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15 SEPT - MONDAY back to the top 8:00am – 10:00am General Session Welcome: Zane Kerby, CEO, ASTA Norwegian Cruise Lines Welcome: Camille Olivere, SVP Sales, Norwegian Cruise Line The Power of ASTA Zane Kerby, CEO, ASTA Keynote: The Future Traveler Presenter: Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor Keynote: Staying One Step Ahead: The Future Leisure Traveler Moderator: Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor Panelists: Roger Block, President, Travel Leaders Franchise Group Andrew Stewart, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Passenger Services, Norwegian Cruise Lines Dan Sullivan, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Collette What does tomorrow's leisure consumer look like? What’s hot in cruising, multigenerational travel, heritage travel, responsible tourism, sustainable tourism and “bucket list” travel? You will leave this seminar with great insight into what your marketing focus should be in 2015. Travel Agent Choice Awards Presentation - Part 1 Extra Mile Award Travel Agent Service Recognition - Bob Ford, Regional Vice President, Retail Sales West, Travel Guard Keynote: Becoming Indispensable: From Agent to Advisor Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Nolan will show you how to leap to new levels of excellence. He'll help you reinvent your role from agent to advisor. You'll learn how to bridge the gap between needs and desires to transform transactions into remarkable experiences. Most of all, you’ll learn how to become truly indispensable. 10:15am – 12:15pm Become a Sales Superstar - Believe It or Not, Anyone Can Be One Presented by Norwegian Cruise Line's Sales Guru Bob Becker [REPEATS] Presenter: Bob Becker, Senior Vice President, Consumer Research, Norwegian Cruise Line Join cruise industry sales legend Bob Becker for sales training that will help you and your team close more sales. Bob’s proven sales methods will open the door to more business and give you sales acumen that can be used to sell practically anything – including cruises! 10:15am - 11:15am Best Practices for Using Your Personal Photos and Videos to Sell More Travel The marketing adage "PICTURES SELL" couldn't be more true for travel. And if a picture's worth a thousand words, what's a video worth? If you're like most travel professionals, you take lots of personal photos on your site inspections of hotels, cruise ships, new aircraft, and destinations you travel too. And if you're really hip and current, you're even taking video! But what do you do with all those great resources once you get back to the office? How can you use those tools to help you sell more travel? (After all, that's the goal, right?!) Till Death Do Us Part Presenter: Jeff Drew, Cruise Industry Expert You’ve heard of the ‘singles’ market, well did you know there’s also a ‘divorce' market? Jeff will entertain you as he explores this often ignored niche, which is growing much faster than the 'honeymoon market'. This session will review general selling skills from a speaker who spent his life selling cruises for several of the major cruise lines. He’ll help you explore overlooked but extremely profitable niches as a way to increase your bottom line. Jeff takes selling the get-away to a new level—to those who want to get-away (from their spouses) for good! What would you do? Solve your toughest problems and surpass customer expectations every time Presenter: Fernando Amaral, Director Conversion Sales, Sabre Satisfying the ever-increasing expectations of clients is a daily challenge. Content and technology resources are available from so many places… It’s hard to know who to trust and how to keep your workflow smooth and efficient. So, what would you do? Join this session to learn about the tools from Sabre Travel Network® that will help you get more done in a day and keep your customers coming back year after year. We’ll discuss real-world scenarios you may find familiar to illustrate the benefits of: - Sabre Red Apps and how they allow you to customize your Sabre Red Workspace - Sabre Red Mobile Workspace so you can stay connected, even on the go - TripCase Connect so you can deliver branded travel documents and connect with clients while they’re traveling Become a Puerto Rico Travel Expert (PRTE) Presenter: Gabriel R. Emanuelli, Director of Global Sales & Narciso A. Moreno Beiso, Senior Sales Manager, Puerto Rico Tourism Company Puerto Rico was named the Best Island in the Caribbean and the Best Destination for Weddings by readers of the USA Today and 10Best.com. This is where your clients want to be. Learn how to become a Puerto Rico Travel Expert and earn more! The PRTE course gives you the tools you need to create better vacation experiences for clients and earn cash rewards for yourself! Program participants are eligible to win up to $2,000, an IPad or a 5-night Puerto Rico FAM trip (including participation in the inaugural International Tourism Expo). Just one booking required to be eligible for the drawings! 12:00pm - 1:00pm Marketing Across Generations: Gen-Xer, Millenials and Boomers Dealing with Inter-Generational Issues Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Let’s face it, we have customers of all sizes, shapes and ages, and to be successful we have to know how to market to the unique differences of each group. This session will look at the differences between these generations and help you know how best to communicate with each group. It’s a lot more than just adding the word “like” in every sentence. Growing Your Business with Sandals & Beaches Resorts Presenter: Alice McCalla, Director of Industry Affairs, Sandals Join Sandals for a product update on how to maximize your marketing opportunities and increase sales by utilizing existing Sandals and Beaches marketing tools and leveraging their brand. Don’t get fined: Learn how to meet your regulatory obligations, and hear what ASTA is doing to protect you, your customers and the industry Presenter: John Pittman, VP, Industry Affairs, ASTA Presenter: Eben Peck, VP, Government Affairs, ASTA Join John and Eben as they guide you through your current federal regulatory obligations, including the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new hazardous materials, code-share disclosure, insecticide and advertising rules. In addition, they will also walk you through DOT’s proposed consumer rules that may have an impact on the way you offer air services to your customers. Even if you aren’t an ARC agency, this is information you need to know. Agencies of all sizes and business models have been hit with fines ranging from $20,000 to $125,000 in 2013. Finding and Keeping Travel Customers Pesenter: Maria Panizo, Ph.D., Director, Market Intelligence & Customer Insight, Amadeus Presentation Description: Join Amadeus’ director, market intelligence & customer insight and renowned travel industry expert Maria Panizo, Ph.D. for an exclusive and stimulating look at the best ways to seek out new customers and retain existing ones. Over the last 25 years, Dr. Panizo has conducted thousands of traveler interviews, gaining a deep understanding of the specific needs of travel sellers, traveling consumers and travel suppliers. During the workshop, attendees will discover: Travelers’ needs and map their specific priorities Why a personalized value proposition is key to differentiating yourself The best customers to target in an ever changing world Using technology to better understand your customers This fun and interactive approach will provide every attendee an easy to use plan to be more successful. Immediately gain best practices through this interactive session so come explore the newest way to “win” customers in this ever changing industry. 16 SEPT - TUESDAY back to the top 8:00am – 10:00am Become a Sales Superstar - Believe It or Not, Anyone Can Be One Presented by Norwegian Cruise Line's Sales Guru Bob Becker [REPEATS] Presenter: Bob Becker, Senior Vice President, Consumer Research, Norwegian Cruise Line Join cruise industry sales legend Bob Becker for sales training that will help you and your team close more sales. Bob’s proven sales methods will open the door to more business and give you sales acumen that can be used to sell practically anything – including cruises! 8:30am – 9:45am LEISURE FEES 101: Getting Started with Professional Fees [REPEATS] Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions In this fun, upbeat and lively workshop, you'll experience an honest and helpful look at this sometimes controversial subject. You'll look at the rationale behind fees and explore issues that make the difference between fees-success and failure. You'll learn how to deal with price-sensitive customers, long-time clients, objections to fees, scripts and techniques and much more. Starwood Sustainability is Not Just a Buzzword: Why You and Your Customers Should Care Just what is the relationship between the environment and tourism, and what is being done to better protect our planet? Learn why some customers are demanding the companies they support develop and adhere to standards for environmentally responsible travel. The Tools, Technology & Processes to Power Your Customer Relationships Presenter: Camille Olivere, SVP Sales, Norwegian Cruise Line Learn the administrative nuts and bolts of selling. How do you organize the process? What are some low-cost CRM tools that are available to you? How do you leverage CRM opportunities available through third parties such as ASTA, consortia affiliation, etc? And how do you focus your team to sell preferred suppliers and motivate/compensate them? 10:30am – 11:45am Morocco Travel for Real Become a Morocco Champion. Morocco is the exotic gateway to Africa. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a rugged mountain interior and a history of independence. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences. Morocco is also host of the next ASTA Destination Expo in 26 Feb - 1 Mar. ASTA's Young Professional Society Presents: Indispensable Technology Tools of the Connected Travel Agent Presented by ASTA’s Young Professional Society Join this lively discussion about all things tech for the travel professional. These speakers will cover various hardware, software, app, and gadget topics to help you be more productive and successful regardless of your role as a travel professional. Are you using any of these in your business: DropBox, Square, Evernote, Neat Receipts, Google Drive or Microsoft Outlook? LEISURE FEES 101: Getting Started with Professional Fees [REPEATS] Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions You may call yourself a travel advisor, a travel consultant or travel professional, but do you charge fees like one? Or, are you still totally reliant upon commission? In this fun, upbeat and lively workshop, we'll take an honest and helpful look at this sometimes controversial subject. We’ll look at the rationale behind fees and explore issues that make the difference between fees-success and failure. You'll learn how to deal with price-sensitive customers, long-time clients, objections to fees, scripts and techniques and much more. The Soft Touch: Developing Clients for Life Presenter: Gloria Stock Mickelson CTIE, ACC, Senior Manager of Education and Training, Travel Leaders Franchise Group This workshop would discuss the “soft touch” elements of building and maintaining a long-term relationship with your customers. Relationships are built, and are more than making the right recommendation at the right price and selling the product. Write the Right Marketing Message, at the Right Time, to the Right People Presenter: Melissa Teates, Research Director, ASTA ASTA’s research on the “Value of a Travel Agent” yielded tremendous information on why consumers use, don’t use or may potentially use a travel professional. Getting to these consumers and then getting them to pay attention to you, comes down to the messaging we send in email, on our websites, via Facebook, etc. First, marketing strategy and goal setting will be discussed. Then we’ll walk you through the potential marketing messages derived from the “Value of a Travel Agent” including the best platforms for the sample strategies examined. 11:00am- 12:30pm General Session Sponsored by: Amadeus 10 Things Your Commencement Speaker Will Never Tell You Presenter: Jeff Drew, Cruise Industry Expert Travel Agent Choice Awards Presentation - Part 2 Host: Jennifer Michels, Vice President of Communications, ASTA - Young Professional - Kris Endreson, Vice President of Field Sales - US and Canada - Travel Journalist of the Year - Sustainability Sustainability is Not Just a Buzzword: Why You and Your Customers Should Care Moderator: Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor Panelist: Stephanie Wear Pintado, Director of Economic Development, Tenerif and Andi Pearl, Director of Campaigns & Policy, Global Ocean Legacy, Pew Charitable Trust Just what is the relationship between the environment and tourism, and what is being done to better protect our planet? Learn why some customers are demanding the companies they support develop and adhere to standards for environmentally responsible travel. 17 SEPT - WEDNESDAY (Shore Day) back to the top 8:00am – 9:15am Early Bird Ed Tenerife- An undiscovered gem with limitless opportunities to adventure on Presenter: Stephanie Wear, Director of Economic Development, Tenerife Tourism Corporation In this seminar, you will discover the jewel and largest of the 7 Canary Islands, a Spanish territory located in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of the Iberian peninsula. Tenerife offers great 75-80 degree year round weather, a broad range of 4 & 5 star resorts, and all of the safety, sophisticated infrastructure, and culture of Europe. Our session will explore the history of the island and its impact on the founding of the United States, the diversity of landscapes and activities available including nature discovery, gastronomy and wine, the Unesco world heritage sites, magnificent beaches and the island's crown jewel, El Teide national park, an 11,000 foot high volcano where you can enjoy one of the world's top 3 locations for stargazing, bird watching, and unique species of fauna on earth. Art of Selling YOU! Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Having a unique, well-defined and authentic personal brand is one of the keys to success. A strong personal brand will differentiate you from your competitors; ultimately making you more marketable. No two professionals are the same; and those nuances, differences and distinctions make up our “brand.” What makes you special? Where have you traveled? What certificates do you have? Are you active in ASTA? Are you active in your community? All of these accomplishments are part of your brand—and set you apart from your competitors, but how do you sell your brand? How do You Measure Up? Benchmark Data for Travel Agency Owners and Managers Presenter: Melissa Teates, Research Director, ASTA How do your financials, revenues, GDS contract and employees stack-up against your competitors? Could you be doing better? One of the most consistent challenges that face travel agency owners and managers is the ability to effectively benchmark against their peers. This session will provide you with a broad overview of ASTA’s GDS, Service Fee, Financial and Labor and Compensation surveys that show the average ranges of financial and business performance of the travel agency industry. This session will help you 1) assess the relative strength of your company as it exists today and 2) develop goals for taking your company to the next level. Making Headlines: Become Your Local Media’s Go-To Expert Presenter: Jennifer Michels, VP Communications, ASTA Ever wonder why some pieces of news make it on to the front page, while others are buried deep or don't run at all? We now live in a world with a 24-hour news cycle with fewer journalists trying to do more with less. They are hungry for good sources they can go back to time and again. You are that local resource perfectly positioned to promote the travel agency community. Join Jennifer Michels, ASTA's Vice President of Communications, and learn how to think like an editor; respond to questions in a way that makes the news; write press releases and insightful, usable op-eds; reach out to reporters on social media, and tips for on-camera interviews. 9:00am - 1:00pm Bermuda Hotel Inspections 18 SEPT - THURSDAY (Shore Day) back to the top 8:00am – 9:15am Early Bird Ed LEISURE FEES 201: Fees to the Max: Learning To Easily Charge $500 and Up as a Fee! Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Custom trip designers offer the best blend of destination knowledge, insider connections, consumer advocacy, and value for your dollar and in return, they command fees that you’ve only dreamed of. Just take a look at Conde Nast’s annual travel agent list and you’ll see proof. Find out how they do it, and see if this is where you want to go. Travel Insurance: Enhance Your Bottom Line While Protecting Your Customers and Your Business ASTA will provide you with an overview of how to structure a travel insurance program that protects your customers and your business, and discuss how travel insurance can contribute to your bottom line. This session will also provide you with an overview of the work ASTA has done with its partners on your behalf to implement a nationwide travel insurance licensing standard that will eventually replace a confusing, costly and outdated 50-state web of rules. Find out what this initiative means to your business and why it’s important. If you have questions about travel insurance, this is your opportunity to find answers. 19 SEPT - FRIDAY (1/2 Shore Day) back to the top 8:00am – 9:15am Early Bird Ed Survival Guide to Social Media Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Social media has been with us for many years, yet its value seems to elude many travel agents. Find out how to survey the Social Media Frenzy and focus on the business opportunities offered by various social platforms and learn how to transform a static customer list into a vibrant, engaged client community. 20 SEPT - SATURDAY back to the top 9:00am – 12:00pm SEE DETAILS FOR NACTA DAY AT SEA Featuring: NACTA Member Benefits Announcement of 2014/2015 Regional Director team NACTA Headquarter update NCL executive Q & A NACTA conference presentation General discussion Visioneering: a Strategic Approach to Business Planning for the Independent Agent Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Strategic planning in business can sound like a dull and boring affair. Perhaps that's why so many simply never get around to doing it. In this inspirational workshop, we'll take you through a different approach to putting your plans to paper, and making your business or career dreams come true. We will take a tour of the simple things that can enable, or derail your efforts. You'll learn how to spot obstacles and conflicts, and bring everything back into alignment. Whether you are an agency owner, a manager, or an entrepreneurially minded consultant; everyone can benefit from learning how to create a plan and make it happen. But, don't expect the usual boring business approach here. We'll be starting with your heart before we get to your head. 9:00am - 10:15am Results! International Chapter Presidents Council Young Professional Society 10:30am – 11:45pm Database Marketing FUN-damentals: The Art of Building Future Relationships Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions It has often been said that a database IS your business. It is one of the most valuable assets of all should you ever decide to sell your agency. It is also one of the most important tools for success today if used strategically. We'll be taking a non-technical view of agency databases from the perspective that matters the most: building relationships. So while we won't be discussing bits, bytes and clicks, we will be talking about how to get the most from whichever database you have, or are considering. Legal Check-Up: Structuring your Agency to Limit Your Liability Presenter: Paul Ruden, Senior Vice President, ASTA This session will examine the things travel agents can do to limit their liability when a disaster strikes, a supplier goes bankrupt or something goes wrong on a cruise or tour, as well as look at the steps that can be taken to minimize risk overall. While designed for the owner/manager and independent contractor, this session is open to all. Retaining & Attracting Talent What are the best practices for employee retention? How do you attracting skilled/unskilled travel agents? How do I compete with other agencies for talent? Agent panelists will speak about what works and what doesn’t, while Melissa will provide labor benchmarks. Merida, Now and Then… Presenters: Maria Peniche, Marketing and Special Segments Manager, Yucatan Tourism Board Rosa Elena Vermont, International Promotion Manager, Yucatan Tourism Board In this session, you will learn what makes the state of Yucatán, México so special, and the unique experiences you can offer your clients looking for a different Yucatán experience. The capital of the state, Mérida, was geographically cut off from mainland México until the 1950’s. Its wealthy residents had easier access to the U.S.A., Cuba and Europe than to the rest of Mexico. This isolation sent the city’s affluent community traveling to Europe (particularly France), where they imported lavish goods and European styles. Mérida became known as the “Paris to the West”. Sumptuous mansions and palaces still line the elegant Paseo de Montejo, a tropical Champs Elysées, just blocks away from the Main Square. Today, Mérida is a cosmopolitan and cultural destination with world class attractions including museums, performing arts, historic houses -some of them turned into beautiful boutique hotels- and haciendas, as well as a destination for excellent medical attention and great shopping. 1:00pm – 2:00pm Closing General Session Welcome & Thanks: Zane Kerby, CEO, ASTA The FUTURE of Cruising Presenter: Andrew Stuart, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Passenger Services, Norwegian Cruise Line Are you capturing your share of this growing, versatile, and changing vacation industry? Come learn from cruise leaders who will share their experience and insights on where the cruise vacation is going. Panelist will discuss the significant changes which have been taking place within the cruise industry over the past six years with new innovations, new ships and new destinations. He will also provide his perspective on how travel agents are growing their sales and adopting new techniques. back to the top
8:00am – 10:00am
Moderator: Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor Panelists: Roger Block, President, Travel Leaders Franchise Group Andrew Stewart, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Passenger Services, Norwegian Cruise Lines Dan Sullivan, Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Collette
What does tomorrow's leisure consumer look like? What’s hot in cruising, multigenerational travel, heritage travel, responsible tourism, sustainable tourism and “bucket list” travel? You will leave this seminar with great insight into what your marketing focus should be in 2015.
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Nolan will show you how to leap to new levels of excellence. He'll help you reinvent your role from agent to advisor. You'll learn how to bridge the gap between needs and desires to transform transactions into remarkable experiences. Most of all, you’ll learn how to become truly indispensable.
Presenter: Bob Becker, Senior Vice President, Consumer Research, Norwegian Cruise Line Join cruise industry sales legend Bob Becker for sales training that will help you and your team close more sales. Bob’s proven sales methods will open the door to more business and give you sales acumen that can be used to sell practically anything – including cruises!
10:15am - 11:15am
What would you do? Solve your toughest problems and surpass customer expectations every time
Presenter: Fernando Amaral, Director Conversion Sales, Sabre Satisfying the ever-increasing expectations of clients is a daily challenge. Content and technology resources are available from so many places… It’s hard to know who to trust and how to keep your workflow smooth and efficient. So, what would you do? Join this session to learn about the tools from Sabre Travel Network® that will help you get more done in a day and keep your customers coming back year after year. We’ll discuss real-world scenarios you may find familiar to illustrate the benefits of: - Sabre Red Apps and how they allow you to customize your Sabre Red Workspace - Sabre Red Mobile Workspace so you can stay connected, even on the go - TripCase Connect so you can deliver branded travel documents and connect with clients while they’re traveling
Become a Puerto Rico Travel Expert (PRTE)
Presenter: Gabriel R. Emanuelli, Director of Global Sales & Narciso A. Moreno Beiso, Senior Sales Manager, Puerto Rico Tourism Company Puerto Rico was named the Best Island in the Caribbean and the Best Destination for Weddings by readers of the USA Today and 10Best.com. This is where your clients want to be. Learn how to become a Puerto Rico Travel Expert and earn more! The PRTE course gives you the tools you need to create better vacation experiences for clients and earn cash rewards for yourself! Program participants are eligible to win up to $2,000, an IPad or a 5-night Puerto Rico FAM trip (including participation in the inaugural International Tourism Expo). Just one booking required to be eligible for the drawings!
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Let’s face it, we have customers of all sizes, shapes and ages, and to be successful we have to know how to market to the unique differences of each group. This session will look at the differences between these generations and help you know how best to communicate with each group. It’s a lot more than just adding the word “like” in every sentence.
Growing Your Business with Sandals & Beaches Resorts
Presenter: Alice McCalla, Director of Industry Affairs, Sandals
Join Sandals for a product update on how to maximize your marketing opportunities and increase sales by utilizing existing Sandals and Beaches marketing tools and leveraging their brand.
Presenter: John Pittman, VP, Industry Affairs, ASTA Presenter: Eben Peck, VP, Government Affairs, ASTA Join John and Eben as they guide you through your current federal regulatory obligations, including the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) new hazardous materials, code-share disclosure, insecticide and advertising rules. In addition, they will also walk you through DOT’s proposed consumer rules that may have an impact on the way you offer air services to your customers. Even if you aren’t an ARC agency, this is information you need to know. Agencies of all sizes and business models have been hit with fines ranging from $20,000 to $125,000 in 2013.
Pesenter: Maria Panizo, Ph.D., Director, Market Intelligence & Customer Insight, Amadeus Presentation Description: Join Amadeus’ director, market intelligence & customer insight and renowned travel industry expert Maria Panizo, Ph.D. for an exclusive and stimulating look at the best ways to seek out new customers and retain existing ones. Over the last 25 years, Dr. Panizo has conducted thousands of traveler interviews, gaining a deep understanding of the specific needs of travel sellers, traveling consumers and travel suppliers. During the workshop, attendees will discover:
This fun and interactive approach will provide every attendee an easy to use plan to be more successful. Immediately gain best practices through this interactive session so come explore the newest way to “win” customers in this ever changing industry.
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions In this fun, upbeat and lively workshop, you'll experience an honest and helpful look at this sometimes controversial subject. You'll look at the rationale behind fees and explore issues that make the difference between fees-success and failure. You'll learn how to deal with price-sensitive customers, long-time clients, objections to fees, scripts and techniques and much more.
Just what is the relationship between the environment and tourism, and what is being done to better protect our planet?
Learn why some customers are demanding the companies they support develop and adhere to standards for environmentally responsible travel.
Presenter: Camille Olivere, SVP Sales, Norwegian Cruise Line Learn the administrative nuts and bolts of selling. How do you organize the process? What are some low-cost CRM tools that are available to you? How do you leverage CRM opportunities available through third parties such as ASTA, consortia affiliation, etc? And how do you focus your team to sell preferred suppliers and motivate/compensate them?
10:30am – 11:45am
Morocco Travel for Real
Become a Morocco Champion. Morocco is the exotic gateway to Africa. It has Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, a rugged mountain interior and a history of independence. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences. Morocco is also host of the next ASTA Destination Expo in 26 Feb - 1 Mar.
Presented by ASTA’s Young Professional Society
Join this lively discussion about all things tech for the travel professional. These speakers will cover various hardware, software, app, and gadget topics to help you be more productive and successful regardless of your role as a travel professional. Are you using any of these in your business: DropBox, Square, Evernote, Neat Receipts, Google Drive or Microsoft Outlook?
LEISURE FEES 101: Getting Started with Professional Fees [REPEATS]
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions You may call yourself a travel advisor, a travel consultant or travel professional, but do you charge fees like one? Or, are you still totally reliant upon commission? In this fun, upbeat and lively workshop, we'll take an honest and helpful look at this sometimes controversial subject. We’ll look at the rationale behind fees and explore issues that make the difference between fees-success and failure. You'll learn how to deal with price-sensitive customers, long-time clients, objections to fees, scripts and techniques and much more.
The Soft Touch: Developing Clients for Life
Presenter: Gloria Stock Mickelson CTIE, ACC, Senior Manager of Education and Training, Travel Leaders Franchise Group This workshop would discuss the “soft touch” elements of building and maintaining a long-term relationship with your customers. Relationships are built, and are more than making the right recommendation at the right price and selling the product.
Write the Right Marketing Message, at the Right Time, to the Right People
Presenter: Melissa Teates, Research Director, ASTA ASTA’s research on the “Value of a Travel Agent” yielded tremendous information on why consumers use, don’t use or may potentially use a travel professional. Getting to these consumers and then getting them to pay attention to you, comes down to the messaging we send in email, on our websites, via Facebook, etc. First, marketing strategy and goal setting will be discussed. Then we’ll walk you through the potential marketing messages derived from the “Value of a Travel Agent” including the best platforms for the sample strategies examined.
General Session
Sponsored by: Amadeus
Presenter: Stephanie Wear, Director of Economic Development, Tenerife Tourism Corporation
In this seminar, you will discover the jewel and largest of the 7 Canary Islands, a Spanish territory located in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of the Iberian peninsula. Tenerife offers great 75-80 degree year round weather, a broad range of 4 & 5 star resorts, and all of the safety, sophisticated infrastructure, and culture of Europe. Our session will explore the history of the island and its impact on the founding of the United States, the diversity of landscapes and activities available including nature discovery, gastronomy and wine, the Unesco world heritage sites, magnificent beaches and the island's crown jewel, El Teide national park, an 11,000 foot high volcano where you can enjoy one of the world's top 3 locations for stargazing, bird watching, and unique species of fauna on earth.
Art of Selling YOU!
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Having a unique, well-defined and authentic personal brand is one of the keys to success. A strong personal brand will differentiate you from your competitors; ultimately making you more marketable. No two professionals are the same; and those nuances, differences and distinctions make up our “brand.” What makes you special? Where have you traveled? What certificates do you have? Are you active in ASTA? Are you active in your community? All of these accomplishments are part of your brand—and set you apart from your competitors, but how do you sell your brand?
LEISURE FEES 201: Fees to the Max: Learning To Easily Charge $500 and Up as a Fee!
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Custom trip designers offer the best blend of destination knowledge, insider connections, consumer advocacy, and value for your dollar and in return, they command fees that you’ve only dreamed of. Just take a look at Conde Nast’s annual travel agent list and you’ll see proof. Find out how they do it, and see if this is where you want to go.
Survival Guide to Social Media
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Social media has been with us for many years, yet its value seems to elude many travel agents. Find out how to survey the Social Media Frenzy and focus on the business opportunities offered by various social platforms and learn how to transform a static customer list into a vibrant, engaged client community.
Featuring: NACTA Member Benefits Announcement of 2014/2015 Regional Director team NACTA Headquarter update NCL executive Q & A NACTA conference presentation General discussion Visioneering: a Strategic Approach to Business Planning for the Independent Agent
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions Strategic planning in business can sound like a dull and boring affair. Perhaps that's why so many simply never get around to doing it. In this inspirational workshop, we'll take you through a different approach to putting your plans to paper, and making your business or career dreams come true. We will take a tour of the simple things that can enable, or derail your efforts. You'll learn how to spot obstacles and conflicts, and bring everything back into alignment. Whether you are an agency owner, a manager, or an entrepreneurially minded consultant; everyone can benefit from learning how to create a plan and make it happen. But, don't expect the usual boring business approach here. We'll be starting with your heart before we get to your head.
Database Marketing FUN-damentals: The Art of Building Future Relationships
Presenter: Nolan Burris, Chief Visioneer, Future Proof Travel Solutions It has often been said that a database IS your business. It is one of the most valuable assets of all should you ever decide to sell your agency. It is also one of the most important tools for success today if used strategically. We'll be taking a non-technical view of agency databases from the perspective that matters the most: building relationships. So while we won't be discussing bits, bytes and clicks, we will be talking about how to get the most from whichever database you have, or are considering.
Presenter: Paul Ruden, Senior Vice President, ASTA This session will examine the things travel agents can do to limit their liability when a disaster strikes, a supplier goes bankrupt or something goes wrong on a cruise or tour, as well as look at the steps that can be taken to minimize risk overall. While designed for the owner/manager and independent contractor, this session is open to all.
Retaining & Attracting Talent
What are the best practices for employee retention? How do you attracting skilled/unskilled travel agents? How do I compete with other agencies for talent? Agent panelists will speak about what works and what doesn’t, while Melissa will provide labor benchmarks.
Welcome & Thanks: Zane Kerby, CEO, ASTA
Presenter: Andrew Stuart, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Passenger Services, Norwegian Cruise Line
