In this session, those at the helm of the cruise lines you sell answer the toughest questions they'll ever face: Your questions. Join Travel Weekly editor in chief Arnie Weissmann and Vice President of Corporate Relations for All About Travel, Kathy Sudeikis, herself a hard working travel agent, as they moderate a lively session that will bring what's really on your mind directly into the C-suite.
Adam Goldstein - CEO, Royal Caribbean International Kevin Sheehan - CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Rick Sasso - President and CEO, MSC Cruises (North America) Larry Pimentel - CEO, Azamara Club Cruises Maurice Zarmati - President, Costa Cruise Line (North America) Mark Conroy - President, Regent Seven Seas Cruises: President Moderated by: Arnie Weissmann and Kathy Sudeikis
The exhibit hall promises to be the biggest and best showcase of products and services touching every corner of the Cruise and Vacation marketplace. Travel agent attendees will be able to explore hundreds of solutions and services on exhibit throughout both halls.
Critical Issue Panel II Agent leaders discuss the future of the travel agent There are about half as many brick-and-mortar travel agencies today as there were 10 years ago, and even if many agents are flying under the radar of agency-counters, there is still less travel being sold by agents today than in the year 2000. Where will things go from here? Where is the evolution likely to take travel agents as a profession in the future?
Steve Tracas - President & CEO, Vacation.com Priscilla Alexander - President, ProTravel International Makis Xenatos - Vice President, Cruise & Tour, Liberty Travel Audrey Hendley - Vice President - Marketing & Strategic Partnerships American Express Consumer Travel Network, USA, American Express Nicole Mazza - Executive Vice President, Travelsavers
Moderated by Joanie Ogg and Mary Pat Sullivan
Critical Issues Panel III Tour operators make their case There are cruise-only agents, but if there are tour-only agents, we don't hear anything about them. Tours are a very diversified product group, and unlike cruise lines, tour operators don't have an organization dedicated to marketing to and training travel agents. Here's an opportunity to hear about tours and changes within that sector directly from the CEOs of some of the largest tour operators in the world. Travel Weekly editor in chief Arnie Weissmann and travel agent and CEO of ProTravel International Priscilla Alexander will be joined by an agent audience in probing the future of tours and how they envision their relationships with travel agents.
Scott Nisbet - Senior Vice President & COO, Globus Family Steve Gorga -President & CEO, Travel Impressions Jack E. Richards - President & CEO, Pleasant Holidays Michele Kish - President, Gogo Worldwide Vacations Mike Going - President, Funjet Vacations Paul Wiseman - President, Trafalgar Tours Moderated by Arnie Weissmann and Priscilla Alexander
Business Solutions For The Home Based Agency Business solution providers discuss the options available to home-based agents to simplify, streamline or step-up their current business model. Debbie Maier, President, Mailpound Greg Kott, President and CEO, Passport Online Inc. Chris Flores, ARC VTC Program Manager Lee Rosen, President, LeisurePops
Gays and lesbians take more trips and spend more money per trip than most consumers. You can't afford to ignore this market! But communicating and marketing to this community has some very specific do's and don'ts. Tom Roth, CEO of Community Marketing, has helped dozen of large travel companies plan campaigns directed to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) marketplace. Learn how to reach this group effectively!
Critical Issues Panel IV Different Models For Home Based Agents, Which is Right For You?
There are several models for home agents operating today, from outright card mills to tightly run marketing organizations. Even among the most reputable, there are several different options for home agents to get support. Which one is right for you? The leaders of several reputable agency groups are here to explain their approach and take hard questions from the audience.
Jackie Friedman - President & General Manager, Nexion Michelle Fee - Co-Founder & CEO, Cruise Planners Brad Tolkin - Co-Chairman & CEO, World Travel Holdings Brad Anderson - Co-President, America's Vacation Center Michael Drever - President, Expedia Cruise Ship Centers
Moderated by Joanie Ogg and Jeff Drew
Critical Issues Panel V Cruise Line Execs on How to Maximize Sales and Marketing Support
Every cruise line has programs to support agents, from coop advertising to helping create marketing plans. Are you getting the most out of your cruise supplier relationships? On this panel, we've gathered cruise line sales and marketing executives who can tell you what to expect from their line - and what they expect in return.
Vicki Freed - RCCL: Senior Vice President Sales & Trade Support & Services Andy Stuart - NCL: Executive Vice President Dondra Ritzenthaler - Celebrity Cruises: Senior Vice President Sales Edie Bornstein - Azamara Club Cruises: Vice President Sales & Marketing Joni Rein - Carnival Cruise Lines: Vice President, Worldwide Sales Paul Allen -- Holland America Line, Vice President, Sales
Moderated by: Mary Pat Sullivan and Brad Tolkin
Royal Caribbean International: Oasis of the Seas Celebrity: Century Princess: Star Princess
14 - 17 April 2010
Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center
Co-Located with: