11/14/2025
Day 2 began with our first General Session at which my longtime friend and agency owner, Amy Westerman and her husband and partner Dave Hoffman, were recognized for their work with ClemsonLIFE; a program offering a real experience to young people with intellectual disabilities, preparing them for meaningful lives and employment opportunities. Next, we had an engaging and energizing keynote from author Ryan Leak. He was fantastic— no notes, but I took plenty for myself.
As one of only 238 Signature Expert Select advisors (out of over 15,000 members of the consortium), I enjoyed a luncheon with about 100 other SES advisors. Our sponsor, Ponant Cruising, shared information about their small, luxury ships, and upcoming itineraries. One, in particular, caught my eye. It is called the “Celebrating of America’s 250th- A celebration of History and Culture” cruise. It is a one-time only sailing and featured special guests Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, global humanitarians and civil rights leaders. This cruise line also goes to Antarctica and the geographic North Pole, among other still adventurous but much warmer places. 🥶
After lunch, it was time for our travel industry expo. From 1:00-5:30, advisors had seven minute appointments, at booths with industry representatives from hotels, cruise lines, tourism groups from states & countries, resorts, transportation provides, large attractions, tour operators, etc. It was very helpful to make personal contact with so many reps, get materials, learn about their products, and ask questions. This enables me to work better for each individual client It also melted my brain just a little. We got an hour “break” in the middle to check in with companies we didn’t get appointments with or to revisit ones we did.
After a dash back to my room to freshen up and change, I was honored to attend a high performers reception sponsored by about two dozen cruise lines at Electra Cocktail Club. This gave me more time to speak with reps and build relationships, as well as enjoy some downtime after a full day. Next, I joined a colleague and new friend for supper at Canaletto which was lovely! The burrata with prosciutto and arugula hit the spot and the gnocchi was soft as a cloud.
At 9:00pm my agency sponsored a gathering for advisors at Flight Club Darts and it was so much fun!!! The dart boards are “smart” and they managed the rotation, kept score, let us choose games, and even supplied footage of our throws. The drinks and food were pretty good as well.
When that event ended at 11:00, a bunch of us wandered off to “secret” hidden speakeasy, Close Company, where I tried an interesting drink called a Cast Iron Sour made from bourbon, pepper jelly, and corn. I didn’t hate, didn’t love it. Glad I had it, probably wouldn’t order again unless with a group of southern friends so we could discuss. They missed an opportunity by not having some corn niblets on a tiny sword. Note that there were no pieces of corn in the drink, just the essence. 😀🥃
At some point, we went back to our rooms and collapsed.
(Just wanted to mention that we never left the Venetian. All of these places were in the resort. Didn’t even go outside! I missed the sun, but wow there is a lot to do!)
