ASTA Global Convention Education Sessions

• The Ts&Cs for Travel Agencies: Keep your clients informed and your business safe with a review of the significance of terms and conditions.
• Finding the Right Fit: We'll review the essential questions you should ask when choosing a Consortia or Host Agency to ensure the best fit for you and your small business.
• Cybersecurity: We'll focus on how agency owners and managers can set up their businesses to manage today’s complex cybersecurity issues.
• Let's Get Social: Discover how you can use these simple but powerful tools to generate new leads and boost your business from savvy social media users.
• Technology Matters: Learn how to leverage technology to maximize your agency’s productivity.
• Meaningful Partnerships: The how-to guide to building a supplier relations program that showcases your value and maximizes your profitability.
• What's Trending: Get the latest on global marketing travel trends in 2019 and beyond.

Current Convention Agenda

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Time	Session Title	Speaker(s)
Friday, August 23
9:00am - 5:00pm	ASTA Operational Excellence through Benchmarking - Day Session (additional fee applies)   Join us for the first ASTA Operational Excellence Program session during ASTA Global Convention. This program is powered by TAMS (Travel Agency Management Solutions) in partnership with ASTA and is designed to help you focus toward working on your business, not in your business. While using company data and numbers is a portion of our program, this unique and private group will allow you to gain exclusive insights and knowledge about agency operations and assessments to help navigate your own business to higher profitability. To learn more about the program, click here. Costs: $375
7:00pm - 9:00pm	ASTA Chapter Regional Directors Working Dinner (Regional Directors Only)
Saturday, August 24
7:45am - 2:00pm	ASTA Chapter Presidents Council Meeting (CPC Members Only)
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #1 - Carnival Horizon in Miami, FL   The Carnival Horizon is the newest ship in Carnival's fleet and debuted in Spring 2018. The 3,960-passenger cruise ship holds 1,980 total guest staterooms (25 accessible staterooms) and has a multitude of amenities to keep your clients comfortable and entertained during their sailing. Learn more about this cruise ship by clicking here. This tour will include an escorted tour of the ship (including staterooms) and a plated lunch in the dining room for registered attendees.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Ship Inspections   The best form of education is seeing to believe it. We're partnering with some of the best cruise lines in the industry to bring you a firsthand look into what your clients will experience while onboard. If you sell cruises or interested in seeing what's available on particular cruises, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss! To view the ships available for inspection, click here.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #2 - Royal Caribbean Empress of the Seas in Miami, FL   Get ready for a journey that’s just as momentous as the destination. It’s hot Havana nights and CocoCay® chill wrapped up in one immersive getaway. And every day is packed with fun, sun and new ways to unwind. Experience legendary nightlife. Iconic music. Distinct culture. Explore a place where yesterday lives today on curated tours, crafted to deliver the ultimate, authentic experience of Havana, Cuba. And it all begins onboard the recently reimagined Empress of the SeasSM. Learn more about this cruise ship by clicking here.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #3 - Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas in Port Everglades, FL   Leave the everyday behind — and discover extraordinary in paradise. Majesty of the Seas® offers fun by the gallon at Splashaway BaySM aqua park, big-screen movies poolside, and a Rock Climbing Wall. They can bask at the Solarium pool or recharge at VitalitySM Spa. All while heading to Cuba for an immersive and cultural experience. And when the sun goes down, enjoy entertainment options from dining to nightlife, Broadway-style shows, and Casino RoyaleSM. Learn more about this cruise ship by clicking here.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #4 - Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas in Miami, FL   The new Symphony of the Seas® is here — a perception remixing, memory maxing mic drop. It’s all the greatest hits, including the ten-story test of courage, Ultimate AbyssSM and twin FlowRider® surf simulators. Plus revolutionary new firsts, like glow-in-the-dark laser tag, the gameday game changing PlaymakersSM Sports Bar & Arcade, and the Ultimate Family Suite. This is the new sound of adventure, sailing from Miami. Learn more about this cruise ship by clicking here.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #5 - MSC Seaside in Miami, FL   MSC Seaside - "The Ship that Follows the Sun" - is the first of a new generation of MSC ships with revolutionary architecture and cutting-edge technology. Learn more about this cruise ship by clicking here.
2:00pm - 5:00pm	Board of Directors Election (BOD only)
4:30pm - 5:30pm	Independent Advisor Reception
7:00pm - 8:00pm	Young Professional Society Reception (YPS)   Join your fellow ASTA Young Professional Society (YPS) Members for a reception. Not an ASTA YPS member, but interested in joining? Come see what we’re all about! Sponsored By:
7:00pm - 9:00pm	ASTA Chapter President Council Dinners On Own (By Region: West, Central & East)
Sunday, August 25
7:00am - 8:00am	ASTAPAC 5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Walk   Start your morning early with a little exercise and fun to help support a great cause! Join us for the third annual ASTAPAC Fun Run, with proceeds going to support ASTA’s advocacy efforts. Choose to participate in the 5K fun run or 1-mile walk, which both start and end at our host hotel. Registration is $50 and includes a t-shirt.
8:00am - 9:00am	New Attendee and New Member Orientation   Make the most of your ASTA Global Convention 2019 experience! If you are a new member of ASTA or joining us at the convention for the first time, this session is for you. The ASTA Membership team will show you how to navigate the resources, tools and programs available to you as a member of ASTA. We’ll also give you tips on how to maximize your time at ASTA Global Convention 2019. Are you a long-time member of ASTA needing a refresher on your membership? Come join us too!
9:00am - 12:00pm	ASTA Proud Partner Committee Meeting (PPC Members Only)
9:00am - 3:00pm	Ship Inspections   The best form of education is seeing to believe it. We're partnering with some of the best cruise lines in the industry to bring you a firsthand look into what your clients will experience while onboard. If you sell cruises or interested in seeing what's available on particular cruises, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss! To view the ships available for inspection, click here.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #1 - Carnival Magic in Fort Lauderdale, FL   The recently updated, Carnival Magic, carries up to 3,690-passengers and holds 1,845 guest staterooms. The Carnival Magic was the world's first cruise ship with a ropes course at sea. You can find many other adventurous activities onboard including a two-level nine-hole mini golf course, arcade center, and more. Learn more about this cruise ship by clicking here. This tour will include an escorted tour of the ship (including staterooms) and a plated lunch in the dining room for registered attendees.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #2 - Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas in Port Everglades, FL   Explore the revolutionary Allure of the Seas®. Hanging ten on the FlowRider® surf simulator. Singing and dancing to our award-winning entertainment like Mamma Mia! Shortcutting across deck by Zip Line. Island hopping to scenic Caribbean locales. PLUS, with the recent award of Best Entertainment by Cruise. So get pumped and get onboard for a family adventure like no other. Learn more about this cruise ship by clicking here.
9:00am - 3:00pm	Cruise Ship Option #3 - Norwegian Breakaway in Miami, FL   Come aboard Norwegian Breakaway, NCL's first ship in their popular Breakaway class. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and connect with the sea on The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade featuring restaurants, bars and spectacular views. This unique boardwalk debuted on this ship along with 678 Ocean Place, a mesmerizing space that intertwines and connects three entire decks of daytime and nighttime entertainment. Head up to the top of the ship and explore the Aqua Park’s five multistory waterslides including Free Fall – the fastest drop slide at sea, and the Sports Complex, featuring action-packed activities including a rock wall, the largest ropes course at sea, and The Plank, which extends 8 feet over the side of the ship. Norwegian Breakaway has 25 dining options, a variety of staterooms and award-winning entertainment including Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. Learn more about this ship by clicking here.
9:15am - 12:30pm	Sightseeing Tour #1 - Flamingo Gardens Eco Tour
9:15am - 12:30pm	Sightseeing Tours Around Fort Lauderdale (Advisors only - additional fee applies)   We’ve teamed up with the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB to offer impressive sightseeing tours and experiences sure to make you feel like a destination expert to your clients. Choose to venture into Flamingo Gardens and the remarkable Everglades, discover the culture & heritage of Fort Lauderdale, or trolley on the water on Fort Lauderdale's water taxi. Learn more about these options by visiting here. Tours are $25 per person. Sponsored By:
9:15am - 12:30pm	Sightseeing Tour #2 - Sawgrass Recreation Eco Tour
9:15am - 12:30pm	Sightseeing Tour #3 - Culture Heritage Tour
9:15am - 12:30pm	Sightseeing Tour #4 - Water Taxi Tour
12:00pm - 1:00pm	International Chapter Presidents Lunch (IPC Members Only)   We invite the ASTA International Chapter Presidents who are attending ASTA Global Convention of a meet and great lunch with Bob Duglin, ASTA's Vice President of International Membership & Expansion.
1:00pm - 3:00pm	Hosted Buyer Session (For scholarship participants only)   Special speed networking opportunity -"Hosted Buyer Session" to meet with suppliers 1:1.. This is required to attend for all scholarship participants.
3:30pm - 5:00pm	Chapter Connections   Community Networking at its Best! ASTA Chapters, Travel Advisors and Host Agencies come together for a unique interactive session. In tradeshow style, ASTA Chapters will showcase their local Chapter meetings, events and activities. Come find out what ASTA chapters are planning for their upcoming program. This session is open for all Travel Advisors and Suppliers are encouraged to attend. ASTA Chapters + Travel Advisors + Host Agencies = Valuable CONNECTIONS.  Click here to learn more.
5:30pm - 7:30pm	Welcome Reception   This is the official kick off reception to ASTA Global Convention 2019! Get in the spirit of the Florida Derby at Sport of Kings, Gulfstream Park. Enjoy great food, beverages and networking opportunities for while getting to explore perhaps a new venue or certainly a venue that will appeal to potential clients! Attendees are encouraged to dress in their Derby Best with hats, gloves, sundresses, fedoras, and bow ties to create the excitement of the atmosphere. Enjoy a fresh, mint julep while networking and meeting local partners.    Sponsored By:
7:30pm - 9:30pm	ASTA Premium Member Reception (Premium Members Only)
Monday, August 26
8:00am - 8:45am	ASTAPAC VIP Donor Recognition Breakfast   In recognition of their generous support for the American Society of Travel Advisors Political Action Committee (ASTAPAC), our Ruby, Emerald and Diamond level donors are invited to join us for a casual brunch and networking event. Please note that this event is only open to ASTA members who have contributed $1,000 or more to ASTAPAC since January 1, 2019, and invitations to this event are non-transferable.
9:00am - 10:30am	All Delegate Opening General Session - Featuring: Chris Nassetta, President & CEO of Hilton   Our emcee for today: The award-winning TEDx speaker and Guinness World Record holder, Tom Krieglstein will be returning to the stage as our emcee and facilitator to this year's Convention. Welcome to ASTA Global Convention 2019 Join ASTA President & CEO Zane Kerby as we officially kick off ASTA Global Convention 2019 Speaker Join us today as we bring to the stage Chris Nassetta, President & CEO of Hilton. Speaker Tools for Talking When Stakes are High: Candace Bertotti, Senior Crucial Conversations Master Trainer at Vital Smarts, will be joining the stage to expand on the steps to mastering crucial conversations so you can develop the tools to effectively act on your decisions.	Candace Bertotti Zane Kerby Kelly Bigel Mark Meader Peter Lobasso Ann Chamberlin Bob Duglin Eben Peck Chris Nassetta Tom Krieglstein Vicki Freed Alex Pinelo
11:00am - 11:45am	Education Sessions - BLOCK A
11:00am - 11:45am	Finding the Right Fit: Choosing a Consortia or Host Agency   We'll review the essential questions you should ask when choosing a Consortia or Host Agency to ensure the best fit for you and your small business. Whether you are considering joining a consortia or host agency - or choosing a new one - this session is for you! This presentation will provide a neutral backdrop to discuss different models and approaches and how they apply to different agency or business models.
11:00am - 11:45am	Marketing YOU: Promoting Your Value! (An ASTA VTA Course)   Maximize your value to clients by learning how to promote your business through effective marketing. By the end of the session, you'll have learned the important elements every travel professional should know, as well as the strategies and practical ideas for marketing success.
11:00am - 11:45am	The Fine Print: Understanding How to Use Terms & Conditions to Help Protect Your Business   ASTA’s General Counsel Peter Lobasso will review ASTA’s sample terms and conditions and waiver forms. We’ll review how to tailor these documents to keep your clients informed and your business safe.
11:00am - 11:45am	Deal or No Deal: How to Close the Sale   This roundtable “think tank” workshop will walk through some of the common problems with closing sales. Brush up on your sales techniques and learn from your colleagues – you’ll walk away feeling more confident towards closing the deal!
11:00am - 11:45am	Destination Perspectives: When Headlines Hit Popular Destinations   We’ve seen the news cycle take its toll on popular destinations. How do you overcome these challenges with your clients? It’s not just Mexico and the Dominican Republic; there are a number of other popular destinations that pose some concern for even the most intrepid travelers. In this session, we will help dispel myths and misconceptions about sometimes difficult to sell destinations and give advisors the tools and training needed to sell them smartly.
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Lunch & Learn: Australia   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel.	Veronique Deblois
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Lunch & Learn: Hilton   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel.
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Lunch & Learn: Hurtigurten   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel.
12:00pm - 1:00pm	Lunch & Learns   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel. Choose from many different focused lunches.
12:00pm - 1:30pm	ASTA Premium Business Meeting with Lunch (Premium Members Only)
1:15pm - 3:45pm	Trade Show
4:00pm - 4:45pm	Education Sessions - BLOCK B
4:00pm - 4:45pm	Deal or No Deal: How to Close the Sale   This roundtable “think tank” workshop will walk through some of the common problems with closing sales. Brush up on your sales techniques and learn from your colleagues – you’ll walk away feeling more confident towards closing the deal!
4:00pm - 4:45pm	Inspiration: Secrets to Success from Top Female Agency Owners   Over 80% of our industry is made up of female small business owners. Learn how these women (and maybe a man or two) overcame hurdles to establish successful agencies.
4:00pm - 4:45pm	It’s a Small World: Global Market Trends in 2020 and Beyond that May Affect You   Hear from leaders of travel agency trade associations around the world as they share their outlook for travel industry market trends from a global perspective - and more - in 2020 and beyond.
4:00pm - 4:45pm	Rules of the Road: Agency Relationships and the Law (An ASTA VTA Course)   We get it -  laws can be confusing and complicated. Travel advisors are routinely authorized to act on behalf of others, most often, their clients. We’ll make it easy for you to understand what it means to be an advisor from a legal perspective where you’ll learn about the obligations you owe to your clients (the stuff you have to do), your legal rights and liabilities (how to protect yourself) and more.
7:00pm - 10:30pm	ASTA Advocacy Reception & Dinner (Ticketed Event)   The Gala Event of the Travel Advisor Industry! ASTA's annual Advocacy Dinner celebrates the Society's influence in shaping public policy affecting the retail travel business. It is a chance for ASTA to spotlight its members' role in the legislative process and for attendees to socialize and network with like-minded travel professionals. Guests will enjoy a special cocktail reception to network before enjoying a memorable dinner at the beautiful Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. Located on the legendary Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, this resort was inspired by singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett.  Click here to learn more about the event and pricing.
Tuesday, August 27
7:45am - 8:45am	Consortia Breakfast
9:00am - 10:30am	All Delegate General Session Featuring: A Cruise Line CEO Panel   Our emcee for today: Tom Krieglstein, Founder & Lead Facilitator of Swift Kick Welcome! Zane Kerby, ASTA President & CEO Keynote Cruise Line CEO Panel Arnold Donald, President & CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc; Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International; Andy Stuart, President & CEO of Norwegian Cruise Lines	Michael Bayley Arnold Donald Andy Stuart Edie Rodriguez Tom Krieglstein Gianni Onorato
10:45am - 11:30am	Education Sessions - BLOCK C
10:45am - 11:30am	Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Clients and Your Business   Our experts will focus on how agency owners and managers can set up their businesses to manage today’s complex cybersecurity issues, giving you practical takeaways to implement in your own business.
10:45am - 11:30am	Global Stewardship and Responsible Travel (An ASTA VTA Continuing Education Course)   In a world that is rapidly becoming interdependent, this course will provide a broad understanding of the primary issues related to the global impact of travel and tourism. It will also provide travel advisors with tools to empower them and their clients to be responsible global travelers.
10:45am - 11:30am	Rules of the Road: Agency Relationships and the Law (An ASTA VTA Course)   We get it -  laws can be confusing and complicated. Travel advisors are routinely authorized to act on behalf of others, most often, their clients. We’ll make it easy for you to understand what it means to be an advisor from a legal perspective where you’ll learn about the obligations you owe to your clients (the stuff you have to do), your legal rights and liabilities (how to protect yourself) and more.
10:45am - 11:30am	Social Media: Implementing Instagram to Boost Your Business   In small groups, you’ll learn hands-on directly from savvy Instagrammers how you can use this simple but powerful tool to generate new leads and grow your business.
10:45am - 11:30am	Supplier Relations: Creating Profitable Partner Programs   Learn how to build a supplier relations program that showcases your value and maximizes profitability.
11:45am - 12:45pm	Lunch & Learn: Brazil   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel.
11:45am - 12:45pm	Lunch & Learn: Puerto Rico   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel.
11:45am - 12:45pm	Lunch & Learn: The Hawaiian Islands   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel.
11:45am - 12:45pm	Lunch & Learns   We're keeping the education flowing over lunch with some of the leading suppliers in travel. Choose from many different focused lunches.
11:45am - 1:15pm	ASTA Corporate Advisory Council Lunch & Meeting (CAC Members Only)
1:00pm - 3:00pm	Trade Show
3:15pm - 4:45pm	All Delegate General Session Closing - Featuring: Randi Zuckerberg and the 2019 ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year Award   Our emcee for today: Tom Krieglstein, Founder & Lead Facilitator of Swift Kick Speaker: Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media will be joining the stage! The Entrepreneurial Spirit - The ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year Award! Don't miss Randi Zuckerberg as our guest judge! A return to our riveting "Shark Tank" style experience as we look at this year's finalists - our aspiring entrepreneurs. Each will have the opportunity to pitch their emerging innovations to our judges - including YOU - while they demonstrate their passion by building on ideas that are innovative and great, pushing themselves to the limits to achieve big goals! Who will win the $10,000 2019 ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year Award? YOU help decide! Gloria Bohan, President & CEO, Omega World Travel presents the 2019 ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by the Dan and Gloria Bohan Foundation. Nominations are now open! Click here to learn more.	Ed Carey Randi Zuckerberg Tom Krieglstein