Destination: OSSN's Alaska Fam
by Paula Goldsmith and Michael Schrobat

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During OSSN's cruise fams, you'll be asked to attend one or more structured classes where a subject is taught, reviewed, or shared. It's often a vendor-supported class taught by either an OSSN chapter director or an OSSN regional manager. These seminars are comfortable, professional gatherings with opportunities to ask questions, seek advice on the topic, or learn about a travel industry product you'll want to sell.

The experience is rewarding and, believe it or not, the classroom time is minimal compared to the time you're also experiencing a great cruise product. The entire experience is hard to measure. The networking alone is what a seminar at sea is all about. Yes, the classroom and supplier-supported training is the call to action, but the conversations at dinner, in the lounge before dinner, or even walking about in a cruise port of call is the true winning experience. OSSN cruise fams are pricesless, like a MasterCard commercial:

• Cost of an OSSN seminar at sea: $195
• Cost of a specialty dinner at sea: $30
• Cost of airfare to your port of embarkation: $500
• Cost of networking: PRICELESS!

If you're serious about building your business, an OSSN seminar at sea is imperative. I encourage each of you to pledge to take at least one seminar at sea or OSSN-sponsored fam in 2009! It will recharge you, remind you why you're in this business, and awaken the creative edge you possess but might have lost in your daily activities.

(Credits: Paula Goldsmith)

Networking with other OSSN agents is the best reason for choosing trips
like the recent Alaska cruise fam!

Sights like the Hubbard Glacier give agents firsthand experiences to share
with their clients when they return home.

When you explore a port via horse-drawn carriage, it's easy to share
the excitement when you sell a destination!

You'll learn a lot in the classes set up during OSSN fams - from
the instructors, and from each other.

You will visit many of the same stores and attractions
that your clients will see when they take the same cruise later.

During many port stops, you can set up site visits and inspections at major hotels
such as The Empress in Victoria, B.C.

These OSSN agents paid an early visit to Santa during this cruise fam.

Sunsets in Alaska make perfect memories for the agents on this trip.

Don't these OSSN agents look happy with their Alaska adventures?