2006 Seminars

Notes and presentations are available for some seminars. Click the highlighted titles to download.

Avoiding Travel Scams
Presented by J.R. Kelly, Florida Division of Consumer Services
Find out how you can avoid big mistakes in booking your travel!

Model Agency Program - The Comprehensive Agency Management Guide
Presented by Ken Walsh, CTIE
Courtesy of Best Western International
Breakfast/Session Provided Compliments of Sabre Travel Network
Are you ready to participate in one of the most informative educational programs designed to provide you with the essential business tools to run your business in a more efficient and profitable way? The Model Agency Program is designed with the professional agency owner, manager, or home-based business owner in mind. At this comprehensive session you will be provided with the tools to:

• Chart your agency's progress against industry benchmarks
• Learn about new business models
• Develop your agency's income statement, balance sheet and key financial ratios
• Forecast your agency's profitability by using financial forecasting tools
• Assess your agency's staffing needs
• Analyze your agency's technology needs
• Develop a simple marketing plan
• Write a successful business plan
• Learn to implement goals and manage change

In short, the Model Agency Program will teach you more about "the business of doing business." 

Turning Your Web Site Into Your Highest Producing Salesperson
Presented by Mark McMullen, CTC
This seminar will address how you can turn your web site into your strongest sales person by making it work as hard as possible for you to connect with the people you want to do business with - and create solid, qualified leads! Key topics to be addressed are: 

• How to make the Internet your ally!
• The future of luxury travel sales online
• How affluent customers use the Internet - and how to sell more luxury products on products on the Internet!
• Characteristics of strong web sites and e-commerce programs
• Samples of effective web sites

Fanning Your Entrepreneurial Fire - Panel Discussion
Presented by Kate Koziol
Whether you are running your own company or are part of a larger team, you can use your unique vision and voice to guide your organization in the right direction. This session will help you iron out your game plan to help you be more effective and successful. This session will be led by a national award winning entrepreneur celebrating her ninth year of running her own travel industry company and will include first-hand accounts of the greatest moments and most challenging times, from the funniest encounters to the nearly business-breaking moments.

Topics include:

• Refining Your Market – What are you selling and to whom?
• Running With the Big Dogs – How to compete smartly and where to put your efforts
• Perils and Pitfalls – What works and what to watch out for
• Lemons to Lemonade – Turning challenges into opportunities
• Effective, Dynamic, Memorable Promotions – Making a million without spending a million
• Evolution – Using adaptations as a competitive weapon – or "How to turn on a dime"
• Catapulting to Success – Mining your resources to find greater success
• Resources (Small Business Administration, SCORE, etc.)
• Peer Groups (Women President's Organization, Midwest Entrepreneurs Club, etc.)

	Mat Orrego President and CEO,  Cornerstone Information Systems		Scott Ahlsmith, CTC President and CEO, Magellan Travel Technologies
	Jacque Salentine Busby President & Owner, Salentine Travel

7 Things Every Consumer Needs To Know About Timeshare
Presented by Lisa Ann Schreier
This presentation aims to educate consumers about timeshare, and Lisa is dedicated to her role as “The Timeshare Crusader”, shying away from forming alliances with any particular timeshare or type of timeshare.  Neither pro- nor anti-timeshare, her goal is merely to separate the myths from the facts and let consumers make their own wise choices.

Castle Hopping
Presented by Stephanie Abrams
Take a fairytale trip with Stephanie Abrams as she meanders through majestic castles and palaces with you, planning your days abroad, and in the US, and learn about how to continue the castle experience through the night at historic accommodations in castle properties. Stephanie will share hints on how to make your Castle-Hopping trip happen without spending a king's ransom.

Hear Stephanie talk about storming majestic castles by day and then staying in those same castles and other historical properties by night for a complete Medieval travel experience in both Europe and the U.S. You don’t need the riches of a king to enjoy these often lesser-known, charming and exquisite castles, many with U.S. connections.

Community and User Generated Content: Why Is It Important?
Presented by Jim Donnelly
User generated content and community have become an important part of travel marketing.  As a consumer, learn what you need to look out for, how you can use this content and community to help you plan great trips, and which travel companies are doing the best job of building communities and encouraging great content from travelers.

Make Money and Save Money with Agenta!
Presented by Bill Moreno
Brought to you by Amadeus
Agenta gives you the freedom and flexibility to do what you do best - sell travel. With cost savings and new revenue opportunities, you’ll make money and save money with Agenta.  With Agenta, you’ll receive the latest travel booking technology which makes selling travel faster and easier than ever. Learn how you can give your customers what only a travel agent can offer them.

Sell the World with Amadeus Selling Platform (Vista)
Presented by Patty Walker
Brought to you by Amadeus
What if every flight you sold was an opportunity to sell more? With the Amadeus Selling Platform (Vista), you can easily book hotels, car rentals, cruises, insurance, event tickets, tours and more. With greater content access, you’ll have more to sell at your fingertips so you can maximize the sale in less time, every time. As the industry’s first browser-based point of sale, Amadeus Selling Platform (Vista) gives you the power to earn more, save time, and increase customer loyalty. And since every agency operates differently, Amadeus Selling Platform (Vista) is designed with the flexibility and versatility to fit your work style. No wonder it's the most widely used travel sales platform in the world!

Knowledge Is Power for At-Home Agents
Presented by Scott Whitley
Brought to you by Agent@Home
If you are an at-home agent or are thinking about taking your business home, please join us for an interactive and educational seminar that will present you with the knowledge you need for your business to grow and succeed.  Learn how to better market yourself and your business in order to boost sales and increase productivity. Gain useful sales tips and learn what resources are at your fingertips to keep your current on industry events and product information.  This is a seminar you don't want to miss!

Understanding Active & Adventure Travel: A 100 Billion Dollar Specialty Market
Presented by Costas Christ, President, Adventure Council and Contributing Editor And Columnist, National Geographic Adventure magazine; and Richard Weiss, Principal, Richard R Weiss Associates.
Brought to you by The Adventure Council and The Travel Institute

Here is your opportunity to learn about one of the fastest growing segments of the global tourism industry - active and adventure travel. In the US alone, $115 billion dollars is spent annually on adventure travel. In the past year, 55 million American's took a active or adventure vacation - up 14 percent from the previous year.  In a survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America, all of the top ten destinations selected U.S. travelers represented outdoor experiences. This session, lead by two of the leading international experts on active and adventure travel, will provide you with an overview of Adventure Travel today, including the increasing importance of sustainable tourism, and how you can capture more of this market. A growing interest in Adventure Travel certification programs for travel agents will also be discussed along with how you can seek Adventure Travel Specialist designation as a travel agent.

Corporate Travel Executive (CTE) Certification: Fundamentals of Business Travel Management
Presented by Kristi Long, CCTE, CTC
Brought to you by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA)
Fundamentals of Business Travel is NBTA's starter course for travel agents who want to become Corporate Travel managers. Normally a 2-day seminar, THETRADESHOW attendees will be able to complete the coursework in just one day and then complete the last module and the final exam online. After completing the final exam, agents will be able to carry the CTE designation and will receive a CTE certificate.

The course is designed as a guide to the primary components of managed travel. Attendees will learn how each component intersects with the required competencies and skill sets needed in business travel management. Learn the key areas to maximizing cost containment, improving efficiency and creating a managed travel culture in your company. Attendees will hear expert course facilitators on the subjects of travel safety and security, travel spending trends and benchmark metrics. An overview of business travel technology will be included along with a comprehensive discussion on travel policy, savings opportunities and calculating the ROI of a managed travel program. *Please note if you are not in this session before 11:00am, you will miss too much of the material and not be able to join the course.

National Tourism Organization (NTO) Forum
This forum invites all NTO attendees of THETRADESHOW to participate in an exchange of ideas and discussion of issues that affect their specific segment of the industry. NTO will discuss issues and tips on how to deal with different topics like the following: How can you get Travel Agents to look at your various niche markets and begin putting that forward to the consumers; How to work with the tour operators that keep promising to visit a destination but never do; Low price vs Quality in the Caribbean Region and the difference between standards of the European and the North American Traveler to the Caribbean region and Mexico; Which trade shows are tour operators getting the most out of and why.

New Ke Kula O' Hawaii and An In-Depth Look From The Islands, Kauai, Oahu, Maui Nui and the Big Island
Presented by Christina Aldanese, CTC, Malie Horner, Chris Kai'aokamalie, Eric Dutro, and Stacy Alford
Brought to you by the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau
Upon completion of this seminar, you'll have a basic understanding of the geography, climate and major attractions of Hawai'i. Using this knowledge, you'll be able to increase your confidence in selling Hawai'i and its related travel products. In addition, the travel professional will have a thorough understanding of the target clients that Hawai'i attracts, which will enable them to increase sales of Hawaii-related travel products.

The seminar will cover:

• Basic information on the islands of Hawai'i, such as location, geography, climate, tourist seasons, weather patterns, population, transportation and accommodations

• Primary attractions of the islands

• The fascinating history and culture of the islands and how it relates to your clients

• The top 5 reasons why people want to go to Hawai'i

• How to recognize selling opportunities that can increase your profitability

• How to counter the 5 most common objections to a Hawai'i vacation

• How to use today's technology to better sell Hawai'i

To further enhance the travel professional's knowledge of Hawaii, after the Ke Kula 'O Hawai'i seminar, they will hear from each individual Island Chapter: Kauai, Oahu, Maui Nui, and Hawaii's Big Island. They will be able to learn about important information regarding what's current and unique from each island. The Island Chapters will address new things to see and do for profitable client types, such as: the avid traveler, outdoor recreation traveler, culture and arts traveler, romance traveler, and golf traveler.

European Travel Skills Presented by Rick Steves Courtesy of Inter-Continental Hotels Group For 25 years, Rick Steves has been taking careful notes so you can learn from his mistakes rather than your own.  He will teach you secrets of safe, smart, inexpensive travel as well as planning an efficient itinerary. This seminar will give you an "insider's view" of his travel philosophy and business model.

Getting More Business from the United States – Workshop for Suppliers
Presented by John Pittman
Attend this seminar to learn how to increase the amount of business conducted with agents and tour operators in the United States. The eight basic steps to increasing your international business will be discussed and include: knowing your target audience; communicating; developing alliances; establish credentials; discuss business; sell benefits, not features; emphasize quality and follow-ups. Learn creative ways for obtaining new business and retaining those clients.

Cruising: Knowing the World You Sell (15 CLIA Points)
Presented by Bernie Blomquist, MCC, CTC
Brought to you by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
In this course, you will learn to apply the geographic information presented to advise clients on both familiar and exotic cruise destinations. You'll become familiar with both popular, well-known destinations, and those that are not well known, more exotic, and in many cases, more appealing to certain cruise clients.

Niche Cruise Specialist Certification Program
Presented by Larry Dessler
Brought to you by the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance
Agents will learn about the opportunities of selling unique niche cruise products, how to identify the market and a prospect for this commission rich product. Agents will also receive tips into marketing and promotion and receive a briefing on the unique experiences provided by niche cruise products. At the end of the program agents will receive their certification and a Niche Cruise Specialist, over $600 in bonus commission certificates, a listing on the NCMA web site and subscriptions to the Niche Cruise Specialist newsletter which features information on new products, special fam and bonus commission information.

Profiting from Romance - How to Make Money From the Wedding/Honeymoon Market
Brought to you by the Conde Nast Bridal Group
Presented by Jacqueline Johnson
The only authority on all things bridal presents a comprehensive program that deals with all aspects of the bridal market from the cost of the wedding to the selection of the honeymoon product. Learn how to tap into this $161 Billion industry that generates over $8.6 Billion in honeymoon sales alone. With an increase of over 400% in Destination Weddings learn how to be a part of this 'Must Buy' market.

Selling to Special Interests (10 CLIA Points)
Presented by Bernie Blomquist, MCC, CTC
Brought to you by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
In this interactive seminar you'll learn dozens of strategies to help you reach and satisfy niche clients. You'll see how both mainstream and specialized cruise products can satisfy their needs. Explore profiles of six common niche client types and what they want from a vacation travel experience.

Re-Energize Your Bottom Line by Specializing in Spa Travel
Presented by Orlando Hidalgo
Brought to you by The Travel Institute
Join The Travel Institute as we introduce you to the lucrative Spa specialist market. Spas continue to grow in popularity for travelers who wish to escape, relax, reduce stress, and pamper themselves. More than 45 million travelers in North America visited spas, collectively earning spas $11 billion in revenue! Join us in this seminar, based on The Travel Institute's new Spa Lifestyle Specialist course, and learn how you too can tap into this growing market. We'll explore:

• The different types of spas and spa seekers.
• How to match your clients to the right spa for their needs.
• Tips for working with spas to build preferred supplier relationships.
• Marketing and sales strategies that will boost your bottom line.

Viral Marketing -- Catch It!
Presented by Scott Ahlsmith, CTC
Brought to you by The Travel Institute
Rather than interrupting people with travel offers they may or may not want, learn how to help people talk about you to each other while you get out of the way. In this workshop, you will learn how to create interesting and remarkable viral marketing stories that will be transferred from one conversation to another. You will leave the workshop with a list of "sneezers" who will help you spread your viral stories as well as a new and 4-point new Web and blog strategy that will promote your brand and save you money.

Understanding Groups (10 CLIA Points)
Presented by Tom Cogan, MCC, CTC
Brought to you by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
In this course, you will develop a deeper understanding of the group travel industry, and learn how to sell and market to groups in order to expand your customer base and increase your profits by presenting successful "Cruise Nights."

It's About Time You Developed That Niche
Presented by Suzanne Slavitter CTP, CTIE
It's never to late to learn about niche marketing or even develop your second or third niche. We'll discuss how to analyze your product or market, look at cost effective marketing and learn about Phone Aerobics^SM - how to to maximize your telephone sales and telemarketing techniques. You can write and develop your business plan while attending this WORKSHOP so come prepared to WORK.

Hispanic Travel Marketing Trends
Presented by Teresa Villarreal
Brought to you by Gerencia de Viajes
This seminar will present the results of the 'Qualitative Study of Travel Behavioral Patterns of Mexicans and Other Hispanic Residents in the USA'. The purpose of this study is to further comprehend certain social and cultural characteristics that shape the travel industry for Mexicans and other Hispanics traveling to Mexico. Our study consists of exploring generational perceptions and differences that influence traveling their traveling habits. In order to do so, we took into account certain factors such as: favorite airlines, motives for travel, favorite destinations, and how they receive information, and on what basis they purchase airline tickets.

Airline Programs
Presented by Pete Garcia
Brought to you by Gerencia de Viajes
This seminar will address the methods on how you should approach the Hispanic market in your advertising, direct mail, Latinized product on the ground and in the air and sales strategies to get to the market.

Travel Agency Success Stories
Presented by Amelia Cachaldora
Brought to you by Gerencia de Viajes
MK Tours was started in 1981, as a tool to offer South Florida’s growing Hispanic Community a familiar alternative to typical travel agencies. Ms. Cachaldora created a team of multi-lingual travel professionals who could make her clients feel comfortable and confident about making travel arrangements in their own language.

MK Tours search  to be recognized as the Premier Tour Operator in the Hispanic communities throughout the United States. MK Tours intend on achieving this by providing industry leadership, while setting standards and creating opportunities that are geared towards generating growth and volume of “Hispanic” travelers. And able to accomplish this by focusing on specific destinations and creating strategic alliances that will work to sustain development of this market.

20 Tips for Home-Based Success 
Presented by Stuart Cohen, MCC
Fire half your customers? Run for mayor? Stop multi-tasking? YES! Initiate my twenty extreme tips and your business will be impacted immediately and extraordinarily. They’re remarkably simple, slightly radical, and totally free! 

Home Based Travel Professional - How to Make the Move to Being a Home-Based Travel Professional
Presented by Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC
Take this important step to explore how you can re-engineer your business environment and sell travel from the comfort of your home as a home based travel agent. This in-depth seminar will open up new channels of information about operating a home-based travel agency and will give you the facts you need to make important decisions. Topics covered will include choosing a host or going it alone; elements of development; home based office set up; commissions & overrides; supplier relationships; tax information; Knowing your skills & using them to make this a turning point in your travel career, can offer infinite possibilities.

Pure Selling Skills
Presented by Stuart Cohen, MCC
Our most challenging daily task is getting the cash from the client! I believe successful selling is part science and part art. My special “blended” strategies include The Funnel Effect, Body Part Sales, and Right Word/Wrong Word. I’ll teach them to you in detail and give you the confidence to ask for the business and grab the cash like you’ve never done before.

Host Agencies Panel
Successful host agency representatives will share the do's and the don'ts of managing and prospering as a hosting travel agency for independent home based agents. The panelists represent various types of host agencies such as full service hosts, franchise hosts, and technology focused host agencies.  If you are thinking about creating a host program or are already a host agency, this panel is where you need to be! If you are a home based agency looking for a host agency, come check out these experts and learn what services that host agencies can provide.

	Moderator: Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC		Brad Anderson Co-President, America's Vacation Center/American Express
	Jody Ryland Business Development Manager, Partners in Travel		Scott Koepf CTC, MCC General Manager, Jurni Network Consortium and Nexion
	Kim Sherrett Director of Agent Relations, Travel Planners International		Nina Meyer CTC, MCC, DS National Director of Leisure Sales & Marketing, TraveLeaders

Home Based Independent Agents in the U.S. Travel Agent Market – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Presented by Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC
This workshop will discuss the history of the home based independent agent distribution channel and it's phenomenal growth over the last 10 years in the United States. The evolution of these agents and their buying types and trends will be shared in this presentation. Understanding how to find and market to these agents will unlock the mystery and open the doors to enable suppliers to better communicate and sell to these agents. Agent trends, business types and supplier relationships will be covered in this informative session about a growing and very lucrative channel of distribution for travel. If you are a supplier interested in reaching this entreprenuerial group of agents, be sure to attend this session.

Product Seminars

Travel Agents: The Force Behind "Explore Beyond the Shore"
Presented by Narciso Moreno
Brought to you by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC)
Come and experience how a group of travel agents helped design our new advertising campaign and learn how to Explore Beyond the Shore.

Radical Retailing - Proven Strategies To Help You Create Dramatic Sales and Profit Increases In Your Business
Presented by Scott Koepf CTC, MCC
Brought to you by Sabre Holdings
The most successful travel retailers are radically different and radically memorable. The Radical Retailing Workshop looks at what makes a few retailing experiences so magical.

Past retailing trends, which change more and more rapidly can be the best indicator of what is to come.

As Yogi Berra said, “Prediction can be very difficult, especially about the future.”

However, to rise above the competition and triumph over the category killers, a clear understanding of where retailing has been provides answers as to where it is headed.

There is never just one approach to becoming a unique and successful retailer, so this program leads participants to where they can determine the right solution or combination of solutions to achieve “Radical Retailing.”

Jeju, Korea, Up Close & Personal
Presented by Mr. Young Park
Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization and Jeju Provincial Government

Come and get very close and personal with Jeju and Korea.  The seminar will be divided in three sections, with two pop quiz breaks in between. If you pay close attention you are in for great prizes.  The first section is an overview of Korea and its general attractions, the second part will focus exclusively on Jeju and its 10 secrets, while the last part will examine in detail the Jeju Korea IDE. A seminar not to be missed, not only will you learn of Korea and Jeju, but you’ll also learn of all the reasons why you should come to next year’s IDE in Jeju Island in Dynamic Korea!

How to Sell Yucatan
Presented by Eloisa Vadillo
Brought to you by Mexico Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism of Yucatan
Learn about the Yucatan State's world-famous archaeological sites, enchanting colonial cities, romantic haciendas and resorts, beautiful beaches and distinct cuisine that make it one of Mexico's premier travel destinations. Presented by the Ministry of Tourism of Yucatan and the Mexico Tourism Board.

Specialization - Turning Niche Markets into New Business
Presented by Paull Tickner
Brought to you by British Heritage Tours
This seminar is a must if you see tour potential for garden, literary Britain, Visual & Performing Art and Church Groups, family luxury travel and Women only travel.  BHT's Educational Adventures in Special Interest (EASI) program will help you identify develop and turn these and other untapped sources of new business into valuable small groups of 12 or more.

Protect and Profit
Presented by Cynthia Perry, CTC, V.P. Retail Sales 
Brought to you by TravelSafe Insurance
Learn how to Protect your clients and Profit at the same time!  TravelSafe Insurance, a leader in the industry since 1971, will discuss what to look for in choosing an insurance provider, why you should offer travel insurance to all of your clients, and proven tips to increase your insurance sales. Cynthia will also introduce to you the variety of products offered by TravelSafe Insurance and the outstanding commissions you can earn.

CIE Tours – Ireland, Britain & Italy – 2007
Presented by Dennis Savage, Jim Kelly, and Margaret Forton
Brought to you by CIE Tours International
What’s hot? What’s new? What’s profitable? 

CIE Tours product line with Ireland, Britain, Italy and European River Cruises!!

Come to an entertaining yet informative seminar on Tuesday, September 12th, 9:00-9:45am. Hear about new itineraries and hotels in Ireland, learn about our Italy products and find new ways to create profitable group business. That’s no Blarney!!

Cyber Rules: Strategies for Excelling at e-Commerce in the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Industry
Presented by Michael McCoy
Brought to you by eTurboNews.com
Technology has become an important component of domestic and international business and has succeeded in blurring the line that marks the difference between work and play. The heart of e-business growth is an interesting paradox as e-business is built on technology but it is not about technology. It is about the same thing that solid business growth has always been about: the satisfaction of individual customers’ needs. This is the single-minded commitment that every company should have as it seeks to generate greater and greater successes.

Thomas Steinmetz, the power-house behind eTN publishing (eturbonews.com, travel telegram, WeKnowWhatWomenWant.com, etc.) is often asked how his business has changed as a result of the Internet. Steinmetz responds: “It really has not changed the business. We are in the business of publishing magazines.  Rather than fundamentally changing the business, the Internet has enhanced the way we are able to operate.”

Cyber-Rules reviews the basic conventions about the use of the Internet for the introduction, growth and expansion of the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, enabling all sectors to increase efficiency and profitability.

Just Add Land: Increasing Your Alaska Land Tour Sales
Presented by Tania Hancock, DS, ACC
Brought to you by Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
Alaska has never been more popular- Don't miss your opportunity to increase commissions by up selling Alaska land tours and maximizing pre and post cruise programs! This fun, interactive seminar has been designed to help dispel myths and misconceptions about the "Great Land" and includes great activities, attractions, local tips and personal insights for booking Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska. Join Destination Specialist, Tania Hancock, Tourism Sales Manager with the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, as she shares her 30 years of Alaska experience and assists you in increasing your knowledge base, confidence and success in selling America's Last Frontier.

Using Your 6th Sense in Sales - How to Sell Peru Effectively
Presented by Elisabeth Hakim
Brought to you by PromPeru
Presented by PromPeru, the Commission for the Promotion of Peru, this seminar will cover all the benefits you can focus at when selling this unique destination. Peru is heir to ancient cultures with one of the richest biodiversities of Earth and a product that can increase your revenues significantly. Follow your sense of opportunity, pack all your senses and come to our presentation.

MailPound - Elegantly Simple Business Tools for the Savvy Travel Agent
Presented by Debbie Maier
Brought to you by MailPound
MailPound is the travel industry’s most comprehensive, intuitive, and up-to-minute accurate marketing resource available today.  With just a few clicks of the mouse an agent can touch clients with:

•  Consumer Flyers -targeted, personalized e-flyers displaying deals and promotions of interest to that client;  

•  E-Brochures - personalized, customized electronic brochures with the latest page-turning technology, targeted entirely to the client’s needs;  

•  BrochureQuest - personalized, customized, printed supplierbrochures, sent in a plastic sleeve complete with a cover letter, ready to be in a client’s hands over-night.

MailPound also provides learning opportunities for agents, including real-time webinars, and a huge archive of seminars on a variety of topics.

Come see why both suppliers and agents alike trust our expertise when they want to reach future travelers.  

Our Incredible India 
Presented by Capt. Swadesh Kumar, President, ASTA (India) Chapter
Brought to you by India Tourism
This session will involve a general discussion on India as a destination with special reference to the recent developments taking place in the country.

Hong Kong Specialist Program - Plus Macau!
Presented by Chip Cooper and Frank de Clara
Brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board
2006 Discover Hong Kong Year showcases Hong Kong as a place of both new attractions and hidden treasures...and The Hong Kong Specialist Program provides agents with the tools to market them. Ngong  Ping 360 Journey of Enlightenment, Wetland Park,  and Hong Kong Disneyland all add fresh dimension to Hong Kong's fantastic shopping, world-renowned dining and incredible cultural heritage.  Plus, learn how to leverage Macau and it's UNESCO World Heritage sites to give your clients a fascinating extension to any Hong Kong vacation. Come join us and gain the tools to grow your business as a Hong Kong Specialist!

Make a Carload of $$ with Auto Europe
Presented by Peter Rasmussen and Darya Camacci
Brought to you by Auto Europe
Learn how to maximize your commission from existing clients and find new ones. Auto Europe is not just cars anymore, but also pays high commissions on air/hotel bookings and you will be surprised to find out how much money can be made from just 1 car rental booking.  Auto Europe will teach you how increase sales and earn big money with: air/hotel bookings, car bookings, long term rentals, chauffeur drive for transfers and shore excursions throughout Europe and more. At our seminar, register for and learn how to use our new “Agent Only” reservation system guaranteeing the best rates. Also find out how you can create a link from your existing website to earn commission without doing a thing.  Benefit by attending our seminar and sign-up for Auto Europe’s Cash and Travel Service Incentives.

Attend our seminar to learn and win some great travel prizes.

Celebrity Product Update - Celebrity Treatment
Presented by Michelle Homoky
Brought to you by Celebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Treatment....Come and learn the reasons why Celebrity sells.  Celebrity Cruises took highest honors in "Best Cruise Ships in the World" poll for the large ship category. All 7 of our ships were ranked in the top 10. Celebrity's current nine-ship fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, and a third Solstice-class ship in 2010.

Travel Impressions - Learn with Us and Earn with Us...
Presented by Bob Pieri
Brought to you by American Express
Come and learn about all of Travel Impressions new products and services. We will discuss new destinations along with our newly enhanced technology. Whether your a traditional agent, home based or internet marketer you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Europe Cruisetours
Presented by Bo Franz
Brought to you by Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean European Cruisetours let your clients experience the best of a land & sea vacation.  Find out why sell Royal Caribbean Cruisetours?

Presentation Pavilion

ModernAgents Plan More Fun!
Presented by Neil Strickland
Brought to you by ModernAgent
Join ModernAgent as we take you on a quick walk-thru of ModernAgent.com and the tools available to you on the site for FREE!  Learn more about the largest travel agent website in the world and how it can assist you in your day-to-day business needs. Tools that we’ll cover include: ModernAgent TV and ModernAgent’s Travel Pulse Daily that keep you up-to-date on the latest industry news, events, and trends; our Consumer Newsletter Tool that lets you send destination and product themed newsletters to your clients with just the click of a button.  ModernAgent also gives you easy access to special promotions and information from the destinations and suppliers you sell every day, plus much more!  Join us for a fun walk-thru of the FREE tools available to you on ModernAgent.com!

Whispers from Jeju
Brought to you by Korea Tourism Organization
A live musical performance with five musicians playing a panflute (western instrument) and traditional Korean bamboo flutes, mixing in harmony the sounds from the west and the east, giving a taste of the true essence of Jeju, known as the island of peace.

The Power Of Worldspan
Brought to you by Worldspan
An overview of Worldspan technology and travel agency solutions.

Take a Fresh Look at Galileo!
Presented by Eileen Kennedy and Michael Ihle
Brought to you by Galileo
Join us for an informative session to discover how Galileo is providing the capabilities which helps agencies enhance their day to day productivity and grow their business.  Come find out about the depth of our content including air, hotel, cruise and more and new product enhancements which help you handle sales with the speed and flexibility your customers expect while providing you with the service and support you deserve.

SATH - Catch the Spirit, Tap the Market!
Presented by Steve Mydanick
Find out how you can learn more about the enormous market, over 50 million in the U.S. alone, of people with disabilities. Learn how and where they can travel as more destinations and travel providers become more accessible.

Take Control of Your Hotel Bookings and Never Work for Free Again
Presented by Patti Free
Brought to you by CCRA

Join CCRA to learn how to Make More Money Faster and receive a complimentary Starbucks Gift Card for attending this session. 

Are you depending on hotel commissions that pay only about 65% of the time?  Are you still waiting 30, 60 and 90 days after your client has stayed at the hotel to get paid? Learn how to book with CCRA for fast payments, guaranteed! Your time is valuable and you deserve to be paid for it. Here's how!

•  Take control of your commission mark-up and get paid immediately by booking CCRA Net Rates
•  Search robust inventories from the GDS,  CCRA Preferred Rates, Internet Discount (Hotels.com) and CCRA's True Net Rates
•  Choose what is the best rate for your business and your clients
•  Access to real-time online reporting

Mystical, Magical Tourism…This is Jordan
Brought to you by Jordan Tourism Board North America

Alaska and Europe Cruisetours Features and Benefits
Presented by Raul Parquet
Brought to you by Royal Caribbean International
How to discover Alaska and Europe on a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour and enjoy the best of both worlds.  By land and by sea, the Cruisetour offers a truly unique Alaska or European Vacation.

Turn Web Browsers into Buyers with Email Marketing
Brought to you by Got Corp
Presented by Luc Vezina, Director, Strategy & Product Management
You’re probably spending a large part of your marketing budget driving traffic to your website – through paid search engine marketing, directory listings and optimizing your website for search. Are you ready to close the loop on turning browsers into repeat buyers? Let Email Marketing provide the tools you need to build, segment and manage high-quality opt-in lists and start sending relevant highly targeted email campaigns that keep subscribers coming back for more.

Italy: Land of Wonders! Dimension of Dreams! A Window opened from Centuries on a World of Magic Harmony!
Presented by Dr. Riccardo Strano
Brought to you by ASTA's Italy Chapter

Use A Travel Agent and Save Big!
Travel agents provide service, more information than you can find on the web, and expertise. Learn how to find a travel agent for your next trip!

Honeymoons
Presented by Cheryl Hudak, CTC
Worry Free....Stress Free.....Relaxed....indulged.....ALL reasons to book your Honeymoon thru A Professional ASTA Travel Agent.  Haven't you got better things to worry about??

International Travel
Presented by Kari Thomas, CTC
Bon Jour, Jambo, Konnichiwa. Different language, different money... an international trip can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned traveler. A visa isn’t just a credit card, the thumbs up sign can be offensive; don’t learn these things the hard way. Find out how a professional travel agent can help make your trip abroad smooth sailing.

"Traveling With Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman" - LIVE!
Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman, hosts of Sirus Radio's "Traveling With Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman," will be broadcasting live from THETRADESHOW! During the one-hour show, they’ll interview ASTA travel agents about travel trends, travel tips, and their favorite travel destinations.

Secrets Every Traveler Should Know
Presented by Wendy Perrin