To niche, or not to niche? Finding your agency’s sweet spot (feat. Mickey McBride and Dana Dziegiel)

What does it take to build and maintain a thriving and mutually beneficial relationship with travel suppliers? In this episode, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada break it all down with NoteWorthy owner and managing director Nicola Butler, who describes herself as “the travel advisor’s travel advisor.” Hear Butler’s thoughts on curating a portfolio of suppliers and what suppliers are looking for from advisors right now. This episode was sponsored by Oceania Cruises.  Further resources Email Nicola Butler, find her on Instagram or call her at +44 7766 806727 NoteWorthy on Instagram Mentioned in this episode: From Travel Weekly, DMCs help bring the ‘wow’ Churchill War Rooms Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibit The Bayeux Tapestry The Museum Tavern, home of the “Beereux Tapestry” Need advice? Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting a career as a travel advisor is exciting, but it can also feel like drinking from a fire hose. From picking the right education programs and mastering daily organization to sending clients to a destination you’ve never set foot in — where do you even begin? On this episode of Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada sit down with Henley Vazquez, co-founder of host agency Fora, to break it all down. Thanks to our friends at Travefy for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.  This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Fora on the web Fora on Instagram: Travel and community Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a travel advisor or supplier, what are your most pressing legal questions? That was the question posed to attendees at Future Leaders in Travel, an event for young travel advisors and suppliers powered by Travel Weekly’s sister publication, TravelAge West. Co-host Emma Weissmann was on-site at the event, held in late August in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and sat down during the general session with Stephanie Hankins, an attorney and travel advisor at Fora, to tackle attendees’ legal questions. Hankins addresses the importance of creating iron-clad terms and conditions, how to properly classify independent contractors, how to protect yourself against fraud, the ethics of using AI and the question she most frequently receives from suppliers. This episode was recorded live, on-site, at Future Leaders in Travel, during the event’s general session on August 26. This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Ment Law Group Hankins on Instagram Future Leaders in Travel TravelAge West Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picking a niche – or two – is a solid strategy for any agency business. This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada break down the benefits of specialization with Avoya’s Mickey McBride and top producer Dana Dziegiel. They cover everything from finding the right specialties to identifying great supplier partners and up-and-coming markets. Thanks to our friends at Tern for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season. https://tern.travel/ This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International. https://www.travelinsured.com/ Further resources Dana Dziegiel on Instagram and LinkedIn Email Mickey McBride Avoya Travel on the web Need advice?ff Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Trade Secrets is coming to you from the halls of the Aria Resort & Casino at Virtuoso Travel Week. Co-host Jamie Biesiada is joined by guest host Johanna Jainchill, Travel Weekly’s editor in chief, and Virtuoso’s own David Kolner and Misty Belles. They cover the latest luxury travel trends, from the hot fall season to “maxxing” and beyond. This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Virtuoso on the web, on Instagram and on TikTok Email Virtuoso’s public relations department Mentioned in this episode: Johanna Jainchill on Trade Secrets After Dark The Bedford by Martha Stewart Brené Brown Travel Weekly’s Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 coverage: Virtuoso forecasts 2026 sales will be up nearly 21% Virtuoso unveils AI-powered intelligence tool The Takeaway: Let’s end these travel trends At Virtuoso Travel Week, word of another banner year Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Trade Secrets, Kimberly Wilson Wetty discusses her transition from being the longtime co-owner and co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel (VWT) to her newest venture, Keep Wondering Why. Wetty reflects honestly on the decision to sell VWT – which was first acquired by another family-owned business before transitioning to ownership by Chase Travel Group – and making the choice to branch out on her own. This episode also delves into Wetty’s passion for ensuring that all travelers feel welcomed and respected. This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International. https://www.travelinsured.com/ Further resources Kimberly Wilson Wetty on LinkedIn Keep Wondering Why on the web, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook Mentioned in this episode: Valerie Wilson on Humans of Travel Wilson Wetty’s LinkedIn posts  Breaking the glass Don’t crush the butterfly Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by a listener question from travel advisor Megan Vatnsdal, owner of Onyx & Evergreen Travel, Trade Secrets explores what’s going on with travel agency bookings. Join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada in conversation with Cruise Planners’ Michelle Fee and Oasis Travel Network’s Ryan Ranahan, who offer a birds-eye view of what their advisors are experiencing right now, for the rest of the year and even into 2027 and 2028. This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Further resources Cruise Planners Oasis Travel Network Ryan Ranahan on LinkedIn Need advice? Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world of entertainment travel can be similar to both luxury leisure and corporate travel, but don’t be fooled: it’s really a beast of its own. This week on Trade Secrets, delve into the world of entertainment travel and everything it entails, from multimillion-dollar contracts and high security clearances to catering to multi-page hotel riders and booking transfers for dogs. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by MD Travel Services’ Michael Dovey, Travel Princess Inc.’s Wendy Nyi-Baylock and ALTx Collective’s Corey Slee, all advisors under Global Travel Collection’s entertainment division. This episode was recorded during GTC’s Arrive conference in Austin in June. This episode was sponsored by National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions.  Further resources ALTx Collective on Instagram Wendy Nyi-Baylock and Travel Princess Inc. on Instagram MD Travel Services on the web and Instagram Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Trade Secrets, recorded in person at Global Travel Collection’s Arrive conference at the Fairmont Austin in June, get an update on all things GTC from president Angie Licea. From the labor of (mostly) love that was the GTC brand unification, uniting several agencies that sell $2.4 billion annually, to the Legacy in Motion program, which helps advisors both grow and sell their businesses, Licea offers an inside look at everything going on at the New York-based host agency. Then, she takes on several listener questions, ranging from breaking into ultra-high-net-worth travel to top holiday destinations. And for those who haven’t seen the ending of “Survivor 50,” beware of a spoiler at the 54:25 mark. This is the first part in a two-part series of episodes recorded at Arrive. In two weeks, tune in for an episode all about entertainment travel. This episode was sponsored by Brendan Vacations.  Further resources Global Travel Collection on the web Mentioned in this episode: Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge Bats The latest from GTC: Brand unification TV show “1st Look Presents – Extra Mile Club” Legacy in Motion program Circle program New-to-industry training program Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six months into the year, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada look at the trends dominating 2026 so far, including shorter booking windows, a younger demographic for all-inclusives and the state of domestic travel. Plus, the hosts share a sneak peek at what’s in store for the rest of season seven. This episode was sponsored by Brendan Vacations.  Further resources The Travel Weekly team Articles mentioned in this episode: Travel Weekly’s top stories in the last six months: Updated: U.S. issues an alert urging caution worldwide for American travelers Mexico updates: Embassy says cities ‘returned to normal;’ advisors help clients Norwegian Cruise Line eliminates NCFs, with no strings attached U.S. considers revised approach to social media screening of foreign travelers Advisors predict Egypt tourism will suffer due to mixed messages on safety From Travel Weekly, Global unrest is now clients’ No. 1 concern, travel advisors say From TravelAge West, Five forces affecting travel choices — including more trust in AI bookings From Travel Weekly, Travel agencies report a tale of two booking patterns Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.