Whether we can believe it or not, we’re well into 2023, and the second month of the year is already slipping through our fingers. If they haven’t done so already, now is often the time when travel advisors finish planning out their travel schedules. This includes vacation time, FAM trips and conferences. With the amount of in-person events available in the travel industry, how do agents choose which ones to attend?
One event taking place this spring is the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) Global Convention. The convention is scheduled for May 2-4 and is taking place in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Compass recently spoke with ASTA’s Sarah Little, Vice President, Business Development, to hear more about why travel advisors should attend this event.
Why is it important for travel advisors to attend ASTA Global Convention?
Sarah: ASTA Global Convention stands apart from other industry events as we are the only convention to bring together key stakeholders from every corner of the industry. There is no other event that attracts leadership from every major consortium and host, elected officials, advisors from every type of business model, media (trade & consumer) and travel suppliers. Our #1 goal is advocating on behalf of travel advisors in Washington D.C. We hope our members will bring an industry friend to learn all about this important work as we are always stronger with one voice. Global Convention fosters community and provides educational resources for advisors to be the most professional and profitable they can be.
Are there any new educational opportunities or sessions this year that haven’t been offered in the past?
Sarah: This year’s education sessions will focus on Sales & Marketing, Business Operations and last but certainly not least, Advocacy Awareness. Attendees can plan to walk away with insights into cutting edge travel technologies, stronger sales prowess, and smoother operations in their business. Our Advocacy Awareness training will teach advisors how to tell their stories in more effective ways, whether working with a supplier, client or elected official. New this year, we are also offering a 2-day pre workshop, “Travel Traffic & Conversion Experience” presented [by] Sandra McLemore.
What types of opportunities do advisors have to extend their stay in order to get the most out of the host destination?
Sarah: Attendees will have the opportunity to join pre and post FAM trips to experience the very best that Puerto Rico has to offer. Our pre/post FAMs focus on Adventure, Family and Luxury travel in Puerto Rico. We are also offering pre/post sightseeing tours that will take attendees to the top tourism locations on the island, such as a Catamaran Outing to Icacos or a historical and cultural experience in Ponce. Attendees could alternatively choose to discover hidden waterfalls with a lush tropical backdrop in El Yunque Rainforest, feed their appetite with an Old San Juan Walking & Taste Tour or wet their whistle with a BACARDI Distillery Mixology Experience.
What tips do you have for travel advisors attending this conference for the first time?
Sarah: Attend our New Member Orientation on May 2 at the Convention. This session has great information for new ASTA members and first-time attendees and offers an opportunity to network with other first timers. First time attendees should also make sure to pre-schedule appointments with the exhibitors in the trade show to make sure they maximize their time onsite.
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The current early bird rate goes through Friday, February 17. To learn more about ASTA’s Global Convention or to register, visit astaglobalconvention.org.
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