Trade Secrets Podcast

Episoder

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  Are travel bookings slowing down right now? (feat. Michelle Fee and Ryan Ranahan) 20.07.2026 42min

  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: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  When the answer is never ‘no’: The world of entertainment travel (Global Travel Collection, part 2) 06.07.2026 46min

  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: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  An inside look at Global Travel Collection, the $2.4 billion powerhouse host agency (part 1, feat. Angie Licea) 22.06.2026 56min

  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: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Checking in on 2026’s top travel trends 08.06.2026 37min

  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: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Should travel advisors be worried about hantavirus? (Feat. Urvshi Marwah) 25.05.2026 28min

  The hantavirus outbreak onboard MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has been in the headlines for the past few weeks. Should travel advisors be talking to their cruising clients about the outbreak? How should they address concerns, and should they be worried about a real threat to public safety? Find out all of this – plus, why cruise lines in particular tend to get an increasing amount of media coverage, and why expedition cruises may be more likely to have an outbreak – during our conversation with travel advisor Urvshi Marwah of The Suite Sojern. This episode was sponsored by Tourism Cares.  Further resources The Suite Sojourn on the web and Instagram Need advice? Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Trade Secrets After Dark: Growing up in travel and AI competition with Mr. Honeymoon (feat. Jim Augerinos) 11.05.2026 56min

  In this episode, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat with Jim Augerinos of Perfect Honeymoons (aka Mr. Honeymoon) about his start in travel, keeping up with the latest on agentic AI and being a SMIT (IYKYK). While Trade Secrets usually invites listeners to ask questions that are answered on the show by industry experts, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry. This episode was sponsored by Tourism Cares.  Further resources Jim Augerinos on Facebook and Instagram Mentioned in this episode: Batman’s Lamborghini  The infamous pickle milkshake Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: "Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why make $5 when you can make $500? Breaking into the world of ultra-high-net-worth travel (feat. Jack Ezon) 28.04.2026 1t 4min

  How can advisors break into the world of ultra-high-net-worth travel? Embark Beyond’s Jack Ezon addresses the connection economy, how to speak to this discerning group of clients and why, as he says, “All my success is made up of failure.” This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.  Further resources Find Jack Ezon on Instagram or via email Embark Beyond on the web Mentioned in this episode: From TravelAge West, The perks and pitfalls of planning ultra-luxury travel Internova executives on the number of millionaires in the U.S. From Travel Weekly, Learning the language of luxury Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Encore: Trading social media for Substack: Using content to build a brand (Feat. SmartFlyer’s Kayla Douglas) 20.04.2026 41min

  Trade Secrets is on a quick break this week, so please enjoy this encore episode. Here’s the article Jamie mentions in her updated intro, “How Substack became the hottest social media platform.” In this episode, Trade Secrets is all about content — and why travel advisors should get theirs off social media and into an email newsletter. Kayla Douglas, director of content for SmartFlyer in New York, delves into the world of Substack with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.  Further resources Kayla Douglas’ email, Instagram and Substack SmartFlyer Core coverage From TravelAge West: Five things we learned at SmartFlyer’s 2025 Core Conference From Travel Weekly: Will luxury travel slow down? One expert expects a dip in hotel rates Mentioned on this episode: Substack Emma’s substack Flodesk Mailchimp Stephanie Lee’s most recent appearance on Trade Secrets Host Agency Reviews’ travel agency software profiles Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Honest to blog: How one agency turned blogging into river cruise gold (feat. Hank Schrader) 06.04.2026 32min

  River cruising is one of the fastest-growing verticals for many travel agencies. In this episode, listeners will hear from Hank Schrader, who owns Dream Destinations with his wife, Anne, about their success in the space — all thanks to blogging. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.  Further resources Hank Schrader's website, blog and email Mentioned in this episode: Jamie’s project tracking new travel advisors TravelAge West’s Trendsetter Awards Emma’s reels on river cruise lines’ dating profiles: part one and part two Hank’s Travel Weekly article Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Trade Secrets After Dark: Bourbon, editorial strategy and cross-border incidents (feat. Johanna Jainchill) 23.03.2026 55min

  This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Travel Weekly’s own Johanna Jainchill, the publication’s newly minted editor in chief. Get to know Jainchill, her vision for Travel Weekly’s editorial strategy and why the Bolivian military once picked her up after inadvertently crossing a border on foot (no, really!). While Trade Secrets usually invites listeners to ask questions that are answered on the show by industry experts, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.  Further resources Send Johanna Jainchill an email Mentioned in this episode: Johanna’s story on tourism (and bourbon) in Kentucky Christina Jelski’s story on branded hotel apparel The Travel Industry Survey Robby Silk and his competitive sitting: read about it in Travel Weekly and Atlas Obscura, and hear about it on The Folo Johanna’s column on reader feedback (and the article that inspired it) Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: "Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Succession planning for travel agencies, part 2 (feat. attorney Tom Carpenter) 16.03.2026 38min

  What’s your plan for your business when you retire, or you’re unable to run it anymore? In this episode, the second in a two-part series on succession planning, hear from industry attorney Tom Carpenter. He discusses some of the varying ways agency owners prepare their businesses for the next step, and gives practical advice on how to make the transition smoother. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.  Further resources Find Tom Carpenter: On the web  Via email On YouTube On Facebook Mentioned in this episode: Mark Pestronk on the web and in Travel Weekly Bob Sweeney’s Innovative Travel Acquisitions Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Succession planning for travel agencies, part 1 (feat. Stacey and Sami Ray) 02.03.2026 51min

  What’s your plan for your business when you retire, or you’re unable to run it anymore? In this episode, hear from mother-and-daughter duo Stacey and Sami Ray of Sisterhood Travels as they discuss their personal paths on the vital, albeit often overlooked, process of succession planning within a successful travel agency.  Next episode, tune in to hear from a travel industry attorney who’s an expert in succession planning. This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.  Further resources Sisterhood Travels on the web and via email Stacey Ray’s podcast, Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray Stacey Ray on Humans of Travel Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Don’t get burned: Navigating host agency red flags (feat. Marcie Muensterman) 16.02.2026 55min

  How closely have you read your contract with your host agency? Does it have a non-compete clause? How about a detailed plan for termination? In the season seven premiere of Trade Secrets, we’re digging into the fine print that every travel advisor needs to watch out for. We’re joined by Marcie Muensterman, travel advisor, coach and host of the No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, to identify host agency red flags. Welcome back to a brand-new season! Thanks to our friends at Coastline Travel Group for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.  This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.  Further resources Marcie Muensterman On Instagram On Facebook The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast Courses Freebies, including Marcie’s host agency interview questionnaire Mentioned in this episode: WorldVia Travel Network Travel Planners International Nexion Travel Group Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Encore: How can new travel advisors build a successful career? (Feat. Bill Coyle of KHM Travel) 02.02.2026 47min

  Trade Secrets is on a winter break but will return with new episodes in just two weeks, on Monday, Feb. 16. Until then, please enjoy this old favorite. New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more. This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.  Further resources Connect with KHM Travel Group online, on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube and on LinkedIn Encompass the World Travel, Bill Coyle’s family agency Mentioned in this episode and related reading: From Travel Weekly, stories on card mills and the history of host agencies Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk (many articles talk about terms and conditions) From TravelAge West, an article on terms and conditions by industry attorney Jeffrey Ment The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its educational offerings The Travel Institute  The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its educational offerings Trade Secrets episode on fam trips Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Encore: Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman) 19.01.2026 47min

  Trade Secrets is on a winter break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites. Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch. This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.  Further resources Nexion Travel Group on the web Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email Mentioned in this episode: Erica Carr’s bookitbox Travel Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE Courtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategy Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Encore: How do you grow your travel agency — and trust your new advisors? 05.01.2026 44min

  Trade Secrets is on a holiday break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites. When it’s time to expand your business, what’s the best way to do it? Should you hire independent contractors, employees or assistants? Then, once they’re onboarded, how do you effectively train — and, subsequently, trust — your new people? All that and more is covered in this week’s Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk business expansion with Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember in Augusta, Ga. This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.  Further resources Julie Lanham on Instagram  Mentioned in this episode: From TravelAge West: Why you should consider hiring an international virtual assistant From TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new survey Lucia Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Encore: Oh, the places you’ll go! Destination weddings, honeymoons & beyond, feat. Jennifer Donscesz 22.12.2025 59min

  Trade Secrets is on a holiday break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites. This week, Trade Secrets takes on the world. Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations returns to the podcast to discuss her specialty: destination weddings and honeymoons. She talks about everything from getting started selling destination weddings and honeymoons, to turning those travelers into clients for life. Then, she answers a number of listener questions about destinations, ranging from the benefits of visiting a spot before selling it, qualifying for fam trips and where to send clients headed to Europe for the first time. This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Further resources VIP Vacations on Facebook  Jennifer Doncsecz’s email  Jennifer’s previous Trade Secrets episodes: All things branding Destination weddings and honeymoons Mentioned in this episode: Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman The Travel Institute’s course on destination weddings and honeymoons From Travel Weekly: Getting into groups Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Event-based travel, ‘kidfluence’ and beyond: What’s in store for 2026? 08.12.2025 39min

  What does the new year have in store for travel advisors? On this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, the last of season six, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada give an overview of 2025 trends and break down their predictions for 2026. Will 2025’s bumpy road continue? Who will most influence travel decisions? What type of travel will continue to explode in popularity? Find out the answers to those questions — and more — on this week’s episode. Trade Secrets will take a break after this episode, sharing some old favorites until season seven begins in early 2026. Happy holidays! This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Further resources From Travel Weekly: Travel that spans the generations From Travel Weekly: A gift that keeps on giving (Signature’s family travel magazine) DMCs: DMCs help bring the ‘wow’ (story) DMCs: Your travel advisor’s (not-so-secret) travel-planning partner (podcast) Demystifying DMCs (Trade Secrets podcast) Brand USA’s America’s 250 events Phocuswright social media panel with representatives from Reddit, TikTok and YouTube Family Travel Association research on “kidfluence” Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Travel Industry Solutions (feat. Sheila Folk) 01.12.2025 26min

  This is the final episode of the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. Trade Secrets used Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. This week’s featured company is Travel Industry Solutions, represented by CEO and founder Sheila Folk. Trade Secrets will be back next week with a look back on 2025 and 2026 predictions before taking a holiday break. Season seven will return in early 2026 with Trade Secrets’ traditional question-and-answer format. This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Further resources Travel Industry Solutions on the web Travel Industry Solutions on Host Agency Reviews Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.
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  Trade Secrets Tech Summit: VacationCRM (feat. Stephen Kelly) 24.11.2025 24min

  This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. This week’s featured company is VacationCRM, represented by general manager Stephen Kelly. Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.  This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.  Further resources Email VacationCRM VacationCRM on Host Agency Reviews Get in touch! Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   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.