Attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit some the world's most exquisite embassies to explore, taste authentic food & drinks, and learn about their country during this special reception.

Participating embassies for Monday, August 20th include:

• Barbados
• Jamaica
• South Africa 

Join us for the second 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. This year’s route will take participants through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Please gather in the lobby of the hotel at 6:15 AM. The run and walk will both start promptly at 6:30 AM.
Price: $50

Fee includes registration and souvenir t-shirt.

** Click Here  to choose your t-shirt sizes.

ASTAPAC 5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Walk Route

Freedom, fun, monuments, and a breeze. This bike tour covers the monuments and memorials on the National Mall and Potomac Tidal Basin.

See the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the new Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, and more.

This tour also gives you the chance to walk around and explore the memorials in depth. There is a lot to see but we’ll get you there in this leisurely yet efficient tour.

The cost for these tours are $25.00 per person. Attendees can sign-up during registration or by visiting the Attendee Service Center after registering.

The cost for these tours are $25.00 per person. Attendees can sign-up during registration or by visiting the Attendee Service Center after registering.

Discover the new institutions focusing on faith-based travel experiences. Begin by walking through the mesmerizing Marco Rupnik mosaics at the recently renovated Saint John Paul II Shrine.

Then, head down to the new Wharf neighborhood to witness the newest addition to the Washington, DC museum family, The Museum of the Bible. Over 430,000 square feet, this museum highlights the many ways the Bible has influenced the world.

The cost for these tours are $25.00 per person. Attendees can sign-up during registration or by visiting the Attendee Service Center after registering.

Ford's Theatre, the site of President Abraham Lincoln's Assassination on April 14, 1865, is thrilled to offer a visit of the historic site.

Follow the timeline of President Lincoln’s Presidency, Assassination, and his legacy by visiting the Museum, Theatre, The Petersen House where Lincoln died, and Aftermath Exhibits. This is a self-guided tour. Time: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM.

The cost for these tours are $25.00 per person. Attendees can sign-up during registration or by visiting the Attendee Service Center after registering.

Our parent company Mondee Inc. owns C&H International, SkyLink US and Canada, Transam and Hariworld. That makes us the largest air consolidator. TripPro is the revolutionary travel technology platform with multiple consolidators’ discounted net fares, instant ticketing, hotel booking, mid-office tools, chargeback management, built-in marketing tools including social media integration, customized promotions, email campaign… and many more. All in one simple platform that will help you to grow your business and make more profit.

Sponsored By:

2018 ASTA Awards
ASTA Lifetime Achievement
ASTA Supplier Partner Awards

Speaker

Join us today as we bring to the stage Tom Krieglstein, Founder of Swift Kick, and a TEDx speaker, Guinness World Record holder and featured in many major publications from USA Today, Fast Company, NY Times, MTV, Chicago Tribune and many more. You will not want to miss Tom's time with us on stage today!
 

Closing Remarks

Sponsored By:

Community Networking at it's Best! ASTA Chapters and Host Agencies come together for an unique session.

ASTA Chapters + Travel Advisors + Host Agencies = Valuable CONNECTIONS.
(Cash Bar)

Get the Details! Get Involved!

Sponsored By:

Join your fellow ASTA Premium Members for a reception at Washington, DC's first winery, District Winery. Enjoy wine and local beer, passed hors-d'oeuvres and networking after attending the ASTA Global Convention 2018 official welcome reception taking place at our event venue, Washington Hilton.

Registration is required and transportation will be provided from the Washington Hilton.

Hosted By:



Sponsored By:

In recognition of their generous support for the American Society of Travel Agents 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, 2018, and invitations to this event are non-transferable.

Learn about Alaska's basic truths of travel: the best time of year for each activity, temperatures and daylight, when to see the aurora in the summer season, where the wildlife is, how to sell Alaska shoulder and winter seasons to returning travelers. Learn the words to the “Alaska Flag” song and how to spin an Eskimo Yoyo!
     

                     Sponsored By:

Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terra-Cotta Warriors, Panda… China is more than this. Stepping into the hinterland of mainland China, you’ll find there are so many beautiful places which are rarely known by international tourists. It’s time to refresh your out-bound tourist route and differentiate your tourism products by adding new destinations into your itinerary. In this session, the tourism guru from China will showcase to you China’s hidden beauty and diversified tourism resources. Let’s start a brand new journey.
 

Sponsored By:

Giveaway: Two return tickets to be provided by China Southern Airlines.

Estonia and Lithuania are featured in The New York Times’s “52 Places to Go” in 2018 — and Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, makes Lonely Planet’s top ten hotlist for 2018. Why now? Could it be the young chefs sparking an enticing New Baltic Cuisine, including the craft beer scene, or the chance to explore medieval streets, cultures and landscapes (including World Heritage Sites) only grazed lightly on a Baltic cruise? We’ll give you the knowledge base to see — and sell — the Baltics in a whole new way.

The Baltics are planning FAM trips this year and in 2019 for qualified agents.

Come learn more and bring your business card for multiple lucky draws.

We get it – laws can be confusing and complicated. But it doesn’t have to be and we’ll make it easy for you to understand in this in-depth review of what it means to be an advisor from a legal perspective.

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.

Ranked the #1 topic of choice by attendees in 2017, this session will teach you how to keep your business thriving with productive talent. Learn from the experts who have grown their own businesses with top talent and how you can use their tactics to build your own highly skilled team. Whether you are an Agency Owner, Manager, Recruiter, or Independent Contractor, this session is for you!

Yes, travel to Cuba is legal and Cuba remains a curious destination for many American travelers.  But there is still a lot of red tape.

We’ll give you the most up-to-date breakdown on the current Cuba travel regulations so you that can tap into this market and sell the island with confidence. 

A cruise to the Galapagos Islands is infinitely different than other voyages. Smaller, more intimate, a gathering of people all bound by a fascination with exploration and ecology.

All with renowned Celebrity service at every turn, our Galapagos sailings prove that you can visit the most ancient and unique places on earth wrapped in modern luxury including Celebrity Flora, our new, all-suite, purpose built vessel debuting May 2019.

As a voter you hold the power and we’ll teach you how to use it to help strengthen our industry. When it comes to influencing travel policy in Washington, constituents (YOU) matter most. We’ll teach you the importance behind being a “citizen lobbyist" and how to connect with your member of Congress at the local level.

With over 20,000 Independent Advisors in the marketplace, contracts that work for both business owners and independent advisors (otherwise known as ‘Independent Contractors’ in legalese) are a must-have.

If you want to maximize the effectiveness of these written agreements you’ll want to join us for this session. We’ll help you navigate the essential contract provisions every agreement should include and cover best practices for engaging Independent Advisors.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit some the world's most exquisite embassies to explore, taste authentic food & drinks, and learn about their country during this special reception.

Participating embassies for Wednesday, August 22nd include:

• Bahamas
• Chile
• Hungary
• Kenya
• Uzbekistan

Pre-registration is required - The cost for embassy receptions is $25.00 per person. Attendees can sign-up during registration or by visiting the Attendee Service Center after registering. 

Last year alone, 179 million Americans had their personal data exposed through cybercrime.To make sure your clients' data stays safe, we’ll teach you how best to protect your clients personally identifiable information (PII), best practices for handling verification codes and storing credit card data in accordance with PCI standards and more.

According to research, 83% of travel advisors do not book air with cruises... leaving thousands of dollars on the table at every sale! This session will help advisors learn how to provide comprehensive, full-service travel for every sort of itinerary. We'll walk through different  strategies for upselling and increasing value for your clients by offering more travel opportunities.

We all make mistakes, but it doesn’t have to cost you $30,000 or more in fines for every error. This session is designed to help travel advisors avoid these costly regulatory mishaps. We will use the latest ASTA U.S. Travel Agency Regulatory Compliance handbook as a guide to making sure you’re confidently compliant.

Join the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB to learn how your clients can have a VIP experience in Fort Lauderdale. We have evolved from the Spring Break town reputation and now are a cosmopolitan destination where your guests will feel welcomed and have that VIP experience they desire.

Caitlan will give you insiders secrets including options that were featured on the recent Bachelor in Fort Lauderdale and itineraries in Travel & Leisure.

Caitlan Etchevers, Director of Domestic Sales, cetchevers@broward.org

Win a VIP Greater Fort Lauderdale Beach Tote with Plush Towel and Surprise GC!

DO GREAT THINGS!

Our Emcee for Today: Samantha Brown - Travel Expert and Television Host

Welcome: Kathryn Sudeikis, Vice President, Corporate Relations, Acendas

Special Guest Speaker: Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor & Chief Washington Correspondent
Jake Tapper, CNN’s Chief Washington Correspondent, anchor of The Lead with Jake Tapper and host of State of the Union, will keynote our morning session plus take questions from the audience. His presence comes at a pivotal time, when travel and politics regularly converge in the headlines. The ASTA travel advisor community, bound by its own longstanding code of ethics, has the opportunity to be stewards of important information to their clients, similar to a journalist’s code of ethics. CNN’s Tapper will speak to today’s current affairs and his new book, The Hellfire Club.

Sponsored By:



 

Accessible Travel: Becoming an advocate with the Special Needs Group Anticipating your client’s needs and providing solutions is the key to being an exceptional travel advisor. Join The Special Needs Group to learn how to appropriately identify and sell enhancements for travelers needing assistance. Test your knowledge with their live Certification Exam to obtain your SNG Certified Accessible Travel Advocate designation on the spot! Why get certified as a Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate?

• The accessible travel/special needs market spends 13.6 billion dollars a year on vacations.
• Travelers with special needs take 32 million vacations a year.
• Over 24 million Americans with disabilities would travel more frequently if their special needs were better met.
• Gain access to marketing resources to help you grow your business with the fastest growing segment of travelers
• Achieve access to a unique logo to market yourself as a Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate.
• You will be listed as a "Certified Accessible Travel Advocate" on www.specialneedsgroup.com website. Consumers will be able to find you using the powerful search feature!

ASTA advisors set the standard for consumers in the industry because its members agree to adhere to a 12-point Code of Ethics. This sets us apart and it matters to the traveler. Learn how to build trust with your clients in this session, where we’ll talk about the everyday ethical considerations facing travel businesses in 2018.

So you’ve checked off all of the “must-dos” to grow your business but you’re not seeing the quick return and you're thinking...did I miss something? Often the best way to source new ideas and lessons comes from others with the same goals and/or obstacles. This interactive peer-to-peer roundtable session will allow you to dig deep into topics related to keeping the momentum going after that "must-do" checklist and helping you become the go-getter your business needs.

One of the best ways to promote your business (and our industry) is to connect with your local media. CBS Correspondent Wendy Gillette will give you expert tips for getting on TV  by pitching the media, and how to best present yourself when it’s time for lights-camera-action!

Note: An ASTA Verified Travel Advisor Continuing Education Course

Wonders of the Brazilian Amazon: Learning from the source.Although the Brazilian Amazon Forest is world famous, most people are familiar with only a fraction of what it has to offer. Presented by Mr. Orsine de Oliveira Jr., president of AMAZONASTUR (Amazonas State TourismBoard), this seminar will provide you with valuable information to better sell amazing experiences to your customers.

Representatives of EMBRATUR (Brazil’s tourism agency) and the Consulate-General will be present to answer general questions about the country and the new Brazilian electronic visa for US citizens.

This incredible trip starts even before entering the jungle. Manaus, the capital of the State of Amazonas, is an attraction on its own. This vibrant city is rich in art, culture, history, gastronomy, and is the main gateway to the forest. Known for its rich biodiversity, lush vegetation, and incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, the Brazilian Amazon is all that and so much more!

There are options for every tourist, from nature observers, to culinary buffs; from art lovers, to culture and folklore aficionados. Activities abound: cruising, fishing, lying on a freshwater beach, practicing radical sports, enjoying a peaceful forest walk, and interacting with local people at isolated villages. All while staying at a luxury jungle hotel, with a host family, or anything in between on land, over water, or on the treetops. Join us and learn the details of this awe inspiring destination.

* Session Raffle offered by AMAZONASTUR and American Airlines: One trip for two to the Brazilian Amazon, with two hotel nights in Manaus, three nights at a jungle hotel, airport transfers, city tour, and a dinner.

Sponsored By:

Hear about Hilton news, brand updates (including new hotel openings), get to know Hilton’s boutique hotel brands – Curio, Canopy and Tapestry and learn how you can get rich agent loyalty rewards via Unlimited Rewards for bookings you’re already making with Hilton.

Travel advisors who attend will have a chance to win Hilton Honors prizes and complimentary hotel stays!

We guarantee you’ll leave the session with new information about Hilton to help you sell more effectively!

Sponsored By:

Join us as we take a look at the highlights of Australia’s diverse experiences and destinations, as well as it’s climate, culture and geography, providing a launch-pad for you to effectively design itineraries and overcome selling obstacles.

You’ll learn where your clients can experience Australia’s unique and wonderful wildlife, it’s stunning beaches and coastal gems, as well as where they will enjoy incredible food and wine in amazing locations. We will also explore the Aussie Specialist Program; our free online training resource and gateway to all things down under.
 

Sponsored By:

 

DO GREAT THINGS!

Our Emcee for Today: Samantha Brown - Travel Expert and Television Host

Opening Remarks and Recognitions
Newly Elected ASTA Board Chair

2018 ASTA Awards
ASTA Lifetime Achievement

Sponsored By







The Entrepreneurial Spirit - Do Great Things!

Our Emcee for this "Shark Tank" Style Experience - Samantha Brown, Travel Expert and Television Host

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 and DO GREAT THINGS! 

Who will win the $10,000 2018 ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year Award? YOU help decide!

Gloria Bohan, President & CEO, Omega World Travel presents the 2018 ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by the Dan and Gloria Bohan Foundation. 

Our Judges:

Judge 1: Marc Casto, President & CEO, Casto Travel
Judge 2: David Chait, Founder & CEO, Travefy and Winner of the 2017 ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Judge 3: Denise Jackson, President & CEO Balboa Travel Management
Judge 4: YOU, the Audience

 

For more information, visit NACTAConference.com

For more information, visit NACTAConference.com

The cruise booking process will be managed by Carnival including registration, deposits, final payment and confirmations. You will receive the information for booking in your conference email confirmation. Cruise prices vary by cabin. Please visit this page for the pricing.

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