In addition to CLIA courses to help earn certifications, there were a multitude of other classes for those who chose to make the most of the educational, marketing and networking experiences available to them. The days were long and hard, filled with back-to-back learning opportunities; while still providing a fun and interactive environment.
This being my first time at the event, I have nothing to refer back to, but all told I would have to say the event was a success. Sure, there were some blips. For example, as I understand it, in prior years rather than having badges scanned to prove attendance in pre-registered classes, attendants were given some sort of coupon book so that those pre-registered had proof thereof and were guaranteed admittance in their chosen classes. I have to admit that I believe that some sort of compromise between the scanning and the coupons needs to be found.
You see, it seems not everyone within the industry plays by the rules and there were several times where people on stand-by managed to fill pre-registered seats in some of the smaller venues leaving those of us who did prepare in advance to line the walls or walk out completely. Now I know there are rule breakers everywhere. I just expected that seasoned agents would be more ethical than to deprive others of what they need for their own accreditations. Call me naïve, I know I am.
On the other hand, the powers that be should have also realized that some classes would be far more crowded than others, and make arrangements appropriate to the class. Why in heaven's name would a class about Norwegian Cruise Line be held in one of the smallest possible rooms without retractable walls to enlarge the space as needed? This, of course, is just one example. With that, I end all criticisms of the event.
The things that were done right far outweigh those done wrong. Each day our General Session (aka lunch with guest speakers) was exceptional. I can only think of one speaker that didn't quite reach the bar, and that probably had more to do about what she was speaking about and her monotone tonality than anything else. On the other hand, we had some speakers who completely blew me away. They were not only informative and insightful, but in many cases funnier than hell!
We were also afforded the opportunity to do several ship inspections, which I will go into in depth in my upcoming blogs. Personally I visited Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, MSC's Divinia and Carnival's Victory. So I feel I did a pretty comprehensive cross-section of potential cruising experiences.
Oh, and for the record, I had hoped to blog daily, but I was severely limited by my ability to charge my computer and keep it charged. That cheapo motel I was staying at had only three outlets, one of which didn't work, another filled with other room-imperative electrical needs and the final one in the bathroom. As much as I love y'all, I wasn't about to blog while in the bathroom. Call me crazy!
More to come....!