The 3-day travel show conference program is designed specifically for you. It offers comprehensive education and training to enrich your career and increase your sales. By attending THETRADESHOW, you will gain the essential knowledge and expertise to make your travel business more profitable. In just three education packed days, the #1 travel trade show in North America will provide a wide selection of educational sessions to help you enhance your areas of expertise and capture more sales opportunities.

Technology

Blogging for Business: Using Weblogs as Part of your Company Marketing Plan
Presented by Bryan Alaspa
Today everyone seems to be talking about blogging, but why should you care? A blog, or weblog, is a great way to develop and showcase your expertise in a given area, network with customers, and even turn into an income stream.   Join professional writer and blogger, Bryan Alaspa, as he explains what a blog is, how to create one for your company, the kind of articles to write, building and maintaining an audience and even how to earn some extra income using your blog.

CRM - Customer Relationship Management 2.0
Presented by Chelle Honiker Yarbrough, CTC
Go beyond the email newsletter or invoice retrieval. Get away from your desk and use your mobile phone to access full customer data. Wondered how sAAs (Software as a service) or Cloud Computing would work for your business - or have no clue what those terms mean? This session covers the best practices of customer relationship management using web-based software to manage your contact information and activities. Chelle Honiker Yarbrough, CTC breaks it down into simple, "what does this mean to me?" language for the travel pro.
She'll cover the basics of this revolutionary type of client management, including how to update the database by sending email to it. Imagine a lead generated from your website automatically arriving in your database, tagged as a lead, generating a follow up task (on your calendar) and categorized with the destination or cruise line for your email newsletter follow up. The task also appears in an ical feed, so it's on your mobile phone or Google calendar with no extra action from you. Palm, Windows Mobile phone & iphone users can fully access the database securely - perfect for the home-based travel pro on the go. Log all your communications, integrate with Google docs & Gmail. Never miss another opportunity - but no MBA or PhD required to get started.
We'll talk big-picture possibilities, but also real-world case studies. You'll leave with resources and information you can take back to the office the same day and implement.

Formula for Email Success - Unveiling 34 Indispensable Tips that get a Reply
Presented by Karen Purves, MA
Do you struggle to get the information you request from others? Do you have a 90% or better response rate to your email inquiries? Do you dread "cold" calls? This program shows you how to send effective emails that get clients and colleagues to read your messages, reply to your requests and make your life easier! This information is relevant for anyone who wants to be successful in their use of email for business or personal communication. Particularly effective for people in sales, this program will give you the edge to increase sales without picking up the phone to make "cold" calls. Attend this session and learn proven tips that work!

Google Docs Delivers!
Presented by Carol Fullmer
Learn to maximize use of Google’s online document, spreadsheet and presentation features.
You’ll find how easy it is to coordinate with existing documents created in Word, Excel or PPT.

Collaboration with others; users can view and edit documents online at the same time!
Prepare group proposals and presentations viewable as online slide shows.
Learn how to create and email a survey or form to clients with responses automatically added to a Google spreadsheet.

Embed a form or a presentation on your own website without knowing a bit of html! Sound complicated?
Not at all. It’s like magic, easy to use and FREE from Google. 

Let’s Get Acquainted with ClientBase
Brought to you by Sabre Travel Network
Presented by Ken Jonker
Let's get acquainted with ClientBase. We will show you how to get started with the leading CRM tool for travel agents.

Mastering Social Networking for Business: The Next Frontier in Reaching your Audience
Presented by Kate Koziol
Social Networking has expanded from its start as a 20-something playground to a vast online social marketplace where business is won and business is lost.  Learn what to do online from a corporate perspective and what not to do.  Hear first hand examples of great wins and huge blunders so that you can navigate these new waters will ease and success.  Learn the language of social networking from the latest Twitter tactics and learn about the next great tool.   

Sabre Cruises - The Hottest Tool for Selling Cruises is Here!
Brought to you by Sabre Travel Network
Presented by Tina Shaffer
You asked, we delivered.  Our fantastic new cruise booking tool allows you to cross shop 13 leading cruise lines more efficiently than ever before.  Come learn how to shop, compare and book you favorite cruise lines – all through one exciting Web site.  See how to shop five cruise lines at one time and learn how to easily sell upgrades, amenities and pre and post sailing packages. Sabre Cruises is available to all travel agents.

Twitter and Your Twavel Business
Presented by Chelle Honiker Yarbrough, CTC
Twitter is the next email. The next Google. The next killer app. You heard it here first and now you need to hear why. Join Chelle Honiker Yarbrough, CTC for a discussion of Twitter - from the travel perspective.You’ll learn what Twitter is - but more importantly how it can help you find new customers and sell more travel.
You’ll learn about hashtags, search options, desktop clients, mobile clients and how to tie your account to other social media networks, like Facebook, Plaxo & LinkedIn. No need to duplicate your work now, right? Learn how to do it the right way and not annoy business networks with personal messages, but filter enough personal to enhance your business profile. There are some “rules” to being a good twitizen, - and we’ll cover the "thou shalts and shall nots"  to be sure you’re not hurting your business more than helping it.
Chelle will also cover followers and following, where to find them and the etiquette for retaining the best ones. You’ll get a good list of followers to get you started and some great website resources to jump start your efforts right away.
 

Cruise

Better Listening Skills for Better Business - 10 credits toward ACC and MCC certification requirements
Brought to you by CLIA
Presented by John Bateman, MCC, CTC
Ever found yourself listening to a client and suddenly realize you have no idea what they've just said? Or read something and, at the end, discovered that you recall nothing? Don't think it's just you. It's happening to everyone. In this essential seminar you'll find out what behaviors you must avoid to protect your ability to concentrate and you'll learn dozens of proven, practical strategies to reinforce your ability to recall, pay attention and really listen.

Creating a Cruise Marketing Plan - 15 credits toward ACC, MCC, ECC and ECCS certification requirements
Brought to you by CLIA
Presented by Tom Cogan, MCC, CTC
Successful businesses know a marketing plan is an absolute essential. This seminar will show you how all the pieces fit into the marketing puzzle while identifying the essential components in a successful yet simple marketing plan and how to apply them.

Local Public Relations Techniques: How to Maximize Your Agency’s Visibility - 15 credits toward ACC, MCC, ECC and ECCS certification requirements
Brought to you by CLIA
Presented by John Bateman, MCC
Being a competent and respected travel agent is good, but being a well-known one -- the "expert" everyone comes to -- is even better. In this CLIA seminar, you'll learn how to become a "star" in the cruise selling business by increasing your visibility -- both personal and your agency's -- in today's competitive marketplace. And you'll discover dozens of low- or no-cost public relations techniques that will enhance your promotional strategies.

Psychology of Selling - 15 credits toward ACC, MCC, ECC and ECCS certification requirements
Brought to you by CLIA
Presented by Tom Cogan, MCC, CTC
This program will show you how to read your customers and sell from their perspective. Participants learn how to uncover hidden client needs, apply quality service, reinforce client loyalty and customize their sales techniques to different types of cruisers. You will learn the ten fundamentals to building and maintaining client loyalty in today’s world.

Who Are You? An Exploration of Your Abilities, Skills and Strengths - 15 credits toward ACC, MCC, ECC and ECCS certification requirements
Brought to you by CLIA
Presented by John Bateman, MCC, CTC
Almost everyone has heard the old, wise saying "Know Thyself." But is this relevant to our modern world? Absolutely. Knowing your strengths, overcoming your weaknesses and applying the lessons you learn from self-discovery are essential to just not personal fulfillment but also your business success. In this unique seminar, we'll take you through a series of exercises that will assess your professional skills and provide insights on how to excel in all that you do.

Home-based

Marvelous Marketing!
Presented by Scott Koepf, CTC, MCC
Finally a simple and logical approach to marketing is available through Scott’s unique and entertaining workshop!  Through an interactive process participants will discover the vision for their business, their brand and position in the marketplace, their goals and the strategies and tactics to reach them!  No fancy terminology, overwhelming statistics or confusing concepts are presented – just a program that provides a marketing plan that they can understand and use. 

 

Don’t just survive!  Learn how to THRIVE as a Home-Based Agent.
Presented by Gary Fee and Anita Pagliasso 
Agents will come away from this comprehensive seminar with the necessary tools to pump up their business from flat-line to prosperity.  Learn fun and innovative marketing skills; pros and cons of taking a business home for brick-and-mortar agencies; 30 Second Marketing; how to build a sales force of 30 for under $500 per year; what’s new regarding supplier acceptance of ID codes; effective CRM tools for home-based agents; business management skills and much more.

The Top Ten Decisions and Actions that Home Based and Independent Agents Need for Success!
Presented by Scott Koepf, CTC, MCC
Whether you are new to travel or a 30 year veteran you will benefit from a simple yet powerful program designed to help you reach and exceed your goals! In Late Nite style Scott will count down how you can become one of the top agents in the business!

The Ultimate Sales Seminar
Presented by Scott Koepf, CTC, MCC 
Most sales training focuses on techniques and skills with fancy names and manipulative results. While Scott’s Ultimate Selling Workshop does provide specific tools, it will introduce a process and style that can be personalized to each individual.
By using the sales system provided, the goal changes from completing a transaction to creating a lifetime client. Through examples, stories and personal insights, Scott offers a new and totally unique look at selling that will significantly impact results!

Niche

"All Welcome!" The Booming Gay Travel Market
Brought to you by The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
Presenter: Tom Nibbio
Since 1983, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association has been world’s Official GLBT travel authority, representing over 1800 travel & tourism-related businesses in more than 57 countries by promoting GLBT tourism worldwide.

IGLTA's GLBT Educational Program named "ALL WELCOME!" is a unique interactive course that educates the travel industry retailer, supplier and media, in regards to the global Gay & Lesbian Travel Market. 

IGLTA staff reviews and compares recent GLBT travel research studies, methodology and reports from around the world.  And shares examples of good advertising and promotional practices in this booming multi-billion dollar industry. 

The objective of the course is to provide travel agencies, other travel businesses, destinations and media outlets with a sincere appreciation for creating the best "ALL WELCOME!" environment possible for GLBT travelers worldwide, thus ensuring a safe and friendly leisure or business trip, and repeat business from this valuable market. 
TIA, The Travel Industry Association (now known as USTA – United States Travel Association) estimates that 10% of all travelers are gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual.  Many of these travelers are not identified as GLBT travelers while traveling for business or even leisure.  Therefore it is important to ALWAYS be welcoming to ALL travelers, leisure and business alike.
Seminar Topics Include:
• A quick history of Gay Tourism
• IGLTA’s resources
• Niches within this diverse market
• Justification for courting the GLBT traveler
• Travel research studies and methodology
• Supporting the needs of the GLBT traveler
• Good advertising/promotional practices
• Useful publications, media and websites
• Trusted endorsements for “Gay-Friendly” travel destinations or providers
• Top “Gay-Friendly” destinations

Fundamentals of Business Travel Management
Brought to you by NBTA
Presented by Donna Watson
The Fundamentals of Business Travel Management course is NBTA’s starter course focusing on the basics of business travel management.  This two-day workshop is designed as a guide to the primary components of managed travel.  Attendees learn how each component intersects with the required competencies and skill sets needed in business travel management.  The Fundamentals course teaches participants to maximize cost containment, improve efficiency and create a managed travel culture in a company. 

How To Grow Your Business by Effectively Selling Yourself
Presented by Mike Marchev
People do business with people. This means that you are your company and you define your brand.  In this highly entertaining marketing session, seasoned sales professional Mike Marchev will outline a proven method to grow your business by implementing five easy-to-follow steps.  Sound too easy? Make a point to attend this session.  You will be glad you did. 

India - Its More than Incredible, its Rewarding As Well
Brought to you by India Tourism
Presented by Rajeev Kohli
India is truly an Incredible Destination to sell. From the incomparable Taj Mahal to its forts and palaces; from its beaches to its might mountains; from its tiger sanctuaries to its pristine eco-reserves, there is a face of India for every traveler. This session will not only run you though some of what India has to offer but also show you how India can be a truly profitable and rewarding destination to sell.

Sales and Marketing Planning for Young Professionals
Presented by Mike Marchev
It has been said that the “plan” is never as important as the “planning.”  In this fast-paced session, industry marketing specialist Mike Marchev will walk participants through the planning process designed to clarify the young professional’s future career strategy.  When the appropriate steps are addressed early in the process, greater rewards will be realized in very short order.  This session should be a “must” for all young travel professionals who are taking their business and their future seriously.

Shoppers + Fees = Profitability
Presented by Carol Fullmer 
Travel deals are everywhere and so are “shoppers”.  That’s a good thing.
Learn to value those “shopper” phone calls and turn them into new clients.
Learn to present your skills as an advisor and consultant in the first 10 seconds of a phone call.
As a professional travel advisor, you’ll learn how to be comfortable charging fees, especially to shoppers.
If your business is based on referrals, you’ll want to make sure you’re creating an unparalleled shopping experience,and getting paid for it every time. It’s not as hard as you might think!

Travel to Cuba, what is legal and what is not legal?
Brought to you by Ya’lla Tours USA
Presented by Ronen Paldi
While travel to Cuba by citizens and residents of the United States is restricted, it is allowed for licensed people and/or organizations for Religious and Humanitarian purposes, as well as other more general purpose (journalists, scientist conducting research and so on).

The Cuban people have little or no access to many of the products that crowd the shelves of our markets and pharmacies, products that most Americans would be happy to share, if given the opportunity. In fact, the opportunity does exist.
Ya’lla Tours USA is the only wholesale tour operator that is a licensed Travel Service Provider to Cuba. As such, the company regularly organizes and services licensed groups to Cuba carrying donation goods to distribute around the country.
Since 2002 Ya’lla has sent thousands of legal travelers to Cuba and we will share our experience with the participants. 

Ronen Paldi of Ya’lla Tours USA will detail the following items:
• What United States law currently allows with regard to travel to Cuba
• Who can travel to Cuba and for what purpose
• What it means to be licensed to travel to Cuba and what are the different types of license
• How a traveler can obtain a license
• Restrictions that apply to travelers once they are in Cuba
• What it means for a tour operator to be a licensed TSP
• What travel agents need to know to protect themselves and their clients
• The unique opportunity and challenges that legal travel to Cuba presents to retail travel agents  

Ya’llas new Humanitarian DVD will be shown at the seminar and will be distributed free to all participants.

Top Agents Share Their Best Kept Secrets (Panel)
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from your peers.  In this session you will hear directly from agents who have tested various business methods to become successful.  The panelists will reveal the secrets to their success and will specifically speak on topics such as customer retention, new business development and operations management.

Presentation Pavilions

ASTA's Tour Operators Give You POWER
Brought to you by ASTA
Presented by Dannette Hose
The mission of ASTA’s Tour Operator Program (TOP) is to increase the use of tour operators by ASTA member travel agents through education, networking and promotional efforts; and to raise awareness of the Tour Operator Program and its members by creating a mutually beneficial environment for agents, tour operators and consumers.  TOP members pledge themselves to conduct their business with integrity; treat travel agents in a courteous and professional manner; and strive to perform to the travel agent's expectations. Join us and discover the benefits of using a TOP member.

Grow Your Business with ASTA
Brought to you by ASTA
Presented by Dannette Hose
You may ask yourself, why should I join an association such as the ASTA? You may think you don't have time to bother with that sort of thing. The reality of it is, time spent bettering yourself or your company is time well spent, and membership dues are but a drop in the bucket for what you get out of association membership. Whether you are a mom and pop operation or a large enterprise, association membership benefits everyone. Join us and discover the top benefits and importance of belonging to your professional trade association, ASTA.

Protect Your Business with ASTA
Brought to you by ASTA
Presented by Caitlin Gomez
Are you wondering what ASTA is doing on your behalf to protect your business?  ASTA will continue to be a zealous advocate for its Members and for the travelling public in 2009.  Any interested in learning more about these efforts should join us for a brief overview and discover the top benefits and importance of belonging to your professional trade association, ASTA.

Save Money by Becoming an ASTA Green Member
Brought to you by ASTA
Presented by Caitlin Gomez
Do something good for the planet and your bottom line.  Join us and learn how ASTA’s Green Program can give you the educational and promotional resources that will help save money and distinguish you from your competition while reducing the environmental impact of your office operations.


Check back frequently for new sessions as updates are made daily.