Conference & Travel is pleased to announce that Tambra Brenner has accepted a position as Vacation Consultant in the Conference & Travel office in Carmel, Indiana.  Tambra has been planning vacations in the Carmel and Indianapolis area for more than 28 years. 

Carmel area Travel Experts Among First in Nation to Complete Certified Travel Specialist Program

Certification Provides Peace-of-Mind to Travelers Looking for Unmatched, Exceptional Level of Local Expertise and Knowledge

Fort Wayne/Warsaw, Indiana August 13, 2007 – Shane Lovins and Sheri Wenzel of Carmel, travel experts at Conference & Travel, have successfully achieved certification through one of the travel industry’s most rigorous new programs to become a Certified Travel Specialist, it was announced today. By completing the process, Shane & Sheri are among the first travel agents in the United States to attain this new level of professionalism, which will serve area travelers expecting a higher degree of expertise and knowledge when planning trips.

Shane Lovins’ and Sheri Wenzel’s accomplishments were honored this August during the 2007 Carlson Wagonlit Travel National Meeting in Chicago, IL. The Certified Travel Specialist program is a key component in Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s refortified strategy of providing excellence in each customer’s travel experience from the moment travelers begin planning trips right up through the time they safely return home.

“We are proud that this new professional designation will provide each of our valued customers with enhanced peace-of-mind. They not only expect and deserve to work with someone who thoroughly understands the nuances of the travel industry and specific destinations, but they’re entrusting us to deliver an exceptional travel experience unique to their specific needs. Coupled with Lovins’ 13 years and Wenzel’s seven years in the travel industry, this certification underscores the extensive knowledge gained that local travelers can tap into.”

“By successfully completing this revolutionary new certification program, Lovins and Wenzel have just raised the bar on what travelers can expect when it comes to travel planning,” stated Roger E. Block, CTC, executive vice president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Associate Division, which includes over 600 Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate locations throughout the United States. “We appreciate that consumers are looking for the best value when planning vacations of a lifetime. Now, thanks to this new certification program, Carmel travelers have the opportunity to work with the best in the business.”

In order to earn the new Certified Travel Specialist designation, Shane Lovins and Sheri Wenzel had to complete five modules, including:

• Cruise Sales –Completed three required Cruise Lines International Association courses including Effective Time Management, Public Relation Skills and Cruise Geography
• Destination Knowledge – Received accreditation from The Travel/Institute/The American Society of Travel Agents/and/or Tourism Boards for a minimum of five destinations.
• Lifestyle Knowledge – Received accreditation for two lifestyle specialist programs, including from The American Society of Travel Agents.
• Travel Supplier Knowledge – Completed minimum of eight travel supplier training sessions.
• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Sales and Service Skills – Completed over 12 hours of specialty training to “Focus on the Customer” and provide for excellence in “Leisure Sales.”

All totaled, Shane Lovins & Sheri Wenzel each earned a minimum of 195 credits necessary to achieve their Certified Travel Specialist designation.

Fort Wayne and Warsaw area Travel Experts
Among First in Nation to Complete Certified Travel Specialist Program
Certification Provides Peace-of-Mind to Travelers Looking for Unmatched, Exceptional Level of Local Expertise and Knowledge

Fort Wayne/Warsaw, Indiana August 1, 2007 – Kassie Coy of Warsaw and Jeff Krudop of Fort Wayne, travel experts at Conference & Travel, have successfully achieved certification through one of the travel industry’s most rigorous new programs to become a Certified Travel Specialist, it was announced today. By completing the process, Jeff & Kassie are among the first travel agents in the United States to attain this new level of professionalism, which will serve area travelers expecting a higher degree of expertise and knowledge when planning trips.

Jeff Krudop & Kassie Coy’s accomplishments will be honored this August during the 2007 Carlson Wagonlit Travel National Meeting in Chicago, IL. The Certified Travel Specialist program is a key component in Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s refortified strategy of providing excellence in each customer’s travel experience from the moment travelers begin planning trips right up through the time they safely return home.

“We are proud that this new professional designation will provide each of our valued customers with enhanced peace-of-mind. They not only expect and deserve to work with someone who thoroughly understands the nuances of the travel industry and specific destinations, but they’re entrusting us to deliver an exceptional travel experience unique to their specific needs. Coupled with Krudop’s 16 years and Coy’s seven years in the travel industry, this certification underscores the extensive knowledge gained that local travelers can tap into.”

“By successfully completing this revolutionary new certification program, Krudop and Coy have just raised the bar on what travelers can expect when it comes to travel planning,” stated Roger E. Block, CTC, executive vice president of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Associate Division, which includes over 600 Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate locations throughout the United States. “We appreciate that consumers are looking for the best value when planning vacations of a lifetime. Now, thanks to this new certification program, Fort Wayne and Warsaw travelers have the opportunity to work with the best in the business.”

In order to earn the new Certified Travel Specialist designation, Jeff Krudop and Kassie Coy had to complete five modules, including:

• Cruise Sales – Kassie Coy received an ACC accreditation and Jeff Krudop received the MCC accreditation.
• Destination Knowledge – Received accreditation from The American Society of Travel Agents.
• Lifestyle Knowledge – Received accreditation for two lifestyle specialist programs, including from The American Society of Travel Agents.
• Travel Supplier Knowledge – Completed minimum of eight travel supplier training sessions.
• Carlson Wagonlit Travel Sales and Service Skills – Completed over 12 hours of specialty training to “Focus on the Customer” and provide for excellence in “Leisure Sales.”

All totaled, Jeff Krudop & Kassie Coy each earned a minimum of 195 credits necessary to achieve their Certified Travel Specialist designation.
 

The latest buzz on travel agents may have started in March 2007, when USA Today published an article entitled, “Travel agents can make booking a cruise easier, cheaper.” “Since this spring, I’ve heard of at least five major articles heralding the return of travel agents, including stories in USA Today, SmartMoney, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Miami Herald,” said Ann Waters, President of Conference & Travel. “While I’m thrilled that these news organizations are pointing out all of our positives, it’s gratifying for me to know that we’ve been doing this for travelers all along.”
For example, the SmartMoney article outlined how customer displeasure with online booking sites is starting to show: “And while travel web sites point to their service alerts and 24-hour hotlines, traditional agents often have the upper hand when it comes to dealing with the mounting travel hassles.” (SmartMoney, May 17, 2007)

“We realize there may be some people who think spending hours online searching for tickets is time well spent,” said Waters. “And while I would certainly encourage people to research any trip thoroughly, whether online, through printed travel publications or with a travel agent, here are three things travelers should keep in mind:

• The Value of a Travel Agent: Travel consultants provide value, expertise, convenience and personalized service to their customers.
• The Travel Agent Difference: Travel planning isn’t between places…it’s between people. The travel industry is a relationship business. Travel agents are the invaluable link between travelers and their destinations.
• Customer Advocacy: Travel agents are there for their customers, before, during and after a trip and when the unexpected happens.
• Travel counselors are advocates for the traveler and they support consumer travel issues.

When your journey from a dream to a great story includes us, you travel better.
 

Locally Owned Businesses Team Up to Develop a One of a Kind Adventure.

Fort Wayne, IN January 3, 2007 – Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s local affiliate, Conference & Travel and gourmet restaurant Joseph Decuis’ have combined resources to offer local gourmands a one of a kind culinary adventure in Paris this April 17th through the 23rd. Conference & Travel’s Leisure Manager, Linda Jenkins, President Ann Waters, and Joseph Decuis’, Alice Eshelman sourced the best in local cooking, dining and shopping venues to put together a charming and exclusive week in Paris. “We are pleased to take our years of travel experience and combine it with Alice’s restaurant savvy and interest to design a week-long excursion that only we can offer. We have personally met with the owners and have experienced for ourselves each venue on our itinerary. Combining this first-hand knowledge with an exclusive local guide during our week-long stay makes this one trip food and wine lovers of Northeast Indiana will not want to miss.” says Ann Waters of Conference & Travel.

For further information contact Linda Jenkins of Conference & Travel at 260-434-6690 or Alice Esheleman of Joseph Decuis’ at 260-672-1715. April in Paris can only be booked locally through these two businesses and space is limited and filling up fast.

Family owned and operated, Conference & Travel has been serving the travel needs of Northeast and Central Indiana since 1983. With offices in Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Marion and Indianapolis we specialize in personal vacation travel as well as business travel. For further information contact Linda Jenkins at 260-434-6690.
 

Conference & Travel Counsels Travelers to Apply Now for Passports if Plans Include International Air or Sea Travel in 2007

Fort Wayne, IN 14Aug2006 –Fort Wayne area residents who plan to travel internationally by air or sea during 2007 are being advised by Conference & Travel to apply now for a passport if they don’t already possess a valid one. That’s because on January 8th, 2007, all international air and sea travel (including cruises) will be subject to new United States laws requiring valid passports. Included on that list is air and sea travel to and from Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean. Conference & Travel is not only actively encouraging its customers to apply immediately, they are also assisting them with the application process. On Saturday August 19th from 10-2 Conference & Travel at 5701 Coventry Lane is opening it’s office up to the public who need to obtain a new passport, renew a passport or replace a lost passport. USPS staff will be on hand to process applications and take pictures on the spot. C&T will be offering discount coupons from Northwest World Vacations and Royal Caribbean as well as its own discount to travelers who come in that day for their passport needs.

“We’re concerned that the vast majority of the traveling public remains unaware of the imminent changes to immigration policies governing international air and cruise travel, even for something as basic as an Alaskan cruise sailing out of Vancouver,” noted Ann Waters, President for Conference & Travel. “If you’re even considering a trip to our friendly neighboring countries via air or cruise ship, you should apply now for your passport, especially since there will likely be a huge backlog of requests later in the year by those caught unaware. International travelers by air and sea will need the required documentation at the end of the year.”

On January 8, 2007, federal law will require all individuals, regardless of national origin, to possess valid passports if traveling internationally by air or sea, including to and from destinations where drivers’ licenses and birth certificates had previously been sufficient. Those destinations include Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean. Passports will be required for all forms of international travel, including over land, beginning on December 31, 2007.

For information on passport applications, visit the State Department’s Web site at www.travel.state.gov.

Fort Wayne's Conference & Travel Joins Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Conference & Travel Remains Locally Owned and Operated

Fort Wayne, IN—Conference & Travel, located at 5701 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne IN, has taken a significant step to increase its regional presence by joining the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate program, the largest travel agency franchise network in the U.S. with nearly 800 locations. Now celebrating its 22nd year in business, the agency will retain its local management and ownership; Ann K Waters has owned the agency since 2000.

Association with Carlson Wagonlit Travel—while not a change of ownership—links the two companies together. Franchisees gain increased exposure through cooperative advertising with other Carlson Wagonlit Travel agencies, assistance with commercial business development and opportunities to participate in negotiated vendor and travel supplier programs.

“While we will be changing our affiliation, one thing won’t change: our customers will continue to receive the highest level of quality care and assistance that they’ve come to expect,” stated Ann Waters. “We will continue to provide innovative travel options like secure corporate on-line booking options, easy access to our staff with no automated attendants, group and incentive travel specialists and our newest division, Destination FWA which provides services to groups coming into Fort Wayne. But we’re pleased that our new Carlson Wagonlit Travel affiliation will provide our customers with an added level of unparalleled industry experience and connections that will further increase the array of travel options available to them.”

“As a Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate, we offer significant benefits to our leisure and business travelers,” explained Waters. “Among other items, those benefits include: lowest airfares at the time of purchase; reduced rates at thousands of major hotels worldwide; specially-priced cruise vacations; negotiated rates for many specially-arranged tours; and the expertise of our outstanding agents who are committed to providing the best possible travel experience.”


The franchising industry recognizes this network of independently owned and managed travel agencies as one of the best. Among its honors: In 2004, for the eighth consecutive year, a Carlson Travel Franchise Group program was named the top travel business franchise by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®; Franchise Times ranked Carlson Wagonlit Travel as the third top franchise overall in 2004 for the fourth year in a row, right after McDonald’s and 7-Eleven. The Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate program is a division of Minneapolis-based Carlson Travel Franchise Group, a subsidiary of Minneapolis-based Carlson Companies.

Let "your experience begin with ours" by visiting the experienced travel professionals at Carlson Wagonlit Travel's newest location(s) at Conference & Travel or simply call 800-346-9807.


Conference & Travel, headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN has been a leader in the travel industry since 1983 serving the communities of Northeast and Central Indiana and is family owned and operated. Conference & Travel now operates 6 locations including downtown Indianapolis, Carmel, Marion, Warsaw and 2 offices in Fort Wayne and employs 63 people in Indiana.

Conference & Travel has been in business for 23 years and has established itself as an area expert on vacations to Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line vacations.

Many travel consultants at Conference & Travel have received extensive training on Disney Destinations theme parks, resorts, cruises vacation packages and more, and can provide the utmost in professional assistance in planning customized Disney vacations. In fact, one reason the agency attained the "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner" status, is that at least 50 percent of the frontline leisure travel consultants are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive correspondence course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding the Disney Destinations - knowledge, that consumers can take advantage of when planning a Disney vacation.