Home Based Agent Show: Event Schedule


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Chicago 2009 Schedule

*Schedule is subject to change, please check the signage at the show.

Tuesday: March 10, 2009


	7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Gold Level

Event Registration

Registration will be located on the Gold Level of the Hyatt Regency. You can pick your badge holders, official show program and make changes/additions to your badge during this time.

9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

Ballroom E/F

Dondra Ritzenthaler
Senior Vice President Sales
Celebrity and Azamara Cruises

Attitude is Everything

Presented by:
Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President Sales, Celebrity and Azamara Cruises

In todays economic climate, roadblocks are being put in front of us at every turn. The media, culture, and climate constantly delivers a cant do attitude every minute of everyday with a gloom and doom attitude. More than ever, it is imperative for us to focus on the good news, the bright side, and the opportunities which are also put in front of us everyday. Join one of the travel industrys most inspirational leaders for this incredible seminar which will supercharge your business and change your perspective on life.

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Ballroom A/B

Larry McCarthy
Director of National Accounts
Globus Family of Brands

Building Your Business in a Faith Based Market

Presented by:
Larry McCarthy, Director of National Accounts, Globus Family of Brands

This workshop will focus on the tapping into the faith based travel market. Faith Based Travel has continued to be a constant source of revenue for travel professionals. The Globus Family of Brands is the only major tour operator involved in this effort with substantial growth over the past three years despite the weakened economy. At this session, you will learn how to identify prospects, work with these prospects and develop a strategy to propel you into 2009. At the end of the session, you will comprehend:

Faith, with Fun!
Not just a one-time trip, but a real vacation option for over 15 million Americans
A huge, largely untapped, market
Group development and more

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Ballroom E/F

Presented by:

Anita Pagliasso
OSSN Western Regional Manager & President and Founder of Ticket To Travel

Easy Steps to Growing Your Group Sales

Presented by:
Anita Pagliasso OSSN Western Regional Manager & President and Founder of Ticket To Travel

This presentation will teach the audience how to boost group sales by utilizing professional portfolios, spreadsheets and organizational skills. Her visual presentation will include examples of many of the groups that her own successful home-based business has put together.

Where to find groups
How to write a group proposal
Understanding the role of the Pied Piper
How to make a presentation to a group leader
Giving your group leader the tools to work for you
Keeping your group organized
The dos and don'ts while escorting a group

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

Ballroom E/F

Presented by:

Dan Chappelle, MCC
Vice President - US Operations
Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Amateurs Work for Free - Professionals Get Paid for Their Services!

Learn how to double your commission on practically every sale!

Presented by:
Dan Chappelle, MCC, Vice President - US Operations,
Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Helping agents to understand that their customers really want them to take care of everything. More importantly -they are willing to pay for it. Think out of the box about all of the potential components that agents can sell to add value and earn more commission or higher fees.

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

Ballroom A/B

Presented by:

Denise Vogel

Create Great Marketing Materials From Start to Finish!

Presented by:
Denise Vogel, Click of the Mouse

You'll learn about utilizing Microsoft tools, and to prepare dynamic PowerPoint presentations and dazzling flyers.

The workshop will highlight the tools you can use to make a spectacular presentation to sell travel to your clients!

Programs discussed will include Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Publisher.

Learn how to use the special features and short cuts of these programs to minimize your time and maximize your sales and marketing presentations!


	11:50 AM - 1:00 PM

Lunch Break

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Ballroom E/F

Presented by:

Keith & Martha Powell

The Powell Family Tackles Fund-Raising Cruises

Presented by:
Keith Powell The Business Revivalist Author and Speaker
Martha Powell

This fun session will feature a husband and wife team, Keith & Martha Powell, who in synergy promote fundraising cruises. Learn the five keys to this great market niche; The Who, The What, The When, The How and The Why.

This is an enlightening workshop and will benefit home based agents who work as a team with their spouse or with a partner as well as those who work independently. From marketing to managing your fundraising cruise, you will gain a wealth of information.

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Ballroom A/B

Moderated by:

Doug Cook
President
JaxFax

Boosting Earnings Thru Airline Consolidators

Moderator:
Doug Cook, President, JaxFax

Panelists:
John McGonigle CTC, GSA Manager/Business Development USA, Goway Travel
Leanna Freeman, Account Executive, Raptim Travel, N. America
Sal Prezioso, Sales Director, Skybird Travel
Rosilyn Richey, Senior Vice President, C&H International

John McGonigle CTC
GSA Manager/Business Development USA
Goway Travel

Leanna Freeman
Account Executive
Raptim Travel, N. America

Sal Prezioso
Sales Director
Skybird Travel

Rosilyn Richey
Senior Vice President
C&H International


	2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Ballroom E/F

Creative Ways to Sell More Cruises and Grow Your Business

2:00 - 2:25 - Carnival: The FUN Starts Here

Presented by:
Mike Julius, Regional VP Central U. S., Carnival Cruise Lines

After conducting intensive consumer research, Carnival launched a new branding campaign designed to capture the truly unique essence of the company's vacation experience, which embodies spirited and spontaneous fun. This unique presentation will show how the Carnival brand of fun is more valuable than ever before and how you can use this new way of thinking in your sales and marketing efforts. You'll hear about the evolution of the Carnival product, the latest details on exciting new ships, recently launched sales programs, tips on increasing commissions and growing your business. After attending this presentation, youll be on your way to becoming a Carnival Funologist!

2:25 - 2:50 - 101 Ways to Sell More Cruises

Presented by:
Dave Stockert, Director - Sales Training, Holland America Line Inc.

This session will share proven ideas that home based agents have used to grow their business. These ideas are cost effecting and easy to implement. You will find out at least 101 new ways you can use to develop new business. Home base agents have the freedom to try new ideas, so take advantage of this session and sell more cruises.


	2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
Ballroom A/B

Making a Profit Selling Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Moderated by
Monique Peragine, OSSN Northeast Regional Manager

Panelists:
Michelle Powers Kaufman, Regional Sales Manager, Sunset Resorts
Phyllis Evenson, CTA, Owner, Travel Experience
Shannon Rae Grunewald, Travel Consultant/Owner, All About Honeymoons
Jan Lis, Sales Manager, Apple Vacations

In these tough economic times, people are still getting married and taking honeymoons. In the past 10 years, destination weddings and honeymoons have increased by more than 400%. In this timely discussion, learn how to market yourself to potential clients, how best to follow-up with your prospects and to capture your profitable piece of the business.

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Ballroom E/F

Accredited Training

Bernie Blomquist MCC/CTC
(CLIA)

CLIA Training - Who are You? an Exploration of Your Abilities, Skills and Strengths

Presented by:
Bernie Blomquist MCC/CTC (CLIA)

Almost everyone has heard the old, wise saying "Know Thyself." But is this relevant to our modern world? Absolutely. Knowing your strengths, overcoming your weaknesses and applying the lessons you learn from self-discovery are essential to just not personal fulfillment but also your business success. In this unique seminar, we'll take you through a series of exercises that will assess your professional skills and provide insights on how to excel in all that you do. This is a newly-introduced CLIA module.

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Ballroom A/B

Moderated by:

John Hawks

Whats in your House - Understanding how an association dedicated to home-based agents can help grow your business

Moderated by:
John Hawks

Panelists:
Monique Peragine, Northeast Regional Manager, OSSN
Patricia Bannister, Southeastern Regional Manager, OSSN
Kelly Chiusano Administrator, OSSN, TRUE
Melody Fee, OSSN

Understanding how an association dedicated to home based agents can help grow your business. Current OSSN members and non-members are invited to this informative session. How to get the most out of a membership. Learn all of the features of the 7000 page website. Meet the associations executive team as they demonstrate and talk about all of the benefits offered, including National and International Conferences, FAM trips and TRUE.

Monique Peragine
OSSN Northeast Regional Manager

Patricia Bannister
OSSN Southeastern Regional Manager

Kelly Chiusano
OSSN / TRUE Administrator

Melody Fee
OSSN

4:00 PM - 4:50 PM

Ballroom A/B

Moderated by:

Andi McClure-Mysza
President
Montrose Travel

PATH Host Agencies Answer Your Hard Hitting Questions About Hosts

Moderated by:
Andi McClure-Mysza, President, Montrose Travel

Panelists:
Betsy Geiser, Uniglobe Travel
Darya Camacci, Sr. Vice President Operations, Travel Counsellors
Robbi Jumaa Hamida, CTA, DS, Director of Agent Development, Nexion, Inc.
Dan Chappelle MCC, Vice President - US Operations, Expedia CruiseShipCenters

PATH, the Professional Association of Travel Hosts, allows only reputable hosts who meet their tough criteria to join. Come learn about the importance of PATH, why some hosts are more "legitimate" than others, red flags to avoid when selecting a host, how a host can help you during an economic downturn, and how you can build a strong relationship with your host. Uniquely, our host panel will answer the normally "undiscussed" questions you pose in advance...so don't be bashful. If you currently work with a host or you're in the market for a host, this session shouldn't be missed.

Betsy Geiser

Darya Camacci
Sr. Vice President Operations
Travel Counsellors

Dan Chappelle MCC
Vice President - US Operations
Expedia CruiseShipCenters

Robbi Jumaa Hamida, CTA, DS
Director of Agent Development
Nexion, Inc.

5:00 PM - 5:50 PM

Ballroom A/B

Presented by:

Steve Levin
Senior Vice President
Berkely Agency, Ltd.

Presented by:

Cynthia Perry, CTC
VP of Sales and Industry Relations
Travel Insured International

Protect your Agency and your Clients

Insider Briefing on Errors & Omissions Insurance

Presented by:
Steve Levin, Senior Vice President , Berkely Agency, Ltd.

By attending this Risk Management seminar, home-based agents will gain knowledge of the industry essential Travel Agents Professional Liability policy by learning what is and what is not covered. The seminar will also provide guidance on how to adequately insure their agency, prevent claims, and what to do in the event of a claim.

Protect your clients and your profits with Travel Insurance

Presented by:
Cynthia Perry, CTC, Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations, Travel Insured International

Learn how to protect yourself and your client with travel insurance. In this seminar the most frequently asked questions and misconceptions about travel insurance will be addressed along with selling tips and how to overcome objectives in the current economy.

Wednesday: March 11, 2009


	7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Gold Level

Event Registration

Registration will be located on the Gold Level of the Hyatt Regency. You can pick your badge holders, official show program and make changes/additions to your badge during this time.


	7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Columbus Hall G-L

Sponsored Breakfast

Sponsored by:

8:30 AM - 11:50 AM

Ballroom E/F

Hosted by:

Gary Fee
President and Co-Founder
Outside Sales Support Network(OSSN)

General Session

ePowers; Energy, Enthusiasm and Embracing Change

Kenote Speaker:

Keith Powell
The Business Revivalist
Author and Speaker

Learn how to use your energy to propel your business goals forward and to utilize your enthusiasm to help close more sales.

Remember, the rule for today's business is "change is not an option, it is inevitable".

Tough Times Don't Last but Tough People Do

Kenote Speaker:

Vicki Freed
Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Support & Services
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Travel Agents will succeed by securing & building business in 2009

Surviving in Today's Economy: How You Can Tap Into Available Resources at no Extra Cost

Kenote Speaker:

Donnie Dawson
Deputy Director of Tourism-Americas
Jamaica Tourist Board

A compelling blueprint to counter the declining tourism in one of the most important destinations for North American clients.

Top 10 Ideas for Home Based Agents to Become a Bigger Part of the Supplier Distribution Channel.

Kenote Speaker:

Nigel Osborne
President
Virgin Vacations Inc.

The Future of the Home Based Agent in an Economic Downturn

Kenote Speaker:

James Shillinglaw
Editor-in-Chief
The Performance Media Group

How agents working from home remain more crucial than ever when times are tough

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Columbus Hall G-L

Presented by:

Gary Sadler
VP of Sales for North America
Sandals

We Believe in You! - Sponsored Lunch Break

Todays traveler has a higher expectation of their travel agents. In response, travel agents are growing more specialized and focused on reliable and desirable destinations such as Sandals, Beaches, Royal Plantation & Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. Sandals Resorts continues to develop and enhance travel agent programs for this reason. Take advantage of the Certified Sandals Specialist program by attending a Walking Workshop or co-brand your agency with the only Luxury Included Resorts in the World.

Sponsored by:

1:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Ballroom C/D

Certification Course

Larry Dessler
Executive Director
Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA)

Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA) Educational Program

Presented By:
Larry Dessler
Executive Director
Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA)

Agents will learn about the opportunities of selling unique niche cruise products, how to identify the market and a prospect for this commission rich product. Agents will also receive tips into marketing and promotion and receive a briefing on the unique experiences pro vided by niche cruise products. At the end of the program, agents will receive their certification as a Niche Cruise Specialist, over $600 in bonus commission certificates, a listing on the NCMA web site, subscriptions to the Niche Cruise Specialist newsletter which features information on new products and a special fam and bonus commission information.

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Ballroom A/B

Moderated by:

Gary Fee
President and Co-Founder
Outside Sales Support Network(OSSN)

Cruising Successfully Thru Turbulent Economic Waters

Moderator:
Gary Fee, President, OSSN

Panelists:
Dave Stockert, Director Sales Training, Holland America Line Inc.
Mike Julius, Regional VP Central U. S., Carnival Cuise Lines
Cris De Souza, Channel Strategy Executive, Azamara Cruises/Celebrity Cruises
Bo Fridsberg, VP Sales, Hurtigruten

Dave Stockert
Director - Sales Training
Holland America Line Inc.

Mike Julius
Regional VP Central US
Carnival Cuise Lines

Cris De Souza
Channel Strategy Executive
Azamara Cruises/Celebrity Cruises

Bo Fridsberg
VP Sales
Hurtigruten


	1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Ballroom E/F

Tools to Help You Sell Jamaica More Effectively

Presented by:
Glen Bucknor, Senior Director Midwest, Jamaica Tourist Board

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM

Ballroom E/F

Jeff Grieder
OSSN's Midwest Regional Manager and
Owner of ASAP Cruise Vacations in Houston, TX

Introducing Gay & Lesbian Travel to the Home Based Agent

Presented by:
Jeff Grieder, OSSN's Midwest Regional Manager and Owner of ASAP Cruise Vacations in Houston, TX

Panelists:
Charlie Rounds, President, RSVP Vacations, LLC
Steve Smith, Gay Market Sales Manager, Florida Keys Tourist Department
Gillian Harper, General Manager, Damron Vacations

Today, gay and lesbian tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry and this panel will help the home based seller of travel tap into this very lucrative niche market. Learn how you can match the right cruise, resort, destinations and more with your gay and lesbian clients. Even in these rough economic times gays and lesbians are still traveling more than ever. And with more gay and lesbian acceptance across the world, now is the time to get into this ever growing travel category.

Charlie Rounds
President
RSVP Vacations, LLC

Steve Smith
Gay Market Sales Manager
Florida Keys Tourist Department

Gillian Harper
General Manager
Damron Vacations

2:00 PM - 2:50 PM

Ballroom A/B

Moderated by:

James Shillinglaw
Editor-in-Chief
The Performance Media Group

Tour Package$: Gateway to Big Agent Booking$

Moderated by:
James Shillinglaw, Editor-in-Chief, The Performance Media Group

Panelists:
Ady Gelber, President and CEO, Isramworld
Andrea Sertoli, President, Select Italy
Nigel Osborne, President, Virgin Vacations Inc.

Ady Gelber
President and CEO
Isramworld
"I talk to travel agents"

Andrea Sertoli
President
Select Italy

Nigel Osborne
President
Virgin Vacations Inc.

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Ballroom A/B

Presented by:

Libby Thorton
Regional Director of Sales
Unique Vacations

Open The Door to Success

Presented by:
Libby Thornton, Regional Director of Sales, Unique Vacations

Travel agents need to go out and get the business in these difficult times. Find out what Sandals Resorts brands are doing to support and send business to their travel agent partners. Programs such as the Marketing Fund Reimbursement, the Marketing Concierge, and the Road Warrior Program to name a few will be discussed. Step outside the box.lets talk Grass Roots Marketing at its best.

3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Ballroom E/F

Presented by:

Susana Romero
Product Manager
Celebrity Xpeditions and Azamara Cruises

"Come Grow with U$" - Double Your Commissions With Celebrity and Azamara Cruises

Presented by:
Susana Romero, Product Manager, Celebrity Xpeditions and Azamara Cruises

3:00 - 3:30 - Galapagos

During this engaging 30 minute seminar, you will learn about this enriching and rewarding destination from Celebrity's own Xpert, Susana Romero. Susana will enlighten you on the target customer profile for Galapagos, and how to un-tap these unique customers in your existing client database and how to sell this rewarding and enriching destination to your clients.

Click here for a video preview of this incredible destination

3:30 - 4:00 - Azamara

Voted the Best Premium Cruise Ship, Azamara Journey by Travel Weekly's 2008 Reader's Choice Awards, Azamara Cruises is the best kept secret in the cruise industry. Learn about the niche Deluxe Cruising Segment, how to un-tap this profitable market segment in your client database and prospect for new deluxe customers. Join Susana Romero, as she shares with you the key selling points of Azamara Cruises, the deluxe, small ship line which offers a refined, relaxed, unique destination experience that is "rich within reach".


	4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Riverside Center

Trade Show

Thursday: March 12, 2009