July 2010
Chapter Chat
Chicago
Jennifer Brown and Maria Ramirez-Gregg - co-directors of the OSSN Chicago Chapter - welcomed Barry and Julie Karp (seated) from ShoreTrips to their group's June 15 meeting. Barry and Julie shared the history of their company and taught the agents how to introduce their clients to shore excursions and close those bookings!
On May 18, the chapter enjoyed presentations by Glen Bucknor with the Jamaica Tourist Board and by Kate Heath from Sandals Resorts. Glen reviewed the airlift from regional airports into Jamaica and the many excursion options there, while Kate covered the differences between Sandals and Beaches properties and the best types of clients to target for each brand.
(Credits: Maria Ramirez-Gregg and Jennifer Brown)
Dallas
The OSSN Dallas Chapter learned how to sell dreams trips to the Galapagos and India during the group's June 16 gathering with Charlie Newton of SITA Tours. Lucy Warner (the chapter's director) says her agents came away with know-how for selling these trips to Internet shoppers and getting their clients excited about these destinations!
(Credit: Lucy Warner)
Daytona/Orlando
Amanda Spence with BedsOnline.com shared tips for agents using her company's lodging reservations web site during the June 9 meeting of the OSSN Daytona/Orlando Chapter. Myrtis Rimassa (OSSN's Daytona area director) hosted this event with Carole Conway (OSSN's Orlando area director).
(Credit: Myrtis Rimassa)
Houston
On May 21, the OSSN Houston Chapter held a networking session to discuss OSSN benefits, future topics for chapter meetings, and other business building topics, reports Jeff Grieder (the chapter's director and OSSN's Mid West Regional Manager).
(Credit: Jeff Grieder)
Little Rock
The OSSN Little Rock Chapter featured Laurie Smith from Travel Impressions as the speaker for its May 28 meeting. Chapter director Pam Cameron says Laurie hosted her agents for a wonderful lunch and took them on a journey through the Travel Impressions web site. Laurie answered many questions and gave the agents great tips to maximize profits by booking with her tour company!
(Credit: Pam Cameron)
Lower Hudson Valley, N.Y.
Diana Monaco - the director of the OSSN Lower Hudson Valley (N.Y.) Chapter - says her group learned a lot during its June 15 session with Wazha Dube of Ker & Downey. Wazha (r) discussed his luxury tour company's programs, and Monique Peragine (l - OSSN's North Eastern Regional Manager) also shared insights with the chapter.
(Credit: Diana Monaco)
Memphis
The OSSN Memphis Chapter (which also covers eastern Arkansas and northern Mississippi) attracted a large crowd of agents to its recent meeting with Sharon Broo of TravelSafe Insurance. Patricia Bannister (the chapter's director and OSSN's South Eastern Regional Manager) says her members learned a lot about TravelSafe's products for clients and marketing support for agents!
On June 8, Laurie Smith with Travel Impressions (far r) shared many helpful details about her company's itineraries and marketing policies (for example, they do not sell directly to agents' clients!).
(Credit: Patricia Bannister)
Minneapolis
Meg Sytnick (l) - the director of the OSSN Minneapolis Area Chapter - says Justin Heckman (r) with Club Med did a fantastic job engaging her members during the group's June 30 gathering. "Every agent left feeling like they were ready to sell the Club Med products," she reports. Justin offered the attendees a special one-month booking incentive: two free nights at any Club Med resort in the Caribbean or Mexico to the first agent at the meeting who books a seven-night package!
(Credit: Meg Sytnick)
Mesa/Phoenix
On June 23, the OSSN Mesa/Phoenix Chapter gathered for a presentation by Adrian Bradley with Sandals Resorts to discuss the company's properties in the Caribbean and its promotions and offers for 2010 and beyond. Chapter director Paula Goldsmith says her agents were a great group, excited about this training opportunity!
(Credit: Paula Goldsmith)
New Jersey/Philly
The OSSN New Jersey/Philadelphia Chapter held its June 16 meeting with Cyndi Aird, who represents the Wyndham resort in St. Thomas and other Caribbean properties. Chapter director Hema Khan says the event drew a big crowd, and Cyndi (l, standing) gave away a three-night stay at the Wyndham (now an all-inclusive property) to lucky agent Dina Krulikowski (r) during the meeting!
(Credit: Hema Khan)
New Orleans/Baton Rouge
Ann Broussard - the director of the OSSN New Orleans/Baton Rouge Chapter - held two great meetings recently (one in each city) with her Louisiana agents. These events featured presentations by Kay Freeman with GOGO Worldwide Vacations.
(Credit: Ann Broussard)
Pittsburgh
The OSSN Pittsburgh Chapter organized a recent training session with Sandals Resorts. Chapter director Jean Russ reports a good turnout and lots of great information shared with her members!
(Credit: Jean Russ)
Southern Illinois
On June 10, the OSSN Southern Illinois Chapter set up a networking meeting for its members to discuss future meeting plans and key travel industry topics such as insurance vendors and pre- and post-cruise suppliers. Denise Hangsleben (the chapter's director) says the agents in her new chapter are happy sharing this kind of information with each other and trading ideas!
(Credit: Denise Hangsleben)
OSSN in the House!
Patricia Bannister (OSSN's South Eastern Regional Manager) shared this photo from the annual Vacation.com conference in June. She's joined here by OSSN chapter directors Hema Khan, Phyllis Evenson, Carol Marshall, and Melisa Keiser (plus OSSN member Kate Sweiger and other agents) for a wonderful time at this huge event.
Patricia also sent us this group photo capturing the excited agents who took part in a recent OSSN educational cruise aboard the "Celebrity Solstice." (Don't miss OSSN's many upcoming fams! See OSSN's fam schedule.)
(Credits: Patricia Bannister)
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