ASTA Holds First Virtual Business Conference

Agency branding, small business loans and use of fees are among key topics to be covered at ASTA’s first Virtual Business Summit that focuses on helping its core membership–travel agents cope in tough times. Scheduled for May 20, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET, the Summit will help agents utilize resources at their disposal to create strong brands in a challenging economic climate. The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) will participate.

Conference sessions include:
"Changing Your Future by Upgrading Your Business Model," presented by Nolan Burris. This presentation addresses critical issues related to upgrading a business model to successfully use fees and will cover how to use ASTA's new online program, the Travel Agency Consultancy Fee Course. This 14-part multimedia course includes webcasts, interactive spreadsheets and a downloadable course book and walks ASTA members through the steps needed to upgrade their business model.

"Money, Money, Money and More," presented by speakers from the SBA and SCORE. In this session, representatives from the SBA will lay out in clear terms the loan programs available to the owners of small travel agencies who are facing cash shortages or wish to plan ahead for future needs. SCORE representatives, meanwhile, will review the counseling and mentoring services available to small-business owners and entrepreneurs.

"What Every Businessperson Should Know About Branding," presented by Mary Fran Love, Esq. Love, an expert in brand management, will use the basics principles of trademark law to reveal how understanding simple trademark laws and concepts can help people succeed in business. She takes this concept one step further and shows how agents can develop a strong brand, positive goodwill, and high consumer recognition.

Each session will be 45 minutes long and include time for questions. ASTA members will need to register separately for each session. Visit wwww.asta.org.