OYSTER BAY, NY (June 23, 2026): Home-based travel agency owners received business-boosting insights and celebrated their achievements during an intimate in-person training and networking experience at the invitation-only NEST Stars Retreat.
Held June 16–19, 2026 at Secrets Royal Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, NEST Stars Retreat gathered a select group of high-performing agency owners for leadership development, powerful strategizing, and community building. Through high-impact sessions and peer-to-peer collaboration, NEST leaders shared trend analysis and insights to help agencies set deliberate goals and innovate boldly to grow their sales and exceed expectations. A defining theme: the value of consulting with their personal NEST Business Analyst to identify untapped potential, amplify results and accelerate their path to greater success.
As the travel industry continues its shift toward home-based agencies, the demand for small, focused professional development events has accelerated. Remote-first agencies are searching for in-person learning experiences as industry competition intensifies and training gaps widen. Micro‑events offering deeper engagement, stronger networking, and tailored content are becoming a preferred format for entrepreneurs seeking quality over quantity.
“Stars Retreat is intentionally kept intimate because that’s where the transformation happens,” said NEST Senior Vice President Wayne Spector. “We’re giving driven, entrepreneurial agencies the space to reset their thinking and envision what’s next for their business. And we’re giving them the chance to build vital connections in person, which is one of the hallmarks of our vibrant, supportive, close-knit community.”
The agenda blended educational sessions and inspiring speakers with informal networking opportunities. Sessions offered strategies to elevate efficiency, sharpen marketing, maximize commissions, and capitalize on evolving trends. The relaxed pace allowed attendees to absorb insights while strengthening relationships with NEST executives, select suppliers, and other agency owners. An emphasis on peer-to-peer exchanges promoted the sharing of essential best practices.
“Bringing motivated, rising agency owners into one room creates a powerful dynamic,” said Spector. “This hyper-focused environment creates a faster, clearer path to success by giving agencies and suppliers the opportunity to build trust, share knowledge and accelerate collaboration. Owners leave Stars Retreat more determined, more energized, and ready to surge to new heights.”
As the number of home-based agencies accelerates, and consumers increasingly turn to advisors for expert planning services, NEST has grown dramatically. Its reputation for personalized service attracts businesses eager to affiliate with the country’s first and only network for independent home-based agencies. NEST welcomed 23 agencies with $63.5 million in preferred sales in the first half of 2026. Last year, NEST added 60 agencies that brought with them $170.7 million in preferred partner sales.
NEST provides its affiliates with a powerful suite of unique initiatives, resources and tools to boost advisor success and profitability in a competitive market. Dedicated Business Analysts partner closely with agencies to pinpoint marketing strategies, drive operational efficiencies and fuel sales growth. NEST also provides agencies with higher commission opportunities, lucrative profit-sharing programs, connections to top industry partners, lead-generation campaigns, high-value professional development, exclusive community events and proprietary technology.
To discover more about NEST, please visit www.jointhenest.com.
Tags: Wayne Spector NEST Secrets Royal Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
