ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (ASTA-LA), to be held in Los Angeles Sept. 7-9, will provide attendees with the tools they need to more effectively promote and run their businesses, ASTA says.
“We’ve taken feedback from our show last year and lessons from other travel events to build a better meeting. We’re very aware of the need for a strong and tangible ROI opportunity for attending agents and exhibiting suppliers. We believe we’ve put together the right combination of networking and targeted education, providing agents with advanced tools they can use to plan for, run and promote their business,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar.
Among the show’s highlights are:
Exclusive Microsoft education. Microsoft-certified experts will teach attendees how to secure and maintain their computer, data and online management systems; better manage their business through the use of Outlook calendars; and use Microsoft products to create effective marketing tools. Similar workshops could cost hundreds to attend somewhere else, ASTA says.
LA destination training. On-site destination training will show agents how to turn existing demand into profits. Attendees will learn to sell LA - the second most-visited city in the United States - thanks to personal meetings with local suppliers, an in-depth destination training seminar and complimentary sightseeing that will show attendees LA from an insider’s perspective.
Thought Leader speakers. The insight shared in these sessions equips agents with the know-how to capture emerging markets, build a better business and navigate legal issues that could make or break an agency. Highly acclaimed tech experts will brief agents on the latest technology and how agents can use it to their advantage.
CLIA session tracks. Travel agents will learn to create a sustainable profit line while earning up to 10 hours of CLIA credits during sessions that not only teach innovative ways to close a sale, but how to turn clients into repeat, loyal customers.
Hollywood insiders. This session delivers proven marketing techniques. Attendees will hear creative marketing insights directly from industry authority Marc Mancini and Hollywood film experts.
Travel Institute testing. ASTA-LA provides agents the chance to test for any of the Travel Institute's industry-respected designations - CTA, CTIE and CTC - at no additional charge.
Advocacy dinner. An exclusive, annual black-tie event bringing together travel agents, suppliers and industry players in recognition of ASTA's lobbying efforts and legislative successes at the state and federal level.
Business Travel Coalition Meeting. Corporate travel managers, travel agents and travel management company reps are invited to attend the Business Travel Coalition meeting with BTC Chairman Kevin Mitchell, to voice their perspective on the future of travel and how to best protect their interests as a travel professional.
Opening event at ICON LA. An opportunity to make important industry connections and network with one’s peers while taking in LA’s spectacular nighttime panorama. Registration costs: $79.
Visit www.asta.com