PfaP Nets Amazing Contacts & Opportunities at the Signature Travel Network Conference
Rebecca and her husband Scott (her IT assistance extraordinaire)
In October, I received a gracious invitation from Alex Sharpe, President and CEO of Signature Travel Network, to speak at their conference in Las Vegas the first week of December. The invitation was the result of a wonderful introduction to Alex from Nina Patel, owner of Vacations that Matter and a nine-year PfaP advocate.
Rebecca, Nina, owner of Vacations that Matter, and Scott at the Wednesday evening gala
Realizing we are an all-volunteer non-profit, Alex graciously covered all our expenses and also provided us with a booth at the tradeshow. My husband Scott provided the fabulous photos to dress up our booth and capture people’s attention.
Rebecca with Robyn Stalson of Giltedge, a valued participant on our website.
Scott’s photos attracted many admirers.
The first morning, I gave my presentation to the Preferred Partners of the Signature Travel Network. It is Alex’s desire that many more of their Preferred Partners will become PfaP participants (currently 22 are participants on our website).
Rebecca presenting in front of Signature Network Travel’s Preferred Partners
The slides for the presentation were excellent and of course this was due to the talents of one of our amazing intern Celia McRae.
The rest of the first day, and all of the second day, we spent in our booth at the tradeshow. We met with agents who wanted to learn more about our organization so they could encourage their clients to participate. While Scott expertly manned the booth, I met with our current participants and was able to take photos with a few of them. It is always a pleasure to meet face to face. These meetings made the day even more exciting and memorable.
Rebecca with Melissa Young , Director of Sales, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection (The Twelve Apostles, Bushmans Kloof, and The Oyster Box in South Africa)
Rebecca with Lai Jarasa, Associate Director of Sales, Western USA and CANADA, Virgin Limited Edition (Kasbah Tamadot, Mahali Mzuri, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, and Necker Island)
Rebecca with James Currie ,Wilderness Safaris Ambassador .One of our original 29 participants in 2010.
Rebecca with Tammy Yu, Groups and Corporate Sales Manager at The Chatwal, New York
Rebecca with Monika Weinsoft of Aqua Expeditions , a nine year participant
Alex Sharpe is truly a leader in his industry as exemplified by his commitment to meaningful travel, a superior product, and his desire to elevate those around him. Alex provided Pack for a Purpose with the perfect target market to spread the word about what Pack for a Purpose does and how it can benefit the clients of the Signature Travel Network. Alex makes it his business to help! This attitude is evident in the way the entire team functions, from pre-conference emails, to tradeshow set-up, to assistance with the mic check before my presentation. Every team member was gracious, attentive, and very effective at their job. A great leader like Alex imbues his or her team with the same work ethic that they have.
Scott and Rebecca with Alex Sharpe
In the months ahead, we look forward to adding more participants from the Signature Travel Preferred Partner network. In addition, we trust there will be many more Pack for a Purpose travelers who have learned about this opportunity from their travel advisors. Then the trip they take will go farther than the miles they travel.
Because of the graciousness and generosity of the Signature team, members, and suppliers, we are certain that our trip to Las Vegas will go farther than the miles we traveled in spreading the word about Pack for a Purpose!
