“Power Up!” Theme for 2016 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference

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Ensemble has announced details on the 2016 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference. Based around the theme “Power Up!” this year’s event will take place October 19-23 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA.

Attendees will have the chance to hear the latest news from Ensemble, as well as destination and product knowledge, business and communication skills, and nutrition and exercise tips, said Ensemble Co-President Lindsay Pearlman

Pearlman and Co-President Libbie Rice kick off the four-day event with their state-of-the-organization address on Wednesday morning, October 19. Following are destination and product knowledge sessions, beginning with the supplier “Happy Hours” on opening day. Members choose two, 20-minute trainings to attend and by the end of the four days, will have gained greater insight into eight Ensemble partners. Participating this year: New Zealand Tourism, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Allianz Insurance, Insider Journeys, Celebrity Cruises, Israel Ministry of Tourism, The Travel Corporation (Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Contiki), Azamara Club Cruises, Shore Trips, Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau, Viking Cruises, and Club Med.

Attendees will also have time with Ensemble’s preferred partners in events such as the Hotel and On Location Marketplace and Exchange (October 19 and October 20, respectively) and Tradeshows (October 21: land/tour, On Location, business, specialty; October 22: air, car, rail, cruise, destination, insurance & On Location partners).

Robert Herjavec, known for his TV role on Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den, will serve as the conference’s keynote speaker. From delivering newspapers and waiting tables, to launching a successful computer company from his basement, his path to success is relevant to today’s travel professional. Sponsored by Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Cunard Line, the keynote speech is set for Thursday morning, October 20.

Other highlights of the 2016 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference include experiential learning tours for early arrivals from the San Diego Tourism Authority on Tuesday, October 18. Among the choices are U.S.S. Midway & San Diego Sites, San Diego Zoo and Old Town, Sea World and Water Experience, Segway and BITE San Diego, and Brew Hop Craft Beer Experience. These activities are for members only and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Advanced registration is required and many are expected to sell out well in advance.

Evening events include a lively opening reception held poolside, Circle of Excellence gala and Make-A-Wish auction (October 21), and the closing dinner and party (October 22) on the U.S.S. Midway. Ensemble has the run of the entire ship that evening, with access to exhibits, restored aircraft, and more.

Most mornings start with either an “escorted” Power Up Walking Group or a lively Zumba class. Throughout conference, attendees can expect to hear more about the ELF (Ensemble Loves Fitness) program. Introduced at last year’s conference in Orlando, the Ensemble staff rallied behind the fitness craze and tallied up enough miles collectively on their Fitbits to walk roundtrip Los Angeles to New York City or Vancouver to Toronto in just a couple of months. 

Ensemble Travel Group members can register for conference via the Ensemble Extranet.

Visit www.joinensemble.com