AIC Showstoppers is one of the most anticipated celebrations in the industry and this week at the new AVA Resort Cancun was certainly no exception. The week brings top agents and agents in both Canada and the US together to celebrate the top sellers of AIC Hotel Group.
To be invited, agents must sell 30 rooms (not nights, rooms) but that’s just getting things started. There are multi-levels to reach; platinum, double platinum, top wedding performers and the ultimate; black diamond level.
The week however is about so much more than the awards. The location always gives agents a chance to experience the property, but this year is a bit different as they’re getting a first-hand look inside a brand-new brand for the company. There are still touches that need to be completed, but the core basics that AIC Hotel Group is known for are there in droves; top service, excellent food and drink and a property that is tastefully designed.
“This is the event of the year. I know it’s widely regarded as the best industry event and sought after event,” Jasmine Grant, BDM Hard Rock Hotels tells TravelPulse. “It’s all about celebrating them for their jobs which are thankless a lot of the year. They work really hard and this is our opportunity to thank them for their support and loyalty to our brands.”
The evening began with a cocktail followed by a dinner featuring stations from the resort’s restaurants. The ceremony recognized the 250 top agents in attendance with music by AIC favourite DJ Huggies and included a performance by singer Mya at the after-show party.
15 Canadians were honoured: iRock Weddings/Hype Travel, Filomena Dunn, Preety Jaswal, Suzanne Pelzer, Steve Moore, Geeta Singla, Nashila Remtulla, Christy Beaton, Courtney Pilon, Julie Thivierge, Destawed, Inder Seedat and Johanne Robinson
Taking home the Black Diamond Top Agent Award which honours an agent who sells 500+ rooms, was Cherie Peninger, of Island Vows Destination Weddings and Honeymoons in Kalamazoo Michigan. She annihilated that requirement by selling 900 rooms.
“It’s not my highest, I was over 1100 last year, but I’m very excited,” she told TravelPulse after the ceremony. “It’s an honour to work with this company, they take care of me and my clients and are just amazing.”
DestinationWeddings.com took home Top Agency (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
Taking the #1 spot in the Top 5 Wedding Selling Agencies was Destination Weddings based in Wayland, MA.
Julie Thivierge and Christy Beaton (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
15 Canadians were honoured from agencies coast to coast: Julie Thievierge of Wedding in the Tropics, Christy Beaton of Luxe Destination Weddings, Preety Jaswal, Hype Travel/Rock Weddings, Jatinder Singh.
Platinum: Geeta Singla, Nashila Remtulla, Courtney Anderson, Inderbir Seedat,
Platinum level agents Geeta Singh and Courtney Pilon (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
The celebratory vibe was palpable with agents cheering each other on, that connection is something Grant says is a bonus to attending the event; the networking opportunities.
“We hear a lot of business conversations going on, they’re asking each other how their business is going, how is it different from mine?” explains Grant. “That type of networking is a secondary benefit to attending this event.
These are the top sellers in the industry, and they’re excited to experience the brand new AVA Resort Cancun for the first time as well” says Grant.
