Supplier Retreats in Santa Barbara and Scottsdale were smashing successes for both advisors and suppliers alike with time allocated to network, learn, share and enjoy.  New to this year’s format was the “Town Hall” meeting.  This interactive meeting, closed to suppliers, allowed Colin Weatherhead and the management staff to share the company’s vision, direction and programs with advisors and allowed advisors to express their needs and concerns.  Issues of concern quickly became opportunities for change and the “Town Hall” meeting concept will continue to be a part of this annual event.

After the Town Hall meetings, advisors and suppliers alike met for a delightful evening of connecting and reconnecting, providing all an opportunity to learn more about the other in a delightful and relaxing setting.   

Both the Four Seasons Bacara in Santa Barbara and The Sanctuary in Scottsdale contributed to the events’ success by rolling out the red carpet, showing off the uniqueness of their property and by providing advisors an opportunity to stay at one of the finest properties in their respective areas.

One-on-one meetings with advisors is a core component of the retreats.  Continuing a trend from prior retreats, Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel staff also participated in the round table discussions, giving advisors an opportunity to visit one-on-one with the Terri Edwards and Yvette Angel of the Air Desk team, Chris Weatherhead, Nick Cabugos and Janelle Paramoure from our Creative Department and Shane Lefeber and Connie Miller regarding ClientBase, training, public relations and more.   The Scottsdale retreat also offered the added benefit of having Leanne Seli representing Accounting at one of the tables.  This was a great opportunity for both YTC/MVT and suppliers to work together to the benefit of our advisors.  Time and time again, suppliers indicated their delight in having one-on-one time with some of the finest advisors in the industry.  

Virtuoso also played an important role at the meetings providing training on the Virtuoso Cruise Tool for interested advisors after Saturday’s luncheon.

The universal message from advisors attending was you have to attend to understand the benefits.  Jenifour Jones and Hope Smith both reiterated, “More advisors need to carve out the time to attend this event.  It’s a great opportunity to learn, share, connect and grow.  Everyone should come and would benefit by coming.”  

Spoiler Alert for Next Year:  The Santa Barbara Four Seasons Bacara will again play host to next year’s retreat.