ASTA Global Convention Education Sessions

A Lifetime of Travel, One Family of Brands
Offer your clients a lifetime of wonderful travel experiences and achieve a lucrative income stream for your business.

Location: Meeting Room 202

Your business is growing and you can’t handle any more business. You want to expand your team but don’t know when and how to do it. This session will cover some tried and true approaches that will help you take your business to the next level. Key learning objectives include:

• What considerations should you look at when expanding your business?
• How do you determine whether adding an employee, a virtual assistant or independent contractor is right for you?
• How do you attract and qualify the right candidate(s) for your business?
• How do you support and develop your team, especially if you are working in a virtual environment?

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 103

Sponsored by

All You Want Is Greece
Presentation by Greek National Tourism Organization

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 209

Communication is key. But what happens when the people communicating are speaking different languages? Learn what type of communicator you are and how to reach across the divide to influence others who communicate in a different way. You’ll walk away with new skills and understanding to make sure your message is heard, effective and productive. Whether between co-workers, team members, bosses or in front of an audience, this session will up your game and allow you to accomplish more with less misunderstanding and confusion.

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 204

With the new year came a new Congress, new committee leadership and new priorities. ASTA is here to help you navigate these changes, in addition to a wide variety of regulations coming from the White House affecting your business. In this session, the ASTA advocacy team will provide an overview of ASTA’s priorities in 2023 and bring to light the power of collective action to ensure the travel agency community is well represented on Capitol Hill. You’ll also hear about the external forces that challenge an advisor’s and agency’s ability to work effectively, and ways you can get involved.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 103

During this presentation, advisors will be equipped with a wide range of online tools that can be utilized to improve the quality of their blog posts, website pages, and photos. In addition, will learn valuable tips on how to create engaging content by incorporating high-value keywords. One particularly helpful section of the presentation will be the introduction of research tools that can be used to identify such keywords. We will then discuss how to integrate them into blog topics and website content.  

Attendees will leave this session with an understanding on creating a niche market, identifying ideal clients, as well as discussing the best methods for reaching these clients to attract more business. 

This educational session caters to both newcomers and experienced professionals in the industry, providing comprehensive knowledge and information that can be applied to their businesses. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 102

Limitless Ways to Earn
How Travel Advisors can use the many promotions to help close any Sandals and Beaches bookings and earn the most commission.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 201

As travel advisors, it's our job to help our clients explore the world and experience new cultures. But what do we do when a destination is considered controversial or off-limits to some travelers?  

Selling a controversial destination requires tact, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of your clients' needs and interests. During this session, you’ll be able to walk away with  

• Successful strategies when promoting a controversial destination 

• The importance of transparency and how to communicate about the potential risks and challenges associated with a controversial destination 

• Tips and suggestions to find the right balance between respecting your clients' values and aspirations, and challenging them to step outside of their comfort zone and explore new horizons 

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Meeting Room 101

Top trends, updates and tips for selling The Hawaiian Islands
From crystal blue waters to stunning green cliffs and black sand beaches, Hawai‘i’s wide open spaces are the breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable encounters with a vibrant culture that rewards travelers seeking to expand their horizons. And, for the most enriching experience of Hawai‘i, encourage clients to join efforts to malama (care for) this special place and unique culture.

It’s the perfect time to send clients to Hawai‘i. This session will provide a destination overview, island updates, top tips for selling Hawai‘i and the sales, marketing and training resources available for travel advisors.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 201

In this session, you will learn about the essential drivers behind decision-making and how to efficiently identify them in each person. By doing so, you will gain insight into how this may impact sales and service interactions. Additionally, you will acquire effective techniques for addressing a client or potential client's motivator quickly and efficiently. 

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Meeting Room 204

Enhancing the Traveler and Travel Professional Experience
Join Delta Business and Delta Vacations on a journey into the products and services that define best-in-class travel experiences and distribution that drives customer value.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 202

Join this session to learn more on the fixed vs. growth mindset. The travel industry is in a constant state of change and requires agility for a person to operate from a place of proactivity vs reactivity. When you’re grounded in a growth mindset you can find new ways to solve problems, stay grounded and source from a state of abundance vs. lack. This is important for growth, staying calm in the chaos, being open to new opportunities, and knowing when to ask for help. You’ll walk away with a sense of purpose and knowledge that if you’re feeling stuck there is hope for change.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 203

In today's fast-paced and constantly evolving travel industry, travel advisors face a multitude of challenges that can impede productivity and efficiency. However, by utilizing the right tools and techniques, advisors can enhance their workflow and ultimately achieve more significant results for their clients. Come and participate in this session where you can discover effective ways to maximize your productivity and minimize the risk of burnout in a business environment that is constantly evolving. 

Attendees will walk away from this session with practical tips for streamlining work processes and managing time more effectively.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 104

Sponsored by

Saxony - The Nutcracker Story

This is an entertaining, engaging, and eternal learning session that is replete with amazing stories of human determination, inventions, and a picture book journey through the most beautiful parts of Germany - Saxony. Britannica once described Dresden, the Capital of Saxony, as the world's most beautiful city until it was leveled to rubble and ashes at the end of the war. Today Dresden has been restored to her original glory and claimed its place among the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a State of the Arts and inventions Do you want your personal, original, authentic Nutcracker, accidentally invented, and made by the same family for 700 years? Then come and join our Lunch and Learn Presentation. You will leave with a smile except for your Nutcracker that never smiles! See you in Puerto Rico.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 208

Travel professionals often have to deliver bad news to clients and if these conversations go badly, they can ruin a client relationship. But if handled carefully and effectively, relationships can be enriched. Message management is critical, it takes still to effectively avoid arguments, clarify misunderstandings, deal with disputes and repair relationships. This session will help you successfully have “bad news” conversations. You’ll develop strategies for changing the conversation from negative to positive, from disrespectful to appropriate. Learn how to turn bad news delivery into an opportunity to provoke learning and enrich relationships.

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 102
 

Why Go Online?
Join WeTravel's Jenn Myers as she discusses the importance of bringing travel businesses online and streamlining booking and payment processes through digital means.

Location: Meeting Room 104

Wellness tourism is the fastest-growing sector of the travel industry. Yet most advisors (and their clients) likely think solely of spa vacations when considering wellness getaways. But the category is so much broader now, and advisors who understand what’s available will have ample opportunities to grow their wellness tourism business. The aim of this session is to help you learn about the nuances of the wellness travel sector, the variety of vacation types available (including medical tourism in Europe) and more.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 203

Sponsored by


 

One of the most important tools you must protect your business and your customers is your terms and conditions. These legal documents outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties and provide a framework for resolving disputes and other issues. Join ASTA’s Senior Vice President and general Counsel, Peter Lobasso, as you will learn about the critical role of terms and conditions in the travel industry and gain practical insights into how to create clear, comprehensive, and enforceable documents that protect your business interests and satisfy your customers. You will also learn about the legal considerations and best practices for drafting terms and conditions, including the importance of disclosure, consent, and transparency. 

This educational session caters to both newcomers and experienced professionals in the industry, providing comprehensive knowledge and information that can be applied to their businesses. 

Location: Meeting Room 103

What’s New with Royal Caribbean?
What brand comes to mind when you think of the world's ultimate family vacation? Royal Caribbean can't wait to share the latest news, brand updates and more with you, so sign up NOW!

Location: Meeting Room 208

In an increasingly interconnected world, the travel industry has the power to bring people of different cultures and backgrounds together. But to truly embrace the benefits of travel, we must also prioritize diversity and inclusion. This session will explore why diversity matters in the travel industry, and how it can enhance the experiences of both travelers and locals. From highlighting the economic benefits of diverse tourism to examining the cultural and social impact of inclusive travel, we'll discuss the ways in which a more diverse industry can help build stronger connections between people from around the globe. You’ll walk away from this session with an understanding on how to incorporate diversity and inclusion to reach a more diverse customer base, enhance loyalty by better brand reputation and image, and discover opportunities to improve decision making, creativity, and innovation. Join us as we explore the power of travel to connect us all.

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 101

Sponsored by

ChatGPT is here to revolutionize how we sell travel. It has the potential to be the ultimate planning companion for travel agents. It will even have the answer for the experience that is “exotic, but not too exotic.” We will explore how ChatGPT's advanced AI technology can automate repetitive tasks, provide tailored recommendations, create content, and elevate the overall customer experience. I promise you will never want to plan travel without your ChatGPT assistant again. 

This educational session aims to provide new and innovative ideas and concepts to industry veterans who are looking to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 204

Level Up With Viking
Join us to learn why Viking is the best partner and the #1 River and Ocean line. We will provide you with updates on what's new, as well as tips to grow your business and more!

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 104

In today's digital age, protecting your business from credit card fraud, cybersecurity threats, and legal risks is essential. With so much at stake, it's critical to have a solid understanding of how to safeguard your business and your customers. 

This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to master the art of protection and safeguard your business against the many risks and challenges of today's business environment. In this informative and interactive session, you will learn about the latest trends and techniques used by fraudsters and cybercriminals, as well as the legal implications and risks associated with these activities. You will also gain practical insights and strategies for reducing the risk of credit card fraud, protecting your systems and data against cybersecurity threats, and staying compliant with relevant laws and regulations. Whether you are a business owner, manager, or professional, this session is a must-attend for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the game and protect their business from harm. 

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 101

Wellness Travel in Los Cabos: Resources and Tips to Create a Comprehensive Vacation Experience for Your Client.

Location: Meeting Room 209

Today’s traveler is faced with a never-ending stream of information: social media, ads, email blasts, ads, articles, videos and commercials to name a few. How do you cut through the distractions and reach our audience of existing and potential clients? Get insider tips about how to create content that will get you noticed by using your passion for travel as well as a variety of tools and techniques to build excitement and boost your business. This session will help you tap into your own passion and expertise to create fresh content – both written and visual – to truly engage your target audience.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Meeting Room 102