After nearly 600 days of virtual education and networking events, KHM Travel Group welcomed agents back at KHM Together Again. 158 travel agents and 34 suppliers joined the KHM Travel Group team on October 10-12 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Welcome to KHM Together Again

The event kicked off on Sunday with a cocktail reception. Agents were welcomed by Director of Education and Programs Bill Coyle, who shared that the event was designed to reflect on past challenges and prepare for an exciting era of selling travel.

President Rick Zimmerman and Business Optimization Executive Craig Freeman also spoke. The executives shared words of gratitude and pride in the efforts of travel agents. The night ended with music, dancing, and prize giveaways. Over the course of the event, 24 prizes were given away including 7-day cruises, complimentary all-inclusive stays, and supplier-branded gear.

“We heard great feedback about our Virtual EDU program last year. While the information in our online courses helped agents, there is nothing that can replace relationship-building at an in-person event. After registration for KHM Together Again sold out in less than 24 hours, we knew this was going to be something special. The level of energy agents brought to this event exceeded all of our expectations.”

Bill Coyle, Director of Education and Programs

Sessions, Panels, and More

Monday was the heart of KHM Together Again with a full day of sessions and panels. During a top-producers panel, agents shared their biggest lessons of the past year and forecasts for 2022 and beyond. Land and cruise panels with top executives gave insights into their updates and plans to better serve independent contractors and the host agency model in the future. Our industry partners, ASTA and CLIA, were also present to educate and inspire agents.

“Our industry thrives on supporting one another. It’s essential to develop strong partnerships – whether it’s with fellow travel agents, your host agency, suppliers, or consultants. One of our Core Values is teamwork and KHM Together Again was the best example of that concept coming to life. Our goal was to reflect on the past year, but also to share knowledge to pave a way to the future. It was amazing to witness the camaraderie at this event.”

Rick Zimmerman, President and CEO

During breakout sessions on compliance, groups, marketing, and supplier relations, agents had a little fun too – playing games like Agent Feud and “Cover it All” Compliance Bingo. Carnival Cruise Line also hosted their take on Deal or No Deal with twenty fun prizes.

“Travel agents learn the most from hearing about the real experiences of others. With our events, we provide agents with innovative ideas to try and different ways to think about their businesses.”

Bill Coyle, Director of Education and Programs

Supplier Trade Show

The final day of the event included a supplier trade show, where agents reconnected with Business Development Managers. Many thank yous were shared for the suppliers’ behind-the-scenes dedication to helping with answers and solutions this past year.

Attendees walked away from KHM Together Again with new knowledge, inspiration, and friendships. Given the amazing response, KHM Travel Group is already hard at work planning a full schedule of in-person events in 2022.

To view photos from the event, visit KHM Travel Group’s Flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/khmtravel

Interested in learning how to become a travel agent with KHM Travel Group and gain access to educational events like KHM Together Again? Fill out the form to the right or contact our Membership Team at 888.611.1220.