Avoya Travel Launches First-Ever “Experience Series – Foundations West,” Introducing a New Model for Advisor Growth and Experiential Learning
Inaugural event combines hands-on learning, supplier engagement, and real-time marketing education to accelerate Independent Agency success.
April 29, 2026 – Avoya Travel®, a leader in travel innovation and marketing technology, has successfully launched its first-ever Avoya Experience Series – Foundations West, held April 20-24, 2026, at the Avoya Innovation Center in San Marcos, CA and onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.
Key Facts
Event: Avoya Experience Series – Foundations West
Dates: April 20-24, 2026
Locations: Avoya Innovation Center and Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas
Participants: 45 Independent Agencies and 17 Supplier Partners
Overview: A first-of-its-kind experiential event designed to help travel advisors grow their business through hands-on learning, real-time marketing strategies, and direct supplier engagement
Notable Innovation: Introduction of Avoya’s first onboard, real-time social media workshop, enabling advisors to create and publish content live while experiencing the product firsthand
Event Snapshot
The Experience Series – Foundations West introduced a new, immersive approach to travel advisor education, focused on practical application and measurable business growth.
Event Impact: More than 250 one-on-one supplier appointments, 12+ hours of educational sessions, and 30+ hours of networking and collaboration
What Made It Different: A fully experiential format that combined in-person education at the Avoya Innovation Center with onboard learning, including live brand activations and real-time content creation
Key Focus Areas: Travel agent marketing strategies, social media content creation, AI-powered sales techniques, lead conversion, and business growth
“This isn’t orientation. It’s acceleration,” said Mickey McBride, Vice President of Sales at Avoya Travel. “We built the Experience Series to immerse advisors in the strategies and tools that drive real business growth. The ability to learn, apply, and execute in real time is what makes this model so powerful.”
A major highlight of the event was Avoya’s first-ever onboard social media live workshop, where advisors captured, created, and published content in real time while experiencing Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.
“The response to our onboard social media workshop was incredible,” said Andy Craig, Vice President of Marketing at Avoya Travel. “We’re giving advisors the ability to take control of their marketing in a way that’s immediate, authentic, and aligned with how travelers engage today.”
The onboard experience also featured a general session with Royal Caribbean, including an interactive trivia-based deep dive into brand knowledge and an exclusive Q&A with the ship’s Cruise Director. Attendees participated in signature onboard experiences such as the North Star observation capsule and a private bumper car session.
“These kinds of immersive experiences are what truly set the Avoya Network apart,” said McBride. “When advisors experience these products firsthand and build real relationships with supplier partners, it translates directly into stronger sales, greater confidence, and more meaningful client connections.”
Throughout the event, advisors engaged with leading travel brands including ALG Vacations, Bedsonline, CIE Tours, Kensington, Lindblad Expeditions, Silversea, Viking, AmaWaterways, Azamara Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
By combining innovation, experiential learning, and real-time execution, the Experience Series delivered what many attendees described as “year two of your business in four days,” accelerating advisor development and reinforcing Avoya’s commitment to long-term success across its network.
To learn more visit: www.AvoyaNetwork.com.
About Avoya Travel
Avoya Travel® is an award-winning host agency focused on empowering Independent Agencies through innovative marketing, advanced technology, and strong supplier partnerships. Through the Avoya Travel Network™, Avoya supports advisors in building successful businesses while delivering exceptional vacation experiences for travelers worldwide.
Professionals interested in starting their own travel business should contact Avoya Travel at 877-357-2261 or visit www.AvoyaNetwork.com. Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with a Personal Travel Advisor should call 866-501-4353 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.
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