IGNITE YOUR GROUP SALES

ARRIVAL

Oct 16, 2026

Arrivals

Day 1

Oct 17, 2026

8:30 am – Registration, Opening Session, Host Site Inspection

Educational Sessions including: Exploring the Types of Groups, New Business Development

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm – Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner

Day 2

Oct 18, 2026

8:30 am – 6:00 pm

General Session

Educational Sessions including:
Marketing & Promotion

Supplier Sessions

Off-property Site Inspections

Day 3

Oct 19, 2026

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

General Session

Educational Sessions including:
Understanding Group Contracts
Group Organization & Operation

Supplier Sessions

Trade Show

3:30 – 6:30 Group Excursion

Day 4

Oct 20, 2026

9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Educational Sessions including:
Automation & AI
Accounting, Record Keeping & Finance
Group Launch Sequence

Supplier Sessions

Closing & Graduation

DEPARTURE

Oct 21, 2026

Departures

AIC Hotel Group

ALG Vacations

Allianz Partners

AmaWaterways

Armstrong Collective

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Azamara Cruises

Carnival

Celebrity Cruises

CIE Tours

Classic Vacations

Delta Vacations

Europe Express

Globus family of brands

Goway

Hilton

Hurtigruten

Norwegian Cruise Line

Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Silversea

Tauck

RICH FERRUCCI, CTIE

Director, Educational Programs, Nexion Travel Group and Travel Leaders of Tomorrow

As Director, Educational Programs, Rich Ferrucci has the day to day responsibility of leading the Nexion Business Development and Education team that manages all aspects of the professional development and business opportunities for the company’s 5000+ membership of travel advisors. In addition, he works directly with individuals who are both new and experienced in travel, helping them learn the ins and outs of this exciting industry, stay abreast of changes and utilize all available tools and resources to become more efficient. Rich began his career in travel as a home-based, independent leisure agent while earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. Much of his business was focused on group cruising and creating memorable events at sea for groups of all sizes.

After realizing he also had a passion for education, Rich began speaking at various travel conferences around the nation. He brings both of these interests together at Nexion Travel Group and Travel Leaders of Tomorrow, helping others discover their own passion for travel while guiding them along their path to success. Rich achieved an MBA in 2017 and CTIE in 2018.

MARTIN MUSSEY, CTIE

Business Development & Education Manager, Nexion Travel Group

Martin Mussey has often heard it said, people do not look to hire a coach, they just want someone to help provide a solution to a specific problem. Martin brings his expertise as a certified Business Coach since 2013 to the travel industry; after running a travel agency of his own since 2012 as well as a successful business coaching practice under the #1 Global Business Coaching franchise of ActionCOACH. His love of travel while working alongside other travel professionals helped him see a need within the travel industry. Once he decided to focus on the travel agent as a niche he eventually found his way to Travel Leaders of Tomorrow and Nexion Travel Group. This has allowed Martin to be a part of impacting lives nationally by creating the Silver Magellan Award winning business coaching program for new to the industry agents, called NEXstrides.

Martin’s passion for helping people find new levels of success by bringing the right solution specific to each person that helps them solve their greatest problem. Typically that means setting goals and having a plan of action that gets you closer to those goals. Working together to be sure those goals are in service to something even bigger; making a difference in your life and the lives of those around you. As your Business Coach and agent, Martin helps you deliver the results you desire using proven tools, methodologies and systems, tested and perfected over tens of thousands of businesses worldwide for over more than two decades.  None of it is rocket science, we just sometimes need that extra level of accountability. Martin often says, “I am not really a business coach, just an accountability partner!” Presenting at events helps Martin start that accountability conversation and get you to the next level!

ARIKA BANGHART, CTIE

Business Development & Education Manager, Nexion Travel Group

A passion for travel was instilled in Arika Banghart from an early age, when a memorable family trip to Scotland sparked her lifelong love for exploration. Captivated by the thrilling experience of flying for the first time, Arika was drawn to the allure of new cultures and cuisines, which set the stage for her future adventures.

Her travel aspirations naturally evolved into becoming the go-to planner for friends and family, a role she embraced with enthusiasm. After a successful tenure in the real estate title insurance industry, Arika chose to pursue her true calling—travel.

As a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in sales, customer service, education, and training, Arika has forged strong connections with both new and experienced travel advisors. Her background as a former Nexion Travel Group advisor and agency owner allows her to share valuable insights and build meaningful relationships within the industry.

Residing amidst the serene landscapes of Central Colorado, Arika has dedicated the last few years to engaging with others about the vast possibilities in the travel industry. Arika now merges her fervor for travel with her commitment to helping individuals achieve their dreams, enabling them to embark on their own journeys in this vibrant field.

Registration Fee: $998 USD per Nexion Travel Group advisor based on single occupancy (includes registration fee and 5 nights all-inclusive accommodation). Double occupancy of an advisor and non-advisor guest (18+) would be $1998.

Note: The Group Sales Summit is intended for Nexion Travel Group members and their authorized partners/business associates only. We regret that we cannot accommodate guests during the training and general sessions.  Registration is non-refundable. Name changes are allowed.

As you should be selling travel protection to your customers, so should you purchase travel insurance to cover cancellations or unforeseen emergency situations. Travel professionals have access from some of our insurance supplier partners to purchase annual insurance coverage; see their supplier page for details.

“Building groups can be intimidating unless you have the tools. This conference gives you the tools for success and a roadmap on how to get there. Even though I’ve been doing groups for a few years, I gained new contacts and solutions to help my groups flow more smoothly and even more fun!” Karen W.

“I learned so much. The realization that I should write a business plan (or amend my current one) to include selling groups had never occurred to me. I loved the opportunity to brainstorm with the other people at my table and that each table had a mix of travel advisors and suppliers. Hearing the ideas from a supplier’s viewpoint was priceless.” Alana L.

“Attending the Group Sales Summit allows you to network and learn from our supplier partners and fellow travel agents in a smaller, more intimate setting. You walk away looking at your business with fresh eyes and new tools to help you grow a more successful agency.” Denise D.