Agenda - ASTA Global Convention

Creating lasting connections in the travel industry along with learning and sharing is where it all begins. That is why participation in your local chapter is essential.  For the fourth time, we are bringing the greater ASTA chapter community and its leaders to you during ASTA Global Convention 2021!

Sponsored By: 

Wendy Gillette is a television news reporter and producer for CBS News, providing national and international stories to CBS stations across the country. She's also a travel journalist and has visited nearly 50 countries. In this exclusive session, Wendy Gillette will provide you with one-on-one media training so that you can be camera-ready when the time comes!

Space is limited to one attendee per 15-minute time slot. To view additional time slots for this training, please visit the Attendee Service Center, Registration Updates to add to your schedule. 

Wendy Gillette is a television news reporter and producer for CBS News, providing national and international stories to CBS stations across the country. She's also a travel journalist and has visited nearly 50 countries. In this exclusive session, Wendy Gillette will provide you with one-on-one media training so that you can be camera-ready when the time comes!

Space is limited to one attendee per 15-minute time slot. To view additional time slots for this training, please visit the Attendee Service Center, Registration Updates to add to your schedule. 

Whether you call it green travel, eco-travel, or sustainable travel, if you’re trying to travel more lightly and in an eco-friendlier way, sustainable travel is here to stay. As travel rebounds, you will see a plethora of authentic travel experiences, meeting local people and discovering unique cultures and customs. These options include everything from off the grid to high-end boutique luxury trips. As more travel companies join the B Corp movement (a global movement of pioneering companies that are using their business as a force for good.), travel advisors are perfectly positioned to help their clients with amazing travel options and to be part of this growing movement.

Audeince: Independent Advisors, Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

Join Emergent BioSolutions and hear firsthand from Dr. Kim S. Erlich, an infectious disease expert, and travel medicine specialist, about how Travel Medicine can help travelers return to global travel. This presentation will be moderated by the LA-based actor, Mr. Dominic Rains, best known for his roles in independent films as well as his role as Dr. Crockett Marcel in Chicago Med.

Make the most of your ASTA Membership & Global Convention Experience! If you are a new member of ASTA or this is your first event with us, this session is for you. You will have the opportunity to hear from ASTA leadership, staff, and veteran members in a live interactive environment. We look forward to seeing you there!

Henry H. Harteveldt, President/Travel Industry Analyst of Atmosphere Research Group talks "What’s next? An industry analyst’s view on travel’s next 2 years."

The UStiA Registry – Maintain Compliance with this One-Stop Resource

 

The U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA) has launched a one-stop resource connecting travel advisors with the travel insurance providers whose products they offer – making it easier to maintain regulatory compliance and to access critical information about travel insurance products.. With the registry steadily growing, hear from the President of UStiA and President of Aon Affinity’s Travel Practice, Beth Godlin about the registry, why you will want to participate, and have your questions answered relating to how it interacts with the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) model act, licensing requirements, and more.

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Let's celebrate our industry and the incredible work you do by wrapping up ASTA Global Convention 2021 cruising along Lake Michigan. See the best of Chicago by boat while you network over cocktails and enjoy a buffet dinner on the Odyssey Lake Michigan. And there's nothing better than just letting loose on the dance floor. We're bringing the music and entertainment to complete your Convention experience spectacularly.

After the cruise, feel free to explore Navy Pier on your own or with your peers. Don't miss the dazzling fireworks show at 9:30 PM.

Registration is required, and transportation will be provided to the venue. Transfers to the Navy Pier will depart at 5:15 sharp. Please meet in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency.  While the Odyssey is ADA accessible, the pier ramp cannot accommodate powered wheelchairs. Please let ASTA know in advance (meetings@asta.org) if you require a standard wheelchair on-board so that we can assist you. The dress for this event is casual. 
 

ASTA Young Professional Society (YPS) members are invited to gather to mix and mingle at this year's reception. Not an ASTA YPS member, but interested in joining? Come see what we’re all about!

Please meet us in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency at 7:15 PM sharp!

 

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 Palmer House, Chicago. Please be in the Hyatt Regency Lobby at 6:30 PM sharp to transfer to the Palmer House. 

Learn more about ASTA Advocacy Dinner by clicking here!

Time goes so quickly as we come together for the not-to-be-missed closing ASTA Global Convention 2021 general session.

Throughout the convention, a theme of pandemic recovery has been top of mind and top of focus. We’ll wrap up the convention with inspirational stories from within our ASTA member ranks. “Pivot to Prosperity” is a series of business survival stories presented “Ted-Talks” style. What did our esteemed group of speakers individually do, how did they do it and why - their successes and their pitfalls - what lessons did they learn, and what are they doing now to move to a more prosperous tomorrow? You’ll come away inspired with ideas and actions that will help you grow your success and avoid pitfalls.

In addition to these inspirational tales will be an ASTA member celebration as well as inspirational and useful words from our industry partners from Puerto Rico, InterNova and AIG/Travel.

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With Special Presentation By:

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This is the official kick-off reception to ASTA Global Convention 2021! Enjoy great food, beverages, and networking opportunities while catching up with your peers you haven't seen in a while!

Sponsored By: 

Welcome to ASTA Global Convention 2021!

 

Join ASTA President & CEO, Zane Kerby, as we officially kick off the convention. This jam-packed, interactive and engaging session will feature both new and familiar faces focused on the travel world today as we recover from the effects of the pandemic.

Hear from Ancestry.com Founder and current CEO of Soar.com, Paul Allen as well as Mark Hoplamazian, CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Gary Sadler, SVP, Unique Vacations, Inc/Sandals & Beaches Resorts; plus award-winning TEDx speaker and emcee Tom Krieglstein, Swift Kick. Also joining us is Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and luxury travel advisor Alle Pierce.

 

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Welcome back to ASTA Global Convention 2021 day two and the first of two general sessions today.
 

With the pent-up demand for travel ever-increasing, the media’s viewpoint has a tremendous impact on public opinion. Join us as we bring together an esteemed panel of travel writers and media players as they craft the next travel narrative, so important to you and your business as you move forward with recovery.
 

We’ll also hear important messages from AmaWaterways, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Internova, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Virtuoso and more.

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Please note that is event is open to 2021 ASTAPAC contributors at the Ruby Donor Level ($1000) and above. Invites will be sent directly to attendees who qualify. To confirm your donation status, please contact Genevieve Strand (gstrand@asta.org).

Explore the trade show floor while visiting with ASTA supplier partners!

Explore the trade show floor while visiting with ASTA supplier partners!

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Taiwan is in the heart of Asia. With a culture of digitization, localization, and sustainability, Taiwan aims to further strengthen its reputation as a major tourist country in post-pandemic times. This beautiful island of Taiwan has hospitable people, authentic Taiwanese cuisines, awe-inspiring landscapes, a rich tapestry of culture, and a variety of exciting festivals and events throughout the year. All the features make Taiwan one of the top destinations for travelers.

Welcome to join us and explore more wonders of Taiwan!

This is a private reception for agencies and advisors that are affiliated with Dreams Vacations, Cruises Inc or Cruise One. Invite Only.  Please contact Dream Vacations, Cruise Inc or Cruise One for additional information.

The perfect place for independent travel advisors and members of the ASTA Small Business Network to connect before the Convention over cocktails. Please note: This is a cash bar.

This is a private reception for agencies and advisors that are affiliated with Travel Leaders Network. Invite Only.  Please contact Travel Leaders Network for additional information.

People are starting to travel again. Your customers are looking to you for guidance on health and safety protocols that are in place – and continue to evolve - for their chosen destination.

This session will provide you with insight and resources on how you can educate and advise your customers to ensure they have the right information and realistic expectations.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure & Corporate Business Owners/Managers

Hear presentations on Athens, Crete-Rethymnon, Cyclades - Island of Tinos and Thessaly - Meteora and Volos.

This session will look at the pain points experienced during 2020 in the Booking, Rebooking, and Rebooking Again process.  Specifically, you’ll be provided resources to simplify the communication process and protect you and your clients in this electronic era. We will take a cursory look at inexpensive technologies -  like Voxer, WhatsApp, PandaDoc, Call Recording, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Microsoft 365 & Teams and more - being used by advisors to communicate with clients as well as the preferred tools to protect the history of the transaction.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

This is a private reception for agencies and advisors that are affiliated with MAST Travel Network.  Please contact MAST Travel Network for additional information.

Attendees will be treated to stunning imagery of Los Cabos with our most recent campaigns and photos, along with updates on the destination and ideas to create wow itineraries for your clients to enhance their destination experience. Also connect with the Los Cabos Tourism Board’s Los Angeles office. We look forward to seeing you there!

Presented By: 

In this session, you’ll walk away with an understanding as to why a consistent digital identity is important, how to find the money in your current database and how to use digital advertising to acquire new clients.

Audience: Business Owners/Managers

Join us to celebrate one of the oldest civilizations in the world, going back 11.000 Years! The island of Cyprus has one of the most agreeable climates in Europe, with abundant sunshine all year round, beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Fall in love with the Mediterranean island of Cyprus over and over again!

This session will provide a framework for understanding multicultural marketing and how to target and attract African American, leisure travelers. The framework will address market potential, preferences, buying patterns, and other characteristics of selected racial and ethnic groups. Session participants will learn effective tactics to reach African American markets and best practices for creating a multicultural marketing strategy.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure & Corporate Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

Travel insurance is more integral than ever and in this session, we will address important travel insurance information that advisors need to know as travel opens up in the post-pandemic world. Topics covered will include: 

1. The importance of offering insurance to every client and obtaining a signature for accepting or declining insurance with sample declaration forms provided;
2. An up-to-date review of the different types of insurance – CFAR vs. traditional, vs. emergency evacuation and more;
3. Credit card insurance and potential limitations of coverage;
4. U.S. Health insurance – what it does or doesn’t cover when traveling domestically vs. internationally;
5. The benefits and limitations of a group policy for group bookings; and 
6. The legal ramifications of not offering insurance or not getting a declination document signed.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

It's game day for our ASTA Premium Members! Enjoy this VIP reception at Wrigley Rooftops while watching the Chicago Cubs take on the Colorado Rockies.

This reception rooftop venue puts you right in the middle of the Wrigleyville action and offers a great view of the game from home plate out to center field. The panoramic view of Wrigley Field boasts the best view of the ballpark's video board, and its unique rooftop patio bar means you won't miss a moment of game action while getting beverages and food.

Please note: Group transfer from the Hyatt Regency Front Drive will pick up at 5:45pm sharp. Your badge is required and upon arrival to Wrigley Field, ID's and bags will be checked. The dress for this event is casual. 

***Available to ASTA Premium Members ONLY
 

Many lessons were learned from the 2020 pandemic, including legal language that every travel advisor should know and understand when servicing their clients. Learn what legal documents you need to protect services fees from chargebacks, best practice disclosures, recommended documentation management tools, and more.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

There's a lot that goes into being a travel advisor. Whether you're an Independent Contractor or front-line advisor for an agency, you're still in charge of managing a successful business. If you're newer to the travel advisor industry, within the last 5 years, we've got you covered with the business basics you need for success.

 

After this session, you'll not only walk away with the encouragement to keep going but you'll receive,

• a checklist of "must-haves" you need to run a successful business, including licensing, legal and banking, 
• personal and business branding tips to make sure you're staying relevant without losing your personality, and
• how to effectively qualify new prospects, so you're not wasting your time.

Sandals Resorts unwavering commitment to Travel Advisors is powered by ongoing investment in the product, marketing tools, and programs. With one of the most professional and diverse sales teams, every action is geared towards the ultimate growth and success of our Retail Partners.
Together we will achieve more!

Please note a special vacation giveaway to attendees of this session.

Presented By: 

Social media is a free tool for marketing your business, but figuring out when, how, and what platforms to post on can seem daunting and overwhelming.

Our experts will uncover just how easy it is to align your social media content and your sales goals to give you "social confidence" and momentum during this session. 

In this session, we'll follow one travel advisor's social journey to
•    getting a better understanding of creating social strategy with your revenue goals,
•    who/what suppliers you should be selling on social media,
•    what destinations should you be promoting based on your goals,
•    and the basic tactics of which platforms to use and how often to post.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

Join us for an exciting, engaging, and learning experience on everything Puerto Rico! We have been a leading destination throughout these idle times and worked hard to keep the lure of our Island alive and well. We have so much to share, great news on hotels and resorts, attractions, nature, art and festivals, one-of-a-kind gastronomy, and the benefits of being a US territory with the feel of an International Destination. It’s Time for Puerto Rico! 

Presented By: 

Please be in the lobby by 7:00 PM to transfer to Navy Pier. 

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This is a private reception for agencies and advisors that are affiliated with Ensemble Travel Group. Invite Only.  Please contact Ensemble Travel Group for additional information.

This is a private reception for agencies and advisors that are affiliated with Cruise Planners. Invite Only.  Please contact Cruise Planners for additional information.

The events of the past year have left many advisors with the need to take a deep look at your business. This includes whether to create a niche, tweak the one you have or even change your niche altogether.

In this session, we will talk with a group of specialists within different sectors of the trade who have very focused niches and how they are cultivating their niche for business recovery. Plus, we will scratch our collective brains with a group exercise to help you explore if you have a new niche ready to add to your portfolio.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure Frontline Advisors

Learn important updates and what it is like to travel to Hawaii right now! Featured topics include learning about the most up-to-date travel protocols, what the experience is like in Hawaii right now, island-specific updates on activities and attractions, how clients can give back on their vacation and sales, marketing, and training resources.

Presented By: 

What questions should you ask yourself or others to determine if you or your company are using the best business model specific to you - especially important as we recover from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. What are the various business models applicable to the agency community today? What steps should you take to determine if you or your company is using the best business model specific to you - especially important as we recover from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure Business Owners/Managers
 

Join Jackie Friedman, Vicki Freed, Amanda Klimak, and Scott Wiseman as they host a discussion tackling two of the most important challenges at hand- increasing sales and resolving issues! As travel returns the challenges of the past year+ may continue to impact your business. Welcoming demand with a smaller staff and slim margins is a reality for many advisors, as is navigating challenges between client and supplier. Join this critical group discussion to learn how to leverage and maximize your BDM relationships to increase your bottom line and solve any problem that comes your way.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

Join us to learn all about getting Back to Sea with MSC Cruises!

Presented By: 

This is a private reception for agencies and advisors that are affiliated with Virtuoso. Invite Only.  Please contact Virtuoso for additional information.

Kick-off ASTA Global Convention with a little exercise and fun to help support a great cause! Join us for the fifth 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 fun run t-shirt. To register, please log into the Attendee Service Center, click Registration Updates, and then Edit.. If you haven't registered for ASTA Global Convention, you can add the Fun Run to your registration before you checkout. 

Please be in the lobby by 5:30 PM to transfer to the Park Hyatt Chicago.

Sponsored By: 

Your expertise is priceless and your time is precious. As we transition out of the pandemic, even more effort and skill will be required for every trip and consultation. With an increased awareness of your real value, there’s never been a better and more important time to embrace fees. 

In this session, Nolan Burris, from Signature Travel Network, will walk you through the critical elements of making any professional fee program a winner. Then he will ramp it up and examine growing trends and progressive ideas that are working today. From service “packages” like bronze/silver/gold to annual subscriptions, you’ll learn strategies for success with fees in your own agency.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure Business Owners/Managers
 

Forecasting/Adapting/Operating - Elements that will impact your decisions. What is your focus as you rebuild and strategize?  What are your customers now deeming to be the most important factors in order for you to capture their business?

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure & Corporate Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers
 

Cultural heritage tourism, one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry, is gaining momentum in the U.S. as destinations have the desire to engage local stakeholders who provide these rich, authentic cultural heritage experiences for travelers. Also, as a result of the heightened awareness about the Black experience in the U.S. and globally through the Black Lives Matter movement, Black history and cultural heritage tour itineraries are in demand and sought out by inbound travelers.

Join Stephanie M. Jones - a leading cultural heritage tourism thought leader, founder & CEO of the National Blacks in Travel and Tourism Collaborative, founder of Culture on Shore, the world's first global marketplace for cultural heritage tours + activities, and owner of Cultural Heritage Alliance Tours, the premier cultural heritage tour company in South Florida - as she guides session participants in a masterclass on leveraging and selling cultural heritage tour experiences.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

Note: This session will be available via Zoom webinar. Registered attendees of ASTA Global Convention will get a link to sign in approximately 1 week before.

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93511704109

As we start to emerge from the exaggerating effects of the pandemic, we know travel and the way we work have possibility changed for life. The way that we serve our clients, socialize, even go about our daily lives has been changed and we’ve been forced into a new way of living. With all that in mind, it’s no surprise that our confidence and our client’s confidence has taken a knock.

In this session, we will discuss how the rebuilding customer confidence really starts with you, the travel advisor. How to leave the past in the past and the steps you can take to rebuild your confidence so you can get out there and reestablish your business.

Audience: Independent Advisors, Leisure & Corporate Frontline Advisors, Business Owners/Managers

You know your product inside and out. Your brochures are beautiful, your slides are filled with the latest details and you are passionate about your brand. But the secret to inspiring travel advisors to remember and SELL your product takes something more than facts and figures. It requires engaging with your clients and connecting in a way that builds trust and excitement. 
 
Signature Travel Network’s Nolan Burris will share lessons learned from his two decades of life on the road as a professional speaker and presenter. Nolan will show you how to not only provide advisors with the information that they need but also how to form strong bonds with these important customers. You’ll learn successful presentation techniques, the common pitfalls to avoid, and how to circumvent and overcome those challenges that are unique to virtual meeting platforms and presentations. We’ll show you what makes successful virtual events so different from live workshops. 

Audience: Travel Suppliers