THETRADESHOW Features Hosted Buyer Program

Alexandria, Va., Aug. 18, 2009 This year, THETRADESHOW (Sept. 13-15) is offering more incentives than ever for qualified agents to attend North America’s largest retail travel event. The newest incentive—the Hosted Buyer Program—offers agents the opportunity to actually be hosted by a THETRADESHOW partner. Launching a hosted buyer program positions THETRADESHOW as one of the elite trade shows for travel agents and suppliers.

“Leading companies such as Wynn/Encore, Amtrak, Hilton and Starwood are all contributing to this unique opportunity to ensure that suppliers will be at THETRADESHOW with some of the most sought after and qualified travel agents in North America. We are certain this hosted buyer program will bring new buyers and sellers together and create incremental business for both,” said Bill Maloney, CTC, CEO of ASTA, one of THETRADESHOW partners.

There are currently four options for agents to choose from. Some partners such as the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas are offering three nights complimentary stay for the dates of Sept. 13 through 15 for qualified agents. The Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is one of Vegas’ recently opened properties and is located next to flagship property Wynn Las Vegas. Attendees will participate in a scheduled meeting with Wynn Resorts representatives and have the chance to conduct a one-hour hotel inspection.

Hilton is offering agents complimentary accommodations at The Hilton Las Vegas and the Hilton Grand Vacations at the Las Vegas Hilton. Starwood is offering complimentary registration for qualified agents to THETRADESHOW, while Amtrak is offering both a complimentary registration and a one-night hotel stay for either the night of Sept. 13 or 14 to attend THETRADESHOW.

The 2009 Hosted Buyer Program is just one of the ways THETRADESHOW ensures exhibiting suppliers that attending agents are serious, qualified agents with whom they will want to do business. The agents who are selected to be part of the program will have appointment schedules to meet with certain exhibitors in the show, as well attend many of the more than 45 seminars offered over the three-day event.

THETRADESHOW has plans to expand the Hosted Buyer Program into 2010 when it travels to Orlando, Sept. 12-14. Developing a program whereby qualified agents can be invited to attend this major industry event is an important and positive step towards bringing together suppliers and agents who will benefit from doing business with each other.

For questions on the agent incentives and Hosted Buyer Program, contact THETRADESHOW at 1.866.870.9333 or visit www.THETRADESHOW.org.

THETRADESHOW is created and supported by the travel industry’s leading organizations, including: ASTA, ACTA, CLIA, ETOA, IGLTA, NACTA, NBTA, NTA, The Travel Institute, U.S. Travel Association and USTOA. Official media partners are: Agent@Home, eTurboNews, JaxFax, Modern Agent, Recommend, Travel Trade, Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, USA Today and Vacation Agent.

THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) is a 3-day, in-depth networking and educational event. Global and inclusive, THETRADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppliers and buyers from all over the world, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. It is the trade show event for travel decision makers. For more information on THETRADESHOW, please call 1.866.870.9333, visit THETRADESHOW.org or e-mail pr@thetradeshow.org

Contact: Kristina Rundquist/Laura Gajewski 703.739.8710