The American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) said it plans to met May 12 in Washington, DC, to set the council’s strategic and advocacy priorities.
The meeting will be followed by ASTA Legislative Day on May 13, which will give all ASTA members an opportunity to meet with their elected representatives and staff.
In addition to a strategic planning session, confirmed speakers for the May 12 CAC meeting include Bob Woodward, associate editor of the Washington Post; Kathleen Matthews, executive vice president and chief communications and public affairs officer, Marriott International, and Ken Fletcher, chief risk officer at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
ASTA Legislative Day on May 13 will provide members the opportunity to forge relationships with their elected U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives and staff.
ASTA said in a press release that strong constituent relationships with lawmakers are critical to help it establish the relationships it needs to have a seat at the table in Congress, which will ultimately benefit the entire industry.
“We are excited to host these back-to-back events in Washington, DC,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA president and CEO. “We need everyone’s voice to be heard in Washington so that our industry moves forward. Together, as One Voice, we can make a difference. I strongly encourage all ASTA members to participate in this process.”
ASTA’s CAC is a small, advocacy-focused group that is open to agencies that produce $50 million or greater in sales.
Eligible travel agencies that would like to support the travel agency industry as a CAC Member and participate in the May 12 meeting should contact Pamela Bonin, ASTA’s Membership Director, at [email protected].
ASTA Legislative Day on May 13 is open to all ASTA members. Participants will be briefed on the latest developments on policy issues of concern to the travel agency industry as well as best practices for conducting an effective Capitol Hill meeting and becoming a “citizen lobbyist.”
In addition, they will receive a copy of the U.S. Congress Handbook, 113th Congress edition. ASTA members can register online at www.cvent.com/d/c4q22n. The early bird rate is $69 through Mar. 31.
Both meetings are sponsored in part by Marriott International, and will be held at the newly renovated Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel.
For more information, visit www.asta.org.