Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt, wrapped up its annual Confidant Connect Live event honoring its top travel advisor partners. This year’s event took place from December 1-4, 2023, at Secrets St. James and Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The three-day event was filled with education, networking and, of course, a bit of fun.
“It is a recognition event for our top 110 advisors for the bookings that they have brought us over the last year that they have registered in Confidant,” said Mark Benson, associate vice president sales & strategy, Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt. “It’s a way of recognizing and showing our gratitude, showcasing our product of course, spoiling them a little bit but also quite frankly, showcasing our people.”
Inclusive Collection executives at Secrets Wild Orchid. (photo by Codie Liermann)
As the year wraps up, this event gives travel advisors a chance to connect with both their Inclusive Collection partners and each other, all while learning more about one of the beautiful destinations they sell to their clients.
“I feel honored to have been invited to this exclusive event, especially because my agency is so young,” said Maricela Prayther, owner of Be Happy Nomad Travel. “The recognition of my hard work and dedication is deeply appreciated and it fills me with pride. I had a wonderful time connecting with fellow top advisors and partners. I definitely feel motivated to continue striving for excellence.”
The event kicked off with a private welcome dinner on the beach followed by two days of learning. From the general session and interactive panel to the tradeshow and various workshops offered, attendees had their fill of education.
Advisors heard from a number of Inclusive Collection members on topics like product updates and expansion plans. There was also a lot of communication around Confidant Collective, which launched in the spring of 2023 and includes Confidant Learning, Confidant Rewards and Confidant Connect.
General session at Confidant Connect Live. (photo by Codie Liermann)
Showing its support and commitment to travel advisors is nothing new for Inclusive Collection. In fact, Benson mentioned that from the beginning, “the strategy has always been about reaching to the advisor and getting that advisor loyalty.”
The advisors have felt this support. “My BDM, Mary Jo Salas, is always ready to lend a hand when I need help or have a question,” said Prayther. “During this event, I also had the opportunity to meet a lot of other team members and executives who were super approachable and evidently have great collaborative energy.”
Unlimited-Luxury® Inclusions
Inclusive Collection continues to make its mark in the luxury segment of travel, and its new Impression by Secrets brand takes these already luxurious experiences up a notch.
“We’re very much a pioneer how we’ve approached the luxury market, from no wristbands to the range of restaurants in a resort to the training of the staff to brand standards,” Benson said, adding that the refinement, development and delivery of new experiences speak to the resort’s differentiation.
It’s not about simply having the best spot on the beach or having a bigger swimming pool, Benson explained. “It’s to us I believe very much how you are curating the experience to the customer when they’re in the resorts.”
Secrets St. James Montego Bay. (photo by Codie Liermann)
The advisors at Confidant Connect Live were able to experience this luxurious service at Secrets St. James and Secrets Wild Orchid through the resort activities and dining experiences that were sprinkled in throughout the event.
According to Prayther, the resort brand is “continually providing new and exciting options for our clients and has definitely leveled up the playing field for design, culinary and service standards. They have a resort for everyone and in so many different destinations, it is hard not to sell them.”
The event bid adieu with a beautiful dinner in the Secrets St. James ballroom with the theme of “Our Wider World.” Each attendee was encouraged to accessorize with something that represents their birthplace. During the farewell dinner, five advisors were recognized for the work they’ve done giving back to their communities in a variety of ways.
If attending Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt’s 2024 Confidant Connect Live event is on your wish list, connect with your BDM and figure out how you can be in attendance next year.
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