Episode 341:

This week the show is at Tap Dance, organized by the Travel Alliance Partners, where the focus is on the power of collaboration, connections, and partnerships in the travel and tourism industry.

Through conversations surrounding the Tap Dance 2023 travel conference and real-life experiences, my guests share a deep appreciation for the importance of working together, building strong relationships, and leveraging partnerships to create impactful travel experiences. From creating joint itineraries to forming pod partnerships, this episode explores how collaboration and teamwork can elevate the industry and provide operators with valuable pre and post-trip experiences. Get ready for an inspiring and informative discussion that highlights the transformative power of collaboration in the travel trade segment.

Todd Read: Trade and Consumer Sales Manager at SoIN Tourism
Timothy Cave: Owner of ITG Travel
Stacey Warren: Director of Sales and Marketing at The Maine Tour Connection
Micheal Collins: Development Consultant at Nebraska Tourism Division
Marlene Kay Smith: Group Sales Manager with Traverse City Tourism

Insights from the Tap Dance

We hear from five amazing travel and tourism leaders, including Todd Reed, Tim Cave, Stacey Warren, Micheal Collins, and Marlene Smith, who provide insights on the Tap Dance show and partnerships in the industry.

Todd Read: Trade and Consumer Sales Manager at SoIN Tourism

“Collaboration is the key,” according to Todd. He discusses the importance of collaboration and partnerships in the industry and shares his experience of how trust and communication are crucial in building successful relationships with partners. Todd also emphasizes the value of attending travel conferences, such as Tap Dance, to network, exchange ideas, and learn from other professionals in the field.

Timothy Cave: Owner of ITG Travel

Timothy shares his own experience working with various partners and tour operators in Nebraska, emphasizing the need to go where the operators are and get to know people. He also talks about the benefits of attending shows and networking with others in the same line of work. Timothy believes leveraging partnerships and learning from others is crucial for success in the tour operator industry.

Stacey Warren: Director of Sales and Marketing at The Maine Tour Connection

Stacey talks about what partnership means to her, and why it’s the number one thing you need in this industry. She dives into a partnership she and neighboring DMOs have set up that enables visitors to learn more about Maine and the surrounding region. Stacey also highlights the significance of networking at events like Tap Dance, where industry professionals can learn from each other and exchange ideas.

Micheal Collins: Development Consultant at Nebraska Tourism Division

I loved hearing more about the collaboration between Nebraska and Wyoming and how they built an itinerary based on the Western heritage of cowboys and Native Americans. He also discusses why his word for Tap Dance is ‘wonderful’ because of its family feel and commitment to helping travel industry professionals build significant, long-lasting relationships.

Marlene Kay Smith: Group Sales Manager with Traverse City Tourism

Marlene describes why for her, partnerships are very much a two-way street, which sometimes might benefit one person more at one time, but which always even out in the end. She highlights the importance of respecting one another as fellow knowledgeable professionals. Marlene also talks more about Circle Michigan, a partnership that has lasted 40 years because everyone involved understands that they’re better together.

I hope you enjoyed the second episode of our special two-part series from Tap Dance, where we dive into the world of this unique travel conference, where collaboration, partnership, and connection are at its core. From intimate conversations and learning from colleagues in the tourism industry to exploring new trends and expanding networks, Tap Dance provides invaluable experiences and professional growth opportunities. I loved that our guests shared their insights on the importance of working together, forming strong relationships, and leveraging partnerships to create successful events and promote destinations.

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