Two BDMs and a Mic

Join James Ayres III and Krysti Konopacky, hosts of TWO BDMs and a MIC, as they broadcast TWO BDMs LIVE from the heart of the Social Studio Lounge – Sponsored by Sandals and Beaches Resorts at the Travel Leaders Network EDGE 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, NV.

In this special event series, James and Krysti connect live with travel advisors, industry leaders, and partners to spotlight collaboration, growth, and the future of travel.

Featured in this Episode:
We sit down with Dawn Smith, General Manager of Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Jeremy Jones, Corporate Director of Resort Operations for Jamaica, for a dynamic discussion about what makes Sandals Royal Caribbean one of the most distinct and romantic properties in the portfolio—and how operational excellence is elevated across all Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

Together, we explore:

• The unique selling points of Sandals Royal Caribbean, including the private island experience and British colonial charm

• The types of clients best suited for this boutique resort

• Operational insights and behind-the-scenes strategy across the Jamaican region

• Support systems Sandals provides to help travel advisors close the sale

• The importance of maintaining a consistent guest experience across properties in Jamaica

This is an episode you don’t want to miss—packed with resort-specific knowledge, client-matching advice, and actionable takeaways to help grow your business.

Watch, connect, and grow with us—live from Las Vegas!

#TwoBDMsLIVE #SocialStudioLounge #SandalsResorts #SandalsRoyalCaribbean #TravelLeadersEDGE #EDGE2025 #TravelAdvisorLife #DawnSmith #JeremyJones #LuxuryCaribbeanTravel #SellSandals #PartnerWithSandals #ClientMatching #TravelAdvisorSupport #BoutiqueResorts #IslandEscape

In this special event series, James and Krysti connect live with travel advisors, industry leaders, and partners to spotlight collaboration, growth, and the future of travel.

Featured in this Episode:
We’re joined by O’Brian Heron, General Manager of Sandals South Coast, and Deryk Meany, General Manager of Sandals Dunn’s River, for an energetic and insightful conversation covering their stunning Jamaican resorts—from the sexy and serene vibe of South Coast to the revitalized luxury of Dunn’s River.

O’Brian shares some hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from resort life, while Deryk dives into what makes his property one of the most iconic and in-demand on the island. But just when things settle into a groove, Dawn Smith (GM of Sandals Royal Caribbean) and Jeremy Jones (Corporate Director of Resort Operations – Jamaica) crash the conversation—ready to stir the pot and claim bragging rights for their favorite Jamaican resort!

Together, we explore:

• What sets each Sandals resort in Jamaica apart

• Unique client-matching strategies for South Coast, Dunn’s River, and Royal Caribbean

• Memorable guest moments and what goes into creating them

• The friendly competition (and deep collaboration) between resort teams

• Support systems and tools that help travel advisors sell with confidence

This episode brings laughs, learning, and lots of love for Jamaica. It’s a must-watch for any advisor looking to sharpen their resort knowledge and pick up new ways to match clients to their perfect Sandals escape.

Watch, connect, and grow with us—live from Las Vegas!

#TwoBDMsLIVE #SocialStudioLounge #SandalsResorts #SandalsSouthCoast #SandalsDunnsRiver #SandalsRoyalCaribbean #TravelLeadersEDGE #EDGE2025 #O’BrianHeron #DerykMeany #DawnSmith #JeremyJones #LuxuryCaribbeanTravel #SellSandals #PartnerWithSandals #ClientMatching #TravelAdvisorSupport #JamaicaResorts #IslandVibes

Join James Ayres III and Krysti Konopacky, hosts of TWO BDMs and a MIC, as they broadcast TWO BDMs LIVE from the heart of the Social Studio Lounge – Sponsored by Sandals and Beaches Resorts at the Travel Leaders Network EDGE 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, NV.

In this special event series, James and Krysti connect live with travel advisors, industry leaders, and partners to spotlight collaboration, growth, and the future of travel.

Featured in this Episode:

We sit down with Angela Hughes, Agency Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, for an inspiring conversation about her time at EDGE 2025 and her deep-rooted partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Angela reflects on what made EDGE so valuable, shares real-world tips for fellow travel advisors, and offers insight into how she has leveraged the Sandals and Beaches brands to grow her luxury travel business.

Together, we explore:

Angela’s top takeaways from EDGE 2025

Her ongoing relationship with the Sandals & Beaches team

Sales and business-building advice for advisors at any level

Why attending EDGE 2026 should be a top priority if you missed this year

This is an episode packed with perspective, strategy, and inspiration from one of the industry’s most experienced voices.

Watch, connect, and grow with us—live from Las Vegas!

#TwoBDMsLIVE #SocialStudioLounge #SandalsResorts #BeachesResorts #TravelLeadersEDGE #EDGE2025 #EDGE2026 #TravelAdvisorLife #AngelaHughes #TripsAndShipsLuxuryTravel #LuxuryTravelAdvisor #SellSandalsBeaches #PartnerWithSandals #TravelAdvisorSupport #TravelBusinessGrowth

We’re back with something fun, fresh, and totally engaging!

In Episode 83, Krysti and James sit down with a very special guest: Marissa Shonk, agency owner of True to You Travel Co., who has truly mastered how to turn Back to the Beach FAM trips into real, commissionable business.

This episode is all about helping both new and veteran advisors fully maximize their Back to the Beach experience—from how to strategically prepare before you go, to what to focus on during the trip, and most importantly, how to follow up to get the business when you return.💡 What’s in store:✔️ Proven tips to get the most out of your FAM experience✔️ Step-by-step advice for pre-FAM, during-FAM, and post-FAM success✔️ Marissa’s personal secrets and real-world strategies that consistently generate sales✔️ Fresh perspectives to help advisors and agency owners build their own agendas✔️ Audience shout-outs and live conversationWhether you’re brand new to Back to the Beach or you’ve been before, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you create more sales, build stronger relationships, and maximize your commissions.

🎧 Listen & Watch Anytime:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube — @TwoBDMsandaMIC

👥 Your Hosts:James Ayres III – BDM, North Texas & OklahomaKrysti Konopacky – BDM, Colorado & Wyoming🎤 Special Guest:Marissa Shonk – Agency Owner, True to You Travel Co. https://www.instagram.com/truetoyoutravelco/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLIPwhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZSEhxOVBGV2d6SUJHWEZtAR6mL1BHoCuenzY5LdW5SQbEFhfaypdF3ydYkQDY530Icq55qCe-QJngJ_2HWw_aem_CH5F9AUQcvkYPXjH5AG7Kw 📲 Follow Us:Instagram | Twitter – @TwoBDMsandaMIC📧 Email: [email protected]👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments—we’re watching

Join James Ayres III and Krysti Konopacky, hosts of TWO BDMs and a MIC, as they broadcast TWO BDMs LIVE from the heart of the Social Studio Lounge – Sponsored by Sandals and Beaches Resorts at the Travel Leaders Network EDGE 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, NV.

In this special event series, James and Krysti connect live with travel advisors, industry leaders, and partners to spotlight collaboration, growth, and the future of travel.

Featured in this Episode:

We sit down with Jamie McAnally, Managing Director for the Northern Caribbean, and Lancelot Liebert, General Manager for Beaches Negril, for an in-depth conversation about two of our most iconic family resorts—Beaches Turks & Caicos and Beaches Negril.

Together, we explore: The unique highlights and vibes of each resort. The types of clients best suited for each destination

The incredible support Beaches Resorts provides to travel advisors The Autism-Friendly Program at Beaches Turks & Caicos, a vital offering for families with children on the spectrum The brand-new Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos, opening Spring 2026 and on sale now!

This is an episode you don’t want to miss—filled with valuable sales tips, client-matching insights, and exciting new developments. Watch, connect, and grow with us—live from Las Vegas!

#TwoBDMsLIVE #SocialStudioLounge #SandalsResorts #BeachesResorts #TravelLeadersEDGE #EDGE2025 #TravelAdvisorLife #JamieMcAnally #LancelotLiebert #BeachesNegril #BeachesTurksAndCaicos #TreasureBeachVillage #AutismFriendlyResorts #FamilyTravel #SellSandalsBeaches #PartnerWithSandals #TravelAdvisorSupport

Join James Ayres III and Krysti Konopacky, hosts of TWO BDMs and a MIC, as they broadcast TWO BDMs LIVE directly from the heart of the Social Studio Lounge – Sponsored by Sandals and Beaches Resorts at the Travel Leaders Network EDGE 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, NV.In this special event series, James and Krysti connect with travel advisors, industry leaders, and partners in real time to spotlight the power of collaboration and the future of travel.Featured in this episode:An energizing conversation with Ian Braun, Senior Regional Sales Manager for the Western Region at Unique Vacations Inc. Ian shares insights from his impactful breakout session, focused on practical strategies to grow your travel business. He’s equipping travel advisors with real, actionable tools for success, and showing you exactly how to elevate your Sandals and Beaches sales.Watch, connect, and leave ready to grow with TWO BDMs LIVE from Las Vegas!#TwoBDMsLIVE #SocialStudioLounge #SandalsResorts #BeachesResorts #TravelLeadersEDGE #EDGE2025 #TravelAdvisorLife #IanBraun #UniqueVacationsInc #LuxuryTravel #TravelConference #BDMPower #TravelAdvisorSupport #GrowYourBusiness #SellSandalsBeaches

Join James Ayres III and Krysti Konopacky, hosts of TWO BDMs and a MIC, as they broadcast TWO BDMs LIVE directly from the heart of the Social Studio Lounge – Sponsored by Sandals and Beaches Resorts at the Travel Leaders Network EDGE 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, NV.

In this special event series, James and Krysti connect with travel advisors, industry leaders, and partners in real time to spotlight the power of collaboration and the future of travel.

Featured in this episode:
An exclusive conversation with Jeff Clarke, Chief Executive Officer of Unique Vacations Inc., the worldwide representatives of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Together, we explore the vibrant culture UVI fosters, focusing on its deep partnership with travel advisors. We dive into the extensive support UVI provides, the vital role of Business Development Managers (BDMs), and what makes a travel advisor truly successful in selling Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Watch, connect, and experience the energy of TWO BDMs LIVE from Las Vegas!

#TwoBDMsLIVE #SocialStudioLounge #SandalsResorts #BeachesResorts #TravelLeadersEDGE #EDGE2025 #TravelAdvisorLife #JeffClarke #UniqueVacationsInc #LuxuryTravel #TravelConference #BDMPower #TravelAdvisorSupport #PartnerWithSandals #SellSandalsBeaches

Join James Ayres III and Krysti Konopacky, hosts of TWO BDMs and a MIC, as they broadcast TWO BDMs LIVE directly from the heart of the Social Studio Lounge – Sponsored by Sandals and Beaches Resorts at the Travel Leaders Network EDGE 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, NV.

In this special event series, James and Krysti connect with travel advisors, industry leaders, and partners in real time to spotlight the power of collaboration and the future of travel.

Featured in this episode:

An exclusive conversation with Adam Stewart, CD, Hon LLD Executive Chairman for Sandals Resorts International, where we honor the legacy of his father, explore the future of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and discuss the invaluable role that travel advisors and agencies play in shaping the success of the brand moving forward.

Watch, engage, and experience the energy of TWO BDMs LIVE from Las Vegas!

#TwoBDMsLIVE #SocialStudioLounge #SandalsResorts #BeachesResorts #TravelLeadersEDGE #EDGE2025 #TravelAdvisorLife #AdamStewart #LuxuryTravel #TravelConference

We’re back with something fun, fresh, and totally engaging!

In this episode, Krysti and James sit down with a very special guest: Anita Cuoto, Senior Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast Region!

We’ll dive into Anita’s story—where she comes from, how she built her career, and what drives her sales philosophy. Plus, we’ll explore how the Southeast Region approaches business, supports travel advisors, and keeps Sandals & Beaches top of mind.

💡 What’s in store:
✔️ A fun, insightful chat with Anita Cuoto
✔️ A deep dive into her leadership style and regional strategies
✔️ Tips, best practices, and maybe a few surprise stories
✔️ Audience shout-outs and live conversation

Whether you’re watching live or catching the replay, this episode is perfect for advisors who want to sharpen their skills and get an insider look at what makes the Southeast team thrive.

🎧 Listen & Watch Anytime:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube — @TwoBDMsandaMIC

👥 Your Hosts:
James Ayres III – BDM, North Texas & Oklahoma
Krysti Konopacky – BDM, Colorado & Wyoming

🎤 Special Guest:
Anita Cuoto – Senior Regional Sales Manager, Southeast Region

📲 Follow Us:
Instagram | Twitter – @TwoBDMsandaMIC
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments—we’re watching!

We’re back with something fun, fresh, and totally interactive!

In this episode, Krysti and James shake things up with a brand-new twist—a live “20 Questions” challenge – Sandals-style! They’ll secretly pick one resort, and it’s up to YOU, the live audience, to ask yes-or-no questions to figure out which Sandals or Beaches Resort they're thinking of.

🕵️‍♂️ Think you know the resorts inside and out? Now’s your chance to prove it!

💡 What’s in store:

• A live round of “20 Questions” with Krysti & James

• Clues, laughs, and maybe a few curveballs

• Real-time audience interaction

• A deeper dive into resort features, vibes, and selling points—all through the game!

Whether you’re watching live or catching the replay, this episode is perfect for sharpening your product knowledge while having a blast with your favorite BDMs.

🎧 Listen & Watch Anytime:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube — @TwoBDMsandaMIC

👥 Your Hosts:
James Ayres III – BDM, North Texas & Oklahoma
Krysti Konopacky – BDM, Colorado & Wyoming

📲 Follow Us:
Instagram | Twitter – @TwoBDMsandaMIC
📧 Email: [email protected]

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode! Got a guess during the game? Drop it in the comments—we’re watching!