ICT Family Reunion (Convention)
Dear Siamon Family:
Last year at this time I spoke to you on the telephone about the possibility
of becoming an ICT agent. You cordially extended an invitation to the ICT
convention which I declined, not being part of the family as of then. I
anticipated for one year meeting the entire family as if I were the "new
boyfriend" meeting dad for the first time. In that year, learning
and
growing with the help of the immediate family and family members far away
with much needed advice (the chatlist).
I now sit reflecting on the ICT family reunion, this time feeling as though I
belonged !!
From the moment I stepped into the hotel I felt welcome and met family
members whom I felt I had known a lifetime! The camaraderie seemed to be
everywhere!! Not to mention, the value and education that we all received from
the round tables, seminars, Sabre training, and trade show!! I really have a
hard time putting into words how much I appreciate the opportunity to be a
part of this wonderful family!!
I try to leave my decisions in Gods hands and I know for sure after this
reunion, he has led me to the correct group of people!
Thank you. You make all of us proud to say we are ICT agents
and part of the family!!
Thanking you, Kim
Kim Catalano
Cruizin With Kim
Hi Harvey, Linda, Robert and Karen,
I just wanted to take a few moments and give you our thoughts
on the Family Reunion. Bryce and I had one of the most special trips
of our lives!!
Meeting all of you, and the other ICTers was a wonderful
experience for both of you. As I have been in the event planning business
before, I can realize what it takes to make such a large event go well, and I
marvel at how excellent of a job you all did. Thank-you.
As this was our first convention, we both learned so much!!
The one on one times we INVALUABLE. We received so many wonderful
suggestions and thoughts from the suppliers, we don't know which one to start on
first.
As everyone has said Tom Wilkinson was AWESOME!! I
would love to see him do even more next year. I think that one of the biggest
parts to Tom's speaking is that he makes you know that you can go out and
sell. All of the knowledge in the world won't help if you do not have the
confidence and yourself and the product that you are selling. He helps
to give his audience both.
The round tables were very informative. It was a nice
way to fill in the blanks with what we missed at the one-on one's.
What a nice job on the trade show!! I thought the
layout was excellent!!
Dinner Saturday evening was a very special occasion.
The ability to sit and converse with our fellow agents was great!! I learned
so much about the other agents, and feel that I made some great friendships
also.
Sunday was a wealth of knowledge!! Pat Olsen is
wonderful. We can't wait to take a Disney Cruise!! And it was so nice of you and
Robert to take the time to answer questions after such a long week-end!!
Finally, I would like to add that most everyone who met us
for even the smallest amount of time heard about our three boys and how
Bryce and I love to work together. Family is the core of our every day
life, and the most important thing to us both. Working with such a
connected family like all of you is truly an added blessing to our lives.
Thank-you again for your hard work and hospitality.
Diane and Bryce
Diane Barr
Barr Travel Services
Harvey,
As Glenn and I left TN for the desert Southwest to attend our
first ICT family reunion/conference, we were extremely excited and filled with
great anticipation. Well let me shout to everyone, we were NOT disappointed! What
an incredible experience!
We headed straight to the ICT office as soon as we landed and
were greeted with incredible friendliness, like we had known the Siamon's
forever. This type of atmosphere never stopped for the entire weekend as we met other members of
the family (agents and suppliers). As we met agents for the first time we became
friends. It is fun to now put faces with names when we see the emails to Harvey or from the
chat room.
Michelle and Patrick at the Sabre training were wonderful.
I am not nearly as nervous on Sabre as I was before. I no longer think that if I hit
the wrong key on Sabre that I will put a 747 in the ocean any more. But I am still very careful.
The one on one, round tables, and trade show with our suppliers
was time spent very wisely and was very helpful for us. A gigantic thank you
to all of the suppliers that committed their weekend for us. We appreciate you!
The suppliers which spoke to us, Ensemble Travel, Rail Europe, Tom
Wilkerson of Costa Cruise Lines, Chris Lewellen from Unicard, Steve Campbell,
TAEdge, Disney's Pat Olsen, Tom Ogg (We missed Joannie, sorry she had to leave, hope
everything is ok), and our fun loving couple from downunder, which proved that Glenn
and I could not survive and became a weak link were ALL informative and interesting.
Hats of to each you for the extra time and effort you provided.
The last two hours of Sunday afternoon were invaluable and definitely
worthwhile as Harvey and Robert spent time with their "family" to answer many
questions about all aspects of the travel industry and ICT. Thanks guys!
A GIANT THANK YOU TO THE SIAMON FAMILY for a tremendous family
reunion...you out did yourselves. Having planned and hosted our own
family reunion (much smaller) we can appreciated and understand the many hours of
planning, replanning, phone calls, emails and regrouping that takes place to present
an event such as this.
Thank you just does not seem to say it.
My calendar is already marked for next year, we plan to attend.
We are looking forward to seeing our many friends again and hopefully meeting new ones
too.
We are proud to be part of the ICT family.
Carol Hall
Accents On Cruises And Honeymoon Dreams
Hi Harvey:
First I would like to thank you so much for hosting the
convention. I can only imagine how much time was involved. But,
please know that your hard work is truly appreciated by all of us ICTers.
It was a sincere pleasure to finally meet you and your family!!!!!!!
This was my first convention and I will assure you that I will not miss
another one. The learning opportunity at the convention was invaluable.
I have been in the business for four years and have never had the opportunity
to speak to so many suppliers and dsm's, let alone in one room at the same
time. Thank you again for everything!!!!!!!!
Respectfully,
Paula Moceri
Moceri's Travel & Cruise Emporium
Harvey:
I
wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and the rest of the Siamon family
for putting this event together for us.
I’m
sure that over the next few months, those of us that were in attendance will be
sharing the information we learned over and over again.
Not only with others that were in attendance as a refresher but also with
those that unfortunately could not make it to the function as well.
I’m
sure all of those in attendance will agree there is no greater opportunity to
learn about the products we have at our disposal than to talk with the
suppliers. Even those of us who did
not know what to ask, learned from others at the round tables, as we absorbed
what others inquired about.
For
some of us, we will not realize what we brought back from the event until we run
across a situation to utilize the information we received … that is when the
power of such an event will be evident.
I
could have sat and listened to Tom Wilkinson for several more hours.
If it is possible, could he be given another session next year, and have
him split his talk up into two sections? Although
I have inspected the Costa Ships in Ft Lauderdale, I was never quite sure who to
market them to. Now I know and am
excited about it, as are other agents.
We
are blessed to have people like Tom Wilkinson, Pat Olsen, Michael Jauregui
(NCL), Kathryn Long (RCCL/Celebrity) and Jay Torr (Happy Tours) supporting our
team of ICT agents. Although I have
only mentioned a few of the suppliers that were in attendance, it does not mean
these are the only ones we are blessed with … the email would simply become
too long. The others suppliers were
also very supportive and helpful.
Although
the suppliers and the Siamon family were the focus of the weekend, lets not
forget the camaraderie that we were able to develop amongst the agents.
Although I had not met any of the agents in attendance until this
weekend, it was like coming home! We
all met each other as if we had known each other forever.
All of us knew each other from the chat list of course.
I
know not all agents are on the chat list for one reason or another, but if I can
make a suggestion to each person that is not on the list … join it!
All the emails can get overwhelming to a person who is not used to
dealing with more than a few emails a day (we can help them get through that),
but there is so much available information that can be gleaned from the other
agents through the chat list, they are missing the boat.
For those seasoned travel veterans, they have an enormous amount of
knowledge they can share with the rest of the gang … they don’t need to do
it 24 hours a day, or even feel they have to answer each or any question that
comes along. Each of us knows and
has experienced a little bit, and that combines in to a great deal of knowledge
and experience.
Prior
to the weekend, I was in the travel business on my own with help from the chat
list. Now that I have attended the
convention, I can put some faces to the emails, and now feel I have many dear
friends across ICT-land. Most of
the people in attendance were true givers.
To single out one or two people or couples would be unfair to the ones
not mentioned but who deserve to be.
I
found that the consensus was that convention was an incredible learning event,
not only from the suppliers information, but from the stories and experiences we
shared with each other as well.
Once
again, thank you for establishing and continuing with this tradition.
It is truly appreciated!
Jan
J. VanderLey
JSC Travel
AN
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL ASSOCIATE OF
INCENTIVE CONNECTION TRAVEL, INC
Hi Harvey,
I'm still trying to collect my thoughts, being new to the business, and only
being with ICT for only a few months, my attendance at the Convention was a
fact finding, information gathering, learning expedition. I'm happy to
say
that "Mission Accomplished".
I attended every Sabre class that was offered, except Planet Sabre. Even
thou there were some technical problems, Patrick and Michelle did an
excellent job. The classes gave me a better understanding of Sabre use
and capability. I was very please with what I learned.
Keep in mind that I am new and my agenda my vary from someone with more
experience that may have been looking for something else out of the
convention.
The one on one appointments were very valuable to me. I came well
prepared with precise question for each one that I had an appointment with,
the Round Table settings gave me an opportunity to talk with every supplier
that was at the convention, but because there were so many of them, I missed
one or two, but was able to briefly talk to them doing the Trade Show. I
gathered enough brochures and pamphlets and other material that it will take
me a week to sort through everything and organize it where as I know what I
got and can be able to review as I need to.
Over all, the Family Reunion Convention was like a FAM, at least that's the
way I looked at it. I tried to take advantage of everything that was
offered. The two hours social time was appreciated too, although I used
that time to rest my brain and collect my thoughts.
I met a lot of experience agents that were helpful, everyone I met, I
exchange cards and was told to contact them any time and if they could help
they would. I can go on and on, but you were there, so you know.
Looking forward to next year, but I will be an experienced agent then, and
my agenda might be more directed, but my focus will still be gathering
information.
It was nice meeting you and all of the ICT staffers.
Bennie Tate
Traveler Connector
Hi Harvey:
Here is my review! First of all, even though I've already
thanked you and your family, let me say again, how much I appreciate all of
the hard work and thought you put in each and every day, not just at
convention. I hope that after meeting and seeing how hard the ICT
staff/family works, other ICTers will have a new found appreciation of all
of you. Those high commissions and great perks don't come easy, and
they aren't just handed to you! I know you work hard to establish
relationships with suppliers, and better arrangements for agents. I
used to do that part of the schmoozing, I know!
I was not able to do the one-on -one appointments, but in speaking with many
of the agents that were there, they felt that it was very valuable. I
wish
I were able to meet with our DSM's at convention, but I was able to make
other arrangements.
Check in was a breeze. The only thing I would suggest is to be sure to
have
name tags for local agents! They don't feel as important as the hotel
guests. I would also like to see agency names added underneath our
names.
Some suppliers knew my face, but not the name until I mentioned Jetscape.
I would assume that is because they normally have my business card in hand
when we are speaking, and Jetscape pops out before I do! Other than those
couple of items, there was nothing else you could improve on!
Tom Wilkinson is a dynamic speaker, as well as entertaining and
knowledgeable. He always brings something new to the table as well.
I can see that Tom could very easily be doing a book tour for motivational
speaking! He is absolutely terrific at motivating you, and
offering you ideas on how to sell and be successful. I would love to see more time
given
to him, and agree with Jan, that breaking it up into 2 sessions would be
beneficial for both Tom and agents.
The round-tables were very helpful. I applaud those representatives
who
took the time to come prepared, to let us know what is new and changing with
their products. It is a great tool for seasoned and new
agents alike.
New agents were able to get a better idea of what products are out there.
It is a true testament to the power that ICT has, that so many suppliers
were in attendance. It is an exhausting day, but well worth the time.
I appreciated the larger room for the trade show, and that it fell right after
the round-tables. There were a number of suppliers I wanted and needed
to
touch base with. Round-tables were less chaotic this year as well,
even
with so many extra suppliers. Maybe because we had more room?
Even though I am a little biased, I have to admit that the highlight of
Sunday morning was Crocodile Hunter meets Weakest Link. It was a very
clever idea, and served it's purpose well, of educating us further on all of
the benefits of Agent Access.
I greatly appreciate you and Robert speaking to several of us so late in the
day on Sunday. As you know, I feel that it is a very important part of
convention, because so many need to know the answers to questions.
I've tried to extend my assistance to anyone who is unsure of procedures, in
order to alleviate that concern. I also learned a few new things due
to our
"chat with Harvey and Robert." I'm sure Robert will be
thankful!
Different things come up in conversations like those, than can't be
addressed very easily via email. I also want to be sure that you and other
agents know that loyalty is important to all of us. We would expect no
less from our clients, than you do of us. We want you to be successful in
business so that we can continue to benefit from that success.
In all, to me, one of the
most
important things I take with me from convention, is a sense of stronger
camaraderie than ever, with our fellow ICTers. So much knowledge and
information was shared. It helps everyone to remember that we are all
individuals, and human beings. Giving and caring is so important! I
feel that I walked away having lots of new friends.
ICT and the entire Siamon family did an amazing job again this year. I
plan
on being there again next year! It's a must-do for me every year!
Thank you again Harvey.
Denise McCrary
Jetscape Travel
Dear Siamon Family
What a wonderful family reunion! It was
great seeing your family and the other ICT agents again...I'm very proud to
be a part of ICT!
Really benefited from the one-on-one
appointments, hope to see this again in the future. Also enjoyed the
round tables, the trade show, and the wonderful speakers. Excited
about putting some of the new marketing ideas into play.
Siamons - Thank you for taking the time to
organize this for your agents...you're the best!
ICT Agents - It was a pleasure spending time
with you, thank you for a delightful weekend!
Kathy Rindler
Sunset Tours
St Henry, OH
Harvey,
What a great convention/family reunion! It really was a great time of
fellowship, being able to put names to faces of the agents we read or
hear about. The time spent with all the suppliers was very valuable
and really gave us a boost to want to come home and get selling their
products. We so appreciate them coming to Phoenix to share with all
the ICT family.
You and the family did a wonderful job of coordinating everything, right
down to the reunion t-shirts...a very nice touch. It was good to see
all of you again and we look forward to next years reunion. It's already
on our calendar.
Sandy Milis
Joyful Journey Travel
Harvey, Linda, Heidi, Robert and Karen
Another great family reunion. Myself , Sandye and
Rachel came away with a lot of good ideas and a closer feeling about the ICT
family.
The one on one sessions Friday morning were very
good. We used the round table on Saturday morning to talk to the suppliers we
were unable to see Friday morning. We gained a lot of information and ideas
from both sessions to help our business grow.
The Rail Europe was very informative but could
have been shorter.
Tom Wilkinson was great as always. I would like to
had a longer session on group sales from him. Maybe next year he can be given
at least a two hour session with a Q&A afterwards.
The Unicard session was too long and not as much
clear information as I wanted, so I sat with him at the cocktail "Get
Together" and ask more pointed questions and got better answers.
I really liked the Trade Show set up much better
this year. The extra room made it easier to receive information from the
suppliers.
Steve Campbell's presentation Sunday was very
good. His ideas and information was what I was looking for. Maybe he
could have more time for Q&A next year.
The TAEdge session was good enough for me to pay
to have their link to our web site only to be lucky enough to win a year free.
Tom Ogg is a lot better with Joanie. He told the
same jokes last year.HA! HA! But the ideas that were given by ICT people
and the fun he had with each was great. We should have more of this type of
session.
We didn't stay for the Disney sessions because we
had just been to a very intensive seminar with the Disney people in Houston.
The Family Reunion / convention was a
wonderful gathering of a great group of people exchanging ideas and
information as though they were family helping each other to grow and prosper.
My hats off to you Harvey, your fine family and
staff for making this possible.
Gordon Gallatin
Newport Travel
Dear Harvey,
1) Number of suppliers in attendance.
I liked the one on one appointments very much. I was able to ask for
suggestions and information on putting together a couple of groups, and I
appreciated the opportunity to get to talk one-on-one and get to know each
rep. I feel like I made a lot of good connections.
2) All the other ICTers!! I made many new friends, many of which I
know will be long lasting friendships, and that is so valuable! I was
able to see all the folks who I have received help from on the chatlist, and
just the opportunity to share information and develop that network was
tremendously rewarding.
3) Tom Wilkinson's Presentation - wow!! Talk about motivating and
helpful. That book he gave us will be one of my most valuable
resources when I put my first group together, whether on a Costa cruise or a
tour. His energy was contagious and that's the kind of people I want
to work with.
4) Sabre training
We had some technical glitches, but who can predict that. Michele and
Patrick were awesome and I was able to learn a good deal even though we were
shut down a lot during the training. Also, having them at the round
tables was great. I was able to ask more questions that I had come up
with after training.
5) Trade Show
Let's just say I was glad I had thought to bring an empty
"wheelie" suitcase :-) I came home with a lot of good stuff,
videos, brochures and other goodies.
6) The cost
I appreciate it that you kept the convention cost to a reasonable amount.
I only had to pay for one dinner and lunch, and that's only because I
came early for training.
7) The dinner
Well, hey, besides winning two round-trip tickets to Hawaii (!!) I also
liked the way the dinner was organized. I thought it was nice that
Robert had it planned that we start with a few prizes, eat a little, do some
more prizes, etc. It kept a nice air of anticipation in the room all
evening. And - although I don't think it was planned that
suppliers were supposed to attend the dinner (?) we had the reps. from
Rail Europe and Travel Impressions eat dinner at our table and that was so
fabulous! It gave everyone the opportunity to get to know each other
on a more personal basis - adding a really nice "human touch"
element. I'm sure this adds to your cost, but it would be great if we could
add them all in next year.
8) Idea Quest with NACTA - that was great, and it could have been longer!
Needs improvement:
1) Organizing rides for Sabre training. It would be nice for next year
if we could somehow formalize the transportation issue to/from airport, and
to/from Sabre. Perhaps we could pin down who is renting a car and if
people could share rides, or even hire a shuttle service to take people to
and from the training for a nominal fee. We kind of informally
arranged rides, but if you were not lucky enough to get in on that, it was
very expensive to get to the Sabre facility.
2) We really needed a Q&A time with ICT. Because it was pulled
together at the last minute for late Sunday and not on the schedule, many
folks had already made airline arrangements to leave (like me). To
have an ICT reunion/convention and not have the opportunity to have a panel
discussion about ICT business and info., or a chance to hear "what's
coming down the pike" from ICT as to changes and improvements, etc.,
was a shortcoming of the convention in my opinion. However - I
am so glad that I now have faces and smiles to put with all of your names
(you, Linda, Robert, Karen, Jackie and others). It was a pleasure
meeting all of you!
3) Embassy Suites - good and bad
Rooms were okay, but a/c did not work in a lot of folks rooms. The
first lunch we had kept people waiting in line for over a half hour to get
to the buffet (they remedied this the next day though). Cocktail hour
and breakfast were very, very nice to have included!!!
Well, that's about it! I know how much hard work goes into planning an
event like that, so I appreciate all the hard work! I thoroughly
enjoyed myself and learned a great deal!
I am emailing all the suppliers to thank them, and also sending a letter to
Apple thanking them for the Hawaii trip. I will CC you on that letter.
Please extend my thanks to the entire ICT gang there in Phoenix! I am
already looking forward to next year.
Sincerely,
Lisa Brei
Hi Harvey and family (and staff),
This year's convention was the best so far! The one on one was very important
to me. The round table was informative and some of the speakers great.
The crocodile hunter was the best, being funny and informative. Trying to
learn a lot in a short time is a bit of an information overload. Sabre classes
(post-convention) were very good, the team of Michelle and Patrick worked well
together and provided us with a lot of information.
I am looking forward to next year's reunion!
Marion Madill
Worldwide Travel Consultants
Nassau, Bahamas
Harvey and his great family,
I wanted to thank you for the wonderful time I had at the
convention/family reunion. I was able to gather very
helpful information and understand your outfit a little better. You have a
very kind family and it is great to now have a face to go with the name.
My son also got a little understanding of what business I am
in and he was impressed with you and your family and was amazed with
how friendly everyone is.
As far as I am concerned the only change I can see is it
would be nice if
you had daily schedules available for people like me who
can't find theirs because it is at the bottom of my suit case. If
I would of had a schedule I wouldn't of felt lost so it you could post of have
extra ones laying around those of us that are not organized wouldn't
also be lost on top of it.
Once again a big Thank you to you and your great family,
Kathy Adams
Hi Harvey,
Family Reunion was GREAT.
My husband and myself could not have even come close to
figuring how informative
this event was going to be for us. Between
the round tables, seminars, and ICT agents We learned more than we had anticipated everyone was so
friendly and willing to share ideas and help with questions.
Can not wait till next year
Pam/Rick Argo
Do-Yah Travel
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Revised: March 12, 2008. Information
in this document is subject to change without notice.
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