The People Keep Him Coming Back: NTA Ambassador Vernon Briggs

October 27, 2026

After 12 Travel Exchanges, Vernon Briggs shares the lessons, experiences, and advice that make every TREX worthwhile.

Ask Vernon Briggs what keeps him coming back to Travel Exchange, and his answer is simple: the people.

After attending 12 Travel Exchanges, Briggs has built a network of colleagues and clients who have become an important part of his professional journey.

“The people of NTA and the clients I have met over the years keep me coming back year after year,” Briggs said.

Now serving as an NTA ambassador, he’s eager to help other members make the most of their experience.

From Curiosity to Confidence

Briggs remembers arriving at his first Travel Exchange with a mix of curiosity and excitement. Although he already had extensive hotel sales experience, he was eager to discover what NTA could offer.

“I remember just being curious and excited about something new and waiting to see what it was all about,” he said.

Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Briggs viewed the event as an opportunity to expand his client base. Looking back, however, there’s one thing he wishes he had done differently: more research.

“I wish I did more research about the companies I was meeting and understood their needs more before attending,” Briggs said.

That lesson has become one of his most important recommendations for newcomers.

Understanding a potential client’s business, travel patterns, and priorities can make a significant difference during an eight-minute appointment.

“Research of your clients prior to meeting them gives you the advantage and confidence when meeting with them,” he said.

Know Your Destination, Know Your Audience

For destination marketing organizations attending Travel Exchange for the first time, Briggs encourages preparation that goes beyond memorizing a sales pitch.

“I would say really understand your market and the tours that travel through your market,” Briggs said.

That means being ready to discuss everything a destination offers, from attractions and accommodations to shopping and other experiences that can enhance a group itinerary.

“You want them to stay in your market and come back each and every time they visit your area,” he said.

Briggs also recommends learning about the operators on your appointment schedule. How often do they travel through your region? Where have their groups stayed previously? What experiences might encourage them to try something new?

The goal is to identify what sets your destination apart and explain how it meets an operator’s needs.

Make the Most of Every TREX Opportunity

While appointments are central to Travel Exchange, Briggs encourages attendees to take advantage of everything happening throughout the event.

For him, attending receptions, educational sessions, and other gatherings is an important part of getting the most from TREX. Being visible throughout the week helps attendees become familiar faces and opens the door to conversations that might not happen during scheduled appointments.

“Be at most all the events and be open to meet new people each and every time,” Briggs advised.

It’s a simple approach that has served him well throughout his career: Be present, stay engaged, and make the most of every opportunity.

An Ambassador Ready to Help

As an NTA ambassador, Briggs wants members, especially first-time attendees, to know they don’t have to navigate Travel Exchange alone.

Whether someone has questions about appointments, networking, or the event itself, he’s happy to share what he’s learned.

“I am always available for any questions regarding Travel Exchange that I can help with,” Briggs said. “I am never too busy for that.”

He also recognizes that helping others is a two-way street.

“I feel my experience can give knowledge to others, and they can give knowledge to me when you are in a conversation,” he said. “I think it is a win-win for all.”

As NTA prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary at Travel Exchange ’26 in Tulsa, Briggs’ approach reflects the spirit of an association built on members supporting one another.

For first-time attendees, his message is straightforward: Do your homework, participate fully, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Attending Travel Exchange ’26? Connect with Vernon and NTA’s ambassadors in Tulsa, Nov. 15–18. They’re ready to help you make the most of your TREX experience.