IFTHEREwas one thing that bored delegates rigid during the ARTACWorldchoice conference in Jersey, it was all those speeches from the sponsors.
Of course, you can’t blame companies who have stumped up some cash wanting to say a few words, but most just droned on about how great their products were and how they wanted a ‘partnership’ with agents.
So full marks to Holiday Autos and First Choice, which at least entertained agents while pushing their products.
Holiday Autos sales director Ian Derbyshire used a Postman Pat video to illustrate the company’s problems with its new system, Holiday Autos Booking System.
He started off by admitting the last few weeks had been a ‘challenge’.
Then we went in to a Postman Pat sketch. Mrs Miggins was not happy that she had not received her vouchers and Mrs Suzuki-Jeep-or-similar refused to issue cars without the right paperwork.
Never mind, it was left to good old Holiday Autos UK and Ireland managing director Tony Seaman to sort it out.
The final sketch was Postman Pat and his black and white cat driving off and moaning that Holiday Autos Booking System should have stood for Holiday Autos something-ruderSystem.
The impression from the video was that here was a company which was honest enough to say it had problems and sorted them out. It also showed the company had a sense of humour and was not afraid to have a laugh at its own expense.
None of us are perfect and agents at the conference appreciated a bit of honesty and a bit of fun.
Meanwhile, First Choice sales director John Wimbleton also managed to rouse the interest of a few dozing agents.
Those who were taking the opportunity for a nap -Backchat included – were abruptly woken by a video screening the opening scenes of monster-movie Godzilla.
As the star of the film burst into full view amid dramatic music, the immortal words were blazoned across the screen – SIZE DOES MATTER.
Any sponsor planning speeches, please have a word with Derbyshire or Wimbleton.