Channel Surfing Blog 

More than 75 of World Telecom Group's top agents participated in the 6th Annual WTG Tee & Sea event last weekend, May 15-17,  in sunny Malibu, Calif.

The event, which included agents' guests and WTG suppliers, hosted about 150 people in all. This was a smaller group than in year's past by design, according to WTG CEO Vince Bradley. Instead of an open invite, this year's event was an incentive for top performing sales agents as part of its 2008 PartnerPerks program.

Those selling more than $60,000 in new business were given entrance to the event. These included Top Speed Data, Litch Data, Carrier Support Group, WorldOne Communications and Touchstar Software.

Those selling more than $120,000 in new business also received paid travel. These included Alaine Fulton of Safe Haven, Mannie Galon of G2 Solutions and Roger Duncan of Tellerium.

Those agents with more than $300,000 in new business got a full ride. Top honors went to Dale Stewart of CSG and Scott Rockwell of Telco Quote.

PartnerPerks qualifiers David Bang of Litch Data, David Glendenning of CSG and Diane Hoey of WorldOne with WTG CEO Vince Bradley (middle)

The event was revamped in other ways, too. The traditional kick-off open house at WTG headquarters was scrapped for a luncheon at the The Malibu West Beach Club, followed by presentations from the event's premier sponsors (Qwest, Level3, Verizon, XO, Covad and New Edge Networks). The popular “Happy Hour on the Beach” was reprised, but combined with the Premier Provider Expo.

Partners sponsors mingle at WTG’s Happy Hour on the Beach.

The "Tee" part of the WTG Tee & Sea event was held on Friday at the The Malibu Country Club. The shotgun Golf Tournament included more than $5,000 in prizes. Mitch Krayton of Digital Resources shot a double eagle from 150 yards out - a shot that helped this normally average golfer to earn second place in the contest, Bradley said.

Top golf twosome Gary Keswick of CM Group and Matt Winterburn of XO with WTG CEO Vince Bradley (middle)

Top Foursome David Bang of Litch Data, Robert Green & Mike Luck of ICS and Ryan Wortham of ATI with WTG CEO Vince Bradley (middle)

The "Sea" part of the event also was different this year. Instead of a cruise, a Wine Pairing was held at an oceanfront restaurant.

Susan Eakle of PAETEC, Sherrie Hiller of TelePacific, Jessica Lewis of CSG, guest Lynn Durica, Susan Farraj from A+ Conferencing and Jennifer Hayes of Teleconsult enjoy the "sea."

Afterward, everyone regrouped at the 19th hole for Casino games, massage and a raffle.