Continuing the momentum of last year’s sold-out conference in Orlando, early registration for the 2011 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference, set for Oct. 19-23 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, is on track for another standing-room-only crowd of more than 850 members, suppliers, and guests from the U.S. and Canada, Ensemble reports.
Built around the theme, “A New Day,” the four-day convention features a mix of strategic and interactive sessions led by guest business-focused authorities as well as several unique events to add a festive vibe to the annual gathering.
“Every workshop, panel presentation, keynote address – even down to the supplier exchanges –have been designed with one goal in mind and that’s to have members look at their travel business with a new and different perspective,” said Co-President Lindsay Pearlman. “We’ve brought in some of the best minds in the business to make that happen, starting off with keynote speaker Peter Sheahan who’s known for inspiring innovative business thinking and creating lasting behavior change.
“On the lighter but just as meaningful side, our silent and live auction to benefit the Make-A-Wish-Foundation is a first for us – and the industry – at conference. Bring your checkbooks, my friends, because the high-valued auction items are going to be spectacular and for such a great cause. We’ve also got some surprises along the way that only Vegas could do.” Among the conference highlights:
•Young Minds in Travel – a lively panel led by keynote speaker Peter Sheahan, author of international bestsellers Fl!p and Generation Y, and composed of a group of 30-something-year-old Ensemble members who will continue the discussion started at last year’s conference on recruitment, retention, succession planning, and business best practices;
•SMARTBar – a hub for small group training, one-on-one attention, and demonstrations focused on technology, e-marketing, and social media, including a FaceBook Lab where members will learn to build their own business page;
•Frontline Selling Skills – an interactive educational track, taught by well-known authority Nolan Burris, to help agents learn how to "beat the internet" using service and advice and how to impress clients with consultative selling skills;
•Ensemble Certified Training for Frontline Agents – a two-day course focused on fully understanding the Ensemble extranet and the organization’s benefits and exclusive programs in order to generate more revenue and build a life-long client following;
•Preferred Supplier Synergy – a three-day forum featuring an interactive tradeshow on Thursday, Oct. 20 (for air, car, cruise, tour, and insurance partners) and roundtable exchanges on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22 (for hotels, Ensemble On Location, and specialty suppliers);
•Vegas-on-your-own – an evening extravaganza asked for and designed for members to truly immerse themselves into this extraordinary destination;
•Owners/Managers Meeting – a strategic members-only executive session – equipped with electronic voting paddles for immediate feedback – to address the long-range planning of organizational priorities.
“The take-away here is huge for both our members and suppliers,” said Co-President Libbie Rice. “Not only will they leave with new profit-making ideas, but also attendees will clearly understand why Ensemble is key to the success of their business. Their Ensemble affiliation is synonymous with value and power. The conference is the perfect forum to further create a strong sense of pride in the organization and how we’re best positioned for the future.”
Other conference events and sponsors will be announced in the near future. Ensemble Travel Group members will find additional information, including discounted air details on WestJet, via the Ensemble Extranet.
Visit www.ensembletravel.com.