Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is THETRADESHOW?

A: THETRADESHOW—Travel Retail And Destination Expo—is a three-day event connecting thousands of travel agents and travel suppliers from every segment of the industry in one convenient location.

Q: How can I get media credentials for THETRADESHOW?

A: Please complete and return a media registration form. All applications are subject to approval.

A: A Media Working Room will available to the press. As a reporter, you'll have full access to computers and the Internet, as well as space to conduct interviews or just relax and have a quick bite to eat and or a cup of coffee.

 Q: Are there any special events for reporters to attend?

A: Absolutely! THETRADESHOW hosts a number of press conferences, including the opening press conference. There will be additional press conferences hosted by THETRADESHOW partners, exhibitors and suppliers. THETRADESHOW press conference schedule will be found in the Communications Department office.

Q: How do I get in touch with a trade show speaker/partner to interview him or her?

A: For interviews, see the Communications Dept. staff at the Las Vegas Convention Center when you arrive or e-mail your request now to pr@thetradeshow.org, to set it up in advance.

A: Most, if not all, of the speakers at THETRADESHOW will have distributed their contact information via handouts. If you do not have their contact information, or if you were not able to attend a particular presentation, please visitwww.thetradeshow.org to obtain extensive contact information for THETRADESHOW speakers. If you need further information, please contact the Communications Department at (703) 739-8710 in advance of the show, or onsite.

 Q: How can I get photographs of some of the events that take place at THETRADESHOW?

A: See the Communications staff to make a request in advance of the event so that digital photos can be e-mailed to you as soon as possible following the THETRADESHOW.

Q: I am not able to attend THETRADESHOW this year, but I would like to know more about the press conferences and seminars. Will the Web site be updated throughout the week?

A: THETRADESHOW Web site will be updated continually with extensive speaker contact information, speech transcripts and photos of THETRADESHOW events and participants.

Q: I am not able to attend, but I would like to speak with THETRADESHOW partners and/or speakers. Can I do this?

A: The best way to be put in touch with THETRADESHOW partners and/or speakers is by calling the Communications Department at (703) 739-8710. Depending on your goal, we can put you in touch with the best possible person to speak with for your story.

 Q: If I am not able to attend THETRADESHOW this year but would like to go next year, how can obtain more information?

A: THETRADESHOW will take place the second week of September every year and will be held in Orlando in even years and Las Vegas (Sept. 13-15, 2009) in odd years.

Q: What is THETRADESHOW?

A: THETRADESHOW—Travel Retail And Destination Expo—is a new, three-day event connecting thousands of consumers, travel agents and travel suppliers from every segment of the industry in one convenient location.

Q. Why did ASTA replace the World Travel Congress with THETRADESHOW?

A. To benefit agents and suppliers. The traditional model of Congress, hop-scotching between domestic and international destinations, is not compatible with the way today’s agencies budget for shows and suppliers ship freight. With a consistent date and location, THETRADESHOW will allow everyone to plan well in advance to attend, resulting in easier access and lowered costs.

Q: What can agents and suppliers expect at THETRADESHOW?

A: More business. There will be numerous chances to generate more business through an open trade floor, business-to-business appointments, world-class education, a consumer day and two trade-only days. The program will be information-intensive and highly condensed so agents will get even more education and networking opportunities than at Congress but in a shorter amount of time.

Q: What was the turnout for the first THETRADESHOW in Orlando, Sept. 10-12, 2006?

A: The buzz created by the news show was huge, and the first meeting brought over 4,800 agents, suppliers and consumers together.

Q: How does THETRADESHOW differ from other travel trade shows?

A: Most travel shows focus on one particular aspect of travel, like luxury travel or cruises, or they bring in an abridged list of preferred suppliers, like at a consortia or franchise show. But casting a wider net produces a bigger catch. That’s why THETRADESHOW encompasses every aspect of travel, from the least expensive to the most glamorous hotel properties, from the lowest to the highest end cruise lines. Global and inclusive, THETRADESHOW provides the most suppliers and destinations for agents to meet and conduct real business.

Q: Are many industry organizations involved?

A: Yes—it takes many hands to create a show this big. THETRADESHOW is produced and backed by ASTA, ACTA, Adventures in Travel Expo, American Express, CLIA, IGLTA, Messe Berlin, NACTA, NTA, the Travel Institute National Forum, See America, TIA, USA Today and USTOA. ASTA is involved behind the scenes when it comes to the show’s execution and logistics, but the promotion, marketing and planning incorporates input from all these leading organizations to emphasize that THETRADESHOW is the industry event.

Q: What is the Consumer Day?

A: THETRADESHOW is open to consumers for one day to increase public awareness about the value of using travel agents in planning vacations. Suppliers will also be on hand to offer educational mini-seminars that promote travel agents to consumers. The Internet may provide consumers with information, but a travel agent brings expertise to the table. Consumers will leave THETRADESHOW appreciating the exceptional value of that expertise.