Avoya Travel kicked off its 12th annual Avoya Conference earlier this week with attendance by independent agencies in the Avoya Network, industry leaders, supplier partners and support staff. After opening at the Hyatt Regency Miami, the event returns to sea for the first time since 2014 onboard Royal Caribbean's newly renovated Navigator of the Seas on a four-night Caribbean sailing.
The 2019 Avoya Conference aims to celebrate the company's momentum, including another record double-digit sales growth year in 2018 and more than 20 percent year-over-year growth of new independent agencies in the Avoya Network. A record number of independent agencies will be awarded for achieving $1 million or more in annual sales, with the top producing agency growing sales over 30 percent to reach $6.5 million.
Looking to Avoya's future is a key focus of the conference program, the company says. The company's senior leadership, including co-presidents Jeff and Michael Anderson, share successes and new initiatives from Avoya 2025, the company's five-phase growth plan that was first unveiled at Avoya's 2018 conference. Among the announcements are new brand updates, technology enhancements, powerful business intelligence sharing, and network developments, all designed to further improve vacation planning efficiencies and accelerate Independent Agency sales and incomes in 2019 and beyond.
Avoya has crafted a line-up for its 2019 event with keynotes from industry leaders, including Adolfo Perez, senior vice president at Carnival Cruise Line; Dondra Ritzenhaler, senior vice president at Celebrity Cruises; Nikki Upshaw, senior vice president at Oceania Cruises; Vicki Freed, senior vice president at Royal Caribbean International; and many more. Attendees will also have access to connect with each other during workshops, a tradeshow, general sessions, educational workshops and several networking events.
During the Avoya Conference there are also opportunities for attendees to learn more about how Avoya gives back to organizations like World Vision and Make-A-Wish and how they can get involved. In addition, attendees have an opportunity to participate in an event honoring the company's late founders, Pal and Pat Anderson, with an Avoya Travel Kicks Off 12th Annual Conference Celebrating Innovation and Record Success “Chairman's Walk for Sea Turtles” event in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund.
A highlight for attendees is to be among the first onboard the newly renovated Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas and to experience the recently opened Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private Caribbean destination exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests.
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