FT. LAUDERDALE — Avoya Travel plans to host its 2018 Annual Conference both on land and at sea, May 22 – 27, 2018, in conjunction with the inaugural preview cruise of NCL’s Norwegian Bliss from Long Beach, California.

Avoya says the event will serve as a forum for it “to continue its collaborative innovation for a different and better vacation planning experience and to celebrate record success of the Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network”. Avoya has a small but growing number of home-based agencies in Canada.

Avoya’s 2018 conference will bring together independent agencies in the Avoya Network, preferred supplier partners, and Avoya support staff for education, networking and celebration.

New for 2018 Avoya is offering additional educational programs with its new ‘Pre-Conference Day’ with specific sessions designed for the rapidly growing number of new-to-travel independent agency owners, as well as supplier one-on-one meetings and peer-to-peer best practice sharing.

Avoya says its overall conference program is set to focus on new developments that deliver the best experiences to customers, building industry-best Independent Agencies sales, and will feature top-attended events such as the Chairman’s Gala.

Avoya has a buyout at Hotel Maya, Hilton Hotels’ newly renovated Long Beach oceanfront property, to host the land component of the conference May 22 – 25. After which attendees will board Norwegian Bliss for its highly invitation-only inaugural sailing May 25 – 27.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the elite Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network to be among the first travel professionals to experience our newest and most incredible ship, Norwegian Bliss,” said Camille Olivere, Senior Vice President, Sales for Norwegian Cruise Line. “Norwegian Cruise Line shares a passion with Avoya Travel for innovation in travel and providing our mutual guests with exceptional cruise vacation experiences, so we’re honored to be their Annual Conference partner once again.”

Registration is now open and details about programing, keynote speakers and events will be announced soon, says Avoya.