The first ALG Vacations Pros on the Go mega FAM was a resounding hit with travel advisors. With 150 travel advisors in attendance, the event took place April 9-12 in Cancun/Riviera Maya at several resorts and included educational workshops, team-building exercises, multiple site inspections, and a giveback component.
“Previously, our events department scheduled more than 20 or more escorted FAMs each year, which, as you can imagine, is a lot of man-hours. The mega FAMs have the same number of advisors in attendance as the 20 individual FAMs, but it allows our events team to schedule site visits, excursions and transfers with more efficiency, easing some of their burden,” explains Jacki Marks, global head of trade brands, ALG Vacations.
“Additionally, having this many advisors in destination at the same time allows us to create educational opportunities for them in a shared day. Plus, our leaders could address the group in a general session, and everyone joins together in a giveback event. The mega FAM is a combination of the most popular pieces of our Ascend educational conference and our rewards trips.”
The 150 travel advisors attending this first mega FAM flew into Cancun International Airport and stayed throughout the Riviera Maya at Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya, Hotel Riu Palace Mexico, Iberostar Grand Paraiso, Breathless & Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, and more.
Education, networking, and giving back
All of the advisors gathered together for one action-packed day of education, networking, and giving back. The general session kicked off with an acknowledgment of ALG Vacations’ travel advisor partners. Mark Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt, said in a video to participants: “We wouldn’t be able to do this without you. You build trust. And that’s why your clients come back to you … You bring value to them and peace of mind. That’s your superpower.”
Continuing, Kathy Mehring, (ALG Vacations’ director of sales, Midwest) and Heather Hendrix (ALG Vacations’ director of sales, East Coast) gave a nod to the big merger (when Hyatt acquired ALG in November 2021) and answered the still-lingering question on everyone’s minds about what will happen to the various brands, saying: “They’re not going away … There’s loyalty. We will still have all of our brands.”
They also discussed various aspects of the group’s portfolio of travel offerings; summarized the growth in Europe (with sales hitting over $100 million in 2023) and expansions (with more boutique properties and a luxury collection coming); referenced the group’s continuing Kindness in Travel movement; and gave an update on Carlson Kressley as ALG Vacations’ Travel Advisor Champion, spreading the word in national media about the value of using a travel advisor. Then Amstar gave an update on their transportation options and excursions. And representatives from Breathless & Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa offered an overview of the properties (with Breathless attracting a lively crowd interested in social activities, and Secrets offering a quieter and more intimate stay).
Following the general session, participants broke into smaller groups to attend workshop sessions offering a greater understanding of how they can utilize ALG Vacations’ products, services, marketing, and technology to build their businesses. Destination and Event Photographer Will Byington also gave tips on taking photos/videos that make an impact in social media marketing. Travel Industry Expert Sandra McLemore discussed the hows and whys of both charging planning fees and implementing email marketing.
One more session followed, demonstrating ALG Vacations’ particular talent for bringing fun, topped off with a meaningful giveback component. All of the travel advisors gathered in a ballroom for a fast-paced, team-building, piñata-making session – with the piñatas then gifted (along with school supplies) to a group of the sweetest little, local girls and boys.
On subsequent days, advisors took part in site inspections and excursions. The event culminated in a sensational joint farewell party hosted by the brand-new Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, where advisors mixed it up with great food and music, and enjoyed sharing stories from the week’s adventures.
What travel advisors had to say
Every travel advisor we spoke to had positive things to say about their experiences at this mega FAM. For instance …
“My experience was absolutely wonderful,” reports Yolanda M. Corbin, owner/travel advisor, Lux Life Travel Co. “The planning was well thought out, the breakout sessions were informative, the food was amazing, the leadership was outstanding.” As for something she learned during the event, Corbin goes on to say: “Cancun was not on the top of my list as far as destinations, but this mega FAM and their attention to detail changed my perception. I loved it! I told my adult children, and they’re surprised, too, because they know how I did not like Cancun, but always wanted to learn more because my customers love it. Therefore, I will definitely keep the hotels on my radar for bookings.”
Tricia Pirner, senior travel consultant, at Carrousel [sic] Travel, says: “It was a great experience; I was impressed with the breakout sessions to better my business and less tours of hotels. I loved the fact that they picked hotels that would benefit my business to visit. All in all, a very thought-out FAM.” Pirner notes that she learned about “the updated booking options for groups. It’s wonderful to have some control over your bookings without having to call all the time to make adjustments. Loved those features. As for enjoying the event, “I also was impressed with the ability to provide balance. We work very long hours, so it was awesome that we had some downtime to connect with others.”
Travel Advisor Julie Kutzke, of Design Your Vacation, comments: “I thought it was amazing. I met so many new people and learned so much from others. As a brand new agent, I greatly benefited from the trip!”
Allison Frame Reaves also gives a glowing review: “I learned so much from the education classes, as well as the BDMs and other agents. I have to do a large brain dump when I get home, as I have so much resort info, and so many ideas and processes to implement when I get back to my office. I enjoyed the camaraderie within our group. It is so great to have other agents to learn with, talk to, and bounce ideas off of. I enjoyed the excitement and wonder of our Xenses excursion, and my heart is overjoyed with the giveback event. The piñata-making was not only fun, it was so heartwarming. Showing kindness within your travels is so very important, and seeing the smile on the little boy’s face who got our piñata and school supplies was a priceless experience.”
What’s next?
The next ALG Vacations mega FAM will be in Punta Cana on Sept. 18-21. Advisors must obtain ALGVPro certification in order to be considered eligible for FAM trips. ALGV business development managers select eligible advisors from all U.S. sales regions.
About future mega FAMS, Marks advises: “For our first year out of the gate, our mega FAMs filled up very quickly. After word gets around, we anticipate next year will be even more competitive to get a spot. We will announce next year’s mega FAMs in the first quarter, so advisors should keep an eye on their email.”