fellow agents making presentations on topics ranging from Viking River Cruises and GOGO Worldwide Vacations to Ireland and Cline Tours, among others.

Angela Holloway, one of the chapter's newest members, talked to the group about the importance of travel agent education and how it's helped her in her quest to become a good travel agent. She calls herself a "small town Mississippi girl who had never been anywhere in her life" -- though with the education she's received from the Travel Agent Academy, convention and visitors bureaus, and other sources on the Web, she now knows a lot more about the places she's selling!

Linda Thornton gave a great talk on Cline Tours, a supplier that helps her with transporting large groups.

These agents attended the Memphis meeting despite freezing temperatures, icy rain, and a little snow! (Patricia Bannister, the chapter's director, is shown here in the center of the front row.)

(Credits: Patricia Bannister)

Mesa/Phoenix

Five agents joined as new OSSN members during the Feb. 5 meeting of the OSSN Mesa/Phoenix Chapter! Paula Goldsmith, the chapter's director, welcomed the group at the Sunland Village Restaurant for a presentation by Bill Gross of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.

On Feb. 23-24, Paula (far right) staff the OSSN booth at the Arizona Travel Show (held in the venue where the 2008 Super Bowl was played!). Helping her are fellow agents Vella Rose Smith and Janette Jahoda.

(Credits: Paula Goldsmith)