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Convention '09 Seminars

Saturday, Nov. 14

The Tour Operator Crackerbarrel is a perennial favorite. This open forum is your opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and raise issues with your peers. You'll have plenty of time to bring up topics for discussion and have many of your questions answered.

Berkely Risk Management

9:30-10:30 a.m.
Featured Speakers:
Maureen Kaye, The Berkely Group
Greg Takehara, The Berkely Group

Tour operators may earn or maintain a 5 percent risk management premium credit toward their next policy renewal by attending the Berkely Risk Management seminar. Filled with practical content that will present simple, yet effective remedies for managing risk, operators will learn about trends and issues affecting tour operator liability, actual claims and lawsuits, how to avoid or minimize liability claims and what to do-or not to do-when the inevitable lawsuit occurs.  Members will gain a better understanding of the liability exposures that exist and will learn how to incorporate a risk management approach, using both insurance and non-insurance techniques, into virtually every facet of their business. Attendance is mandatory to qualify for the premium credit. Also, Berkely will present a webinar, Tuesday, November 24, at 2 p.m. ET to provide additional information on risk management. Tour operators can attend either session to earn or maintain the 5 percent premium credit toward their next policy. Those attending both seminars will be eligible for a 10 percent credit. All credits are subject to each state's maximum credits allowed. Credits are good for two policy years.  

Best Practices Table Topics
9:30-10:30 a.m.

Learn from your peers during small group discussions on Customer Care Techniques, Financial Management, Impact of Technology, Creative Sales and Marketing, and Research and Product Development. NTA colleagues will guide the discussions so you can hear from others as well as share your "best practices" in these areas. During this session, you can participate in a series of small group discussions on a variety of relevant, timely topics, or you can take in one conversation the entire time. Sponsored by Santa Claran Hotel-Casino

China Market Update and Best Practices
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Featured Speakers:
Moderator:
Phil Sheldon, Hanns Ebensten Travel and Alyson Adventures,
Panelists:
Helen Marano, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, U.S. Dept. of Commerce
Pilar Laguana, Guam Visitors Bureau

China is a market with huge potential for the travel and tourism industry. As the Chinese increasingly exploring the world beyond intra-Asia destinations, China has had, and will continue to have, one of the highest growth rates of travel to the United States. NTA and its members are well positioned to benefit from the opening of group leisure travel to the U.S. resulting from the 2008 U.S.-China agreement and the NTA China Inbound Program. This session will present a brief primer on China, you will hear about NTA's best practices recommendations for working with this market and you will gain valuable knowledge from members well-versed in successfully developing product for the Chinese traveler. Sponsored by Go West Summit
 
Heritage Tourism and Connecting with the African-American Market
10:45 a.m.-Noon
Featured Speaker:
Charlotte Haymore, Co-founder, Travel Professionals of Color

During this session, NTA strategic partner Travel Professionals of Color will explore heritage tourism and connecting people to their roots and the past. TPOC's Charlotte Haymore will share ideas on how to reach the minority travel market-specifically the African-American market-through heritage tourism, recapturing history and developing travel packages to best serve these travelers. Her session will include research released last month on heritage tourism, as well as information on TPOC-approved Heritage Destinations and their successes in working with this market. Haymore will help you find the missing link for connecting with the African-American market. Sponsored by American Express OPEN^®

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Awareness and Best Practices
10:45 a.m.-Noon
Featured Speaker:
William Bensmiller, Division Administrator (Nevada) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

During this seminar, William Bensmiller will provide an overview of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Motorcoach Safety Programs and Initiatives.  Other topics will include best practices in hiring and/or contracting with safe motorcoach companies and recent motorcoach compliance activities by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Sunday, Nov. 15

Strategic Packaged Travel Leadership, Management and Administration (CTP Approved Course)*- Part I
10:30-11:45 a.m. 
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP, professor and executive director, The International Centre for the Study of Planned Events, Queen Margaret University

In this officially approved and sanctioned CTP core course, participants will engage in an interactive workshop and learn how to develop and demonstrate effective time management skills, maintain effective government relations, maintain effective stakeholder relations, develop and implement effective standard operating procedures and manage packaged travel contracts for maximum return on investment. CTP candidates can work toward certification points by attending this session, and all members are invited to attend, even if you are not enrolled in the CTP program.

   *Note: This required course is officially approved by NTA for 20 quality points toward earning your Certified Tour Professional designation. If you are enrolled in the CTP program, you must go to the Blackboard system to take the quizzes to earn this credit toward certification. This is a four-hour course, and Part 2 is offered today at 2 p.m. The full course is available online for CTP candidates.

Green Travel, Sustainability and ROI
10:30-11:45 a.m.
Featured Speaker:
Brian Mullis, president, Sustainable Travel International

Join NTA strategic partner Sustainable Travel International to explore the ways in which "greening up" your business can save you money.  If you don't understand why sustainability approaches are critical for the future, this session will help you gain this perspective. Learn how more and more customers are coming to expect environmental responsibility, so you can not only profit from a marketing advantage but also reduce your company's operating costs. And if that's not enough, you'll learn about best practices that will help your company become a steward of the destinations you serve.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Effective PR and Brand Development
10:30-11:45 a.m. 
Featured Speaker:
Catherine Heeg, Customized Management Solutions

The use of social media is growing at a rampant pace. Have you joined the race or do you see it as just silly and useless? Behind this "silliness" lies potentially one of the most important and useful PR tools to help you communicate directly with your targeted audience. Social media is electronic (viral) word of mouth that will help you cost-effectively build your brand while also staying on top of what your customers are saying about your products and services. During this session you will quickly move through social media basics to learn how to get into the game and harness the power of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and more. You will take away a customized marketing campaign in a tool box that blends social media with creative publicity, press releases and dynamic presentations. Sponsored by American Express OPEN^®

Strategic Packaged Travel Leadership, Management and Administration (CTP Approved Course)*- Part II
2-3:15 p.m. 
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP, professor and executive director, The International Centre for the Study of Planned Events, Queen Margaret University

In part two of this officially approved and sanctioned CTP core course, participants will engage in an interactive workshop and learn how to develop and demonstrate effective time management skills, maintain effective government relations, maintain effective stakeholder relations, develop and implement effective standard operating procedures and manage packaged travel contracts for maximum return on investment. CTP candidates can work toward certification points by attending this session, and all members are invited to attend, even if you are not enrolled in the CTP program.

   * Note: This required course is officially approved by NTA for 20 quality points toward earning your Certified Tour Professional designation. If you are enrolled in the CTP program, you must go to the Blackboard system to take the quizzes to earn credit toward certification. This is a four-hour course, and the full course is available online for CTP candidates.

Ask the Operator for Suppliers
2-3:15 p.m. 
Featured Speakers:
Moderator:
Chris Shepler, Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Panelists:
Taunya Wolfe Finn, Wolfe Adventures
Richard Arnold, Ambassatours Gray Line
Courtney Ashley, About Tours
Melissa Loman, Student Group Tours Inc.

This "ask the operator forum" is always highly rated and a great opportunity for tour suppliers to get feedback from operators on the topics and issues that are most important to your business. Our tour operator panel will be ready to share their ideas, opinions and needs with you.  

ALL WELCOME! A Look at the Global Gay and Lesbian Market
2-3:15 p.m.
Featured Speakers:
Moderator:
Tom Nibbio, International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association
Panelists:
Bryan Herb, Zoom Vacations, chairman of the IGLTA Board of Directors
Phil Sheldon, Hanns Ebensten Travel and Alyson Adventures, NTA and IGLTA member

During this panel discussion, NTA strategic partner IGLTA will share the latest research on the gay and lesbian market to help you gain knowledge and information from a global perspective. As specialists in the GLBT market, Bryan Herb and Phil Sheldon will share examples of how they have successfully developed tours and packages and marketed their products and services in this arena. The majority of this session will be devoted to interaction with the audience so your questions can be answered as to how you can reach (or better serve) the gay and lesbian traveler.

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Strategic Packaged Travel Marketing and Sales (CTP Approved Course)* - Part I
10:15-11:30 a.m. 
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP, professor and executive director, The International Centre for the Study of Planned Events, Queen Margaret University

In this officially approved and sanctioned CTP core course, participants will engage in an interactive workshop and learn how to conduct comprehensive marketing research, effectively analyze research data, comprehensively identify product and pricing components, conduct competitive market price analysis, establish accurate financial and business goals for products and design products for maximum return on investment. CTP candidates can work toward certification points by attending this session, and all members are invited to attend, even if you are not enrolled in the CTP program.

   *Note: This required course is officially approved by NTA for 20 quality points toward earning your Certified Tour Professional designation. If you are enrolled in the CTP program, you must go to the Blackboard system to take the quizzes to earn credit toward certification. This is a four-hour course, and Part 2 is offered today at 1:15 p.m. The full course is available online for CTP candidates. 

Economic cycles come and go. We have been here before and survived. Cheer the good times with parties, awards and trophies. Mourn the bad times but then let go. Barry Moltz, who's "crazy about business and insane for success," demonstrates that developing the resiliency to "bounce" through these cycles of good and bad times determines who ultimately will succeed. Using real life business examples, he shows that with true business confidence, we can take actions to face our fears, let go of shame and failures, be better risk takers, and define our own brand of success. Sponsored by American Express OPEN^®

Barry will also show you how to take actionable steps for your business to:

1. Match revenue with expenses. 
2. Challenge all your business assumptions. 
3. Leverage Marketing, sales and substitutions.
4. Finding the right people you need.
5. Build customer service as your sustainable competitive advantage.
6. Running more of your business on less technology.

Ask the Operator for DMOs
10:15-11:30 a.m. 
Featured Speakers:
Moderator:
Lisa Itel, Travel Oregon
Panelists:
Larry Larsen, Ed-Ventures Inc.
Michael Thomas, Thomas Tours and Travel
Neila Swapp, Educational Tours and Travel Corporation
Gloria Kenley, The Kenley Konnection Inc.

This "ask the operator forum" is always highly rated and a great opportunity for DMOs to get feedback from operators on the topics and issues that are most important to your business. Our tour operator panel will be ready to share their ideas, opinions and needs with you.

Strategic Packaged Travel Marketing and Sales (CTP Approved Course)* - Part II
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP, professor and executive director, The International Centre for the Study of Planned Events, Queen Margaret University

In this officially approved and sanctioned CTP core course, participants will engage in an interactive workshop and learn how to conduct comprehensive marketing research, effectively analyze research data, comprehensively identify product and pricing components, conduct competitive market price analysis, establish accurate financial and business goals for products and design products for maximum return on investment. CTP candidates can work toward certification points by attending this session, and all members are invited to attend, even if you are not enrolled in the CTP program.

Note: This required course is officially approved by NTA for 20 quality points toward earning your Certified Tour Professional designation. If you are enrolled in the CTP program, you must go to the Blackboard system to take the quizzes to earn credit toward certification. This is a four-hour course, and the full course is available online to CTP candidates.

Lessons in Risk and Crisis Management
1:15-2:30 p.m. 
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Peter Tarlow, Tourism and More

World expert in risk and crisis management Dr. Peter Tarlow will provide an overview of what a risk and crisis management plan needs to incorporate. Then, he'll have an interactive discussion with the participants on the development of these plans, what issues you've confronted and how you effectively (or ineffectively) dealt with them. For many companies, crisis management is unknown territory, yet it's vital in today's world. This session is an invaluable opportunity to not only learn from Tarlow's vast experience, but also an opportunity to gain great insights from your NTA peers about their process, ideas, missteps and must-dos when dealing with the risks inherent in travel and tourism. Please come prepared to participate in this interactive session.

The Diamond Touch
1:15-2:30 p.m.
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Nate Booth, Nate Booth and Associates

We're all familiar with The Golden Rule, "Treat others in the way you would like to be treated." The Golden Rule is a powerful principle, but it has one shortcoming. Everyone wants to be treated differently. If you're a service provider, your clients want to be served differently. If you're a salesperson, your customers want to be influenced differently. If you're a leader, your people want to be led differently. This variety of desires is what makes all relationships interesting and challenging. It's also the reason you can't take a cookie-cutter approach to service, influence and leadership in today's diverse world. The good news is this variety of desires creates tremendous opportunities for the companies and people who understand and practice The Diamond Touch. The Diamond Rule is, "Treat others in the unique way they want to be treated." Those who follow the Diamond Rule quickly and precisely discover the unique desires of their internal and external customers. Then, whenever possible, they give them what they want, in the way they want it. This will create mutually beneficial relationships that stand the test of time. Sponsored by American Express OPEN^®

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Strategic Packaged Travel Financial Management (CTP Approved Course)*
10:15-11:30 a.m.  
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Cynthia Mayo, College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management; Delaware State University

In this CTP approved core course, participants will engage in an interactive session to increase your knowledge and skills related to managing financial performance, forecasting business needs, establishing budgets, understanding payroll systems and ways to identify sources of funding. This information is invaluable to anyone in packaged travel. CTP candidates can work toward certification points by attending this session, and all members are invited to attend, even if you are not enrolled in the CTP program

   *Note: This required course is officially approved by NTA for 20 quality points toward earning your Certified Tour Professional designation. If you are enrolled in the CTP program, you must go to the Blackboard system to take the quizzes to earn credit toward certification. This is a two-hour course. To see the full course, log on to Temple University's Blackboard system, and the full course is available online to CTP candidates.

The Year in Travel and Tourism: Lessons Learned
10:15-11:30 a.m. 
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Peter Tarlow, Tourism and More

Tourism professionals have once again had to deal with an issue that while outside of your industry may greatly impact your business. The swine flu has added a new wrinkle to the world of travel and tourism. Already plagued by an economic downturn, difficult travel rules, and business travel cutbacks, the tourism industry must now face the threat of a possible global pandemic, if not now then possibly in the future. The classical statement that "perceptions are true in their consequences" could not be more accurate when it comes to tourism. We often forget that no one needs to travel, thus the traveling public can easily be frightened. The best antidote to false perceptions is to know the facts and to respond to these facts in a responsible and accurate way. Join Dr. Peter Tarlow as he examines the events, issues and news-making topics of 2009 and the lessons we can learn to make you stronger for the future. Sponsored by American Express OPEN^®

Faith-based Marketing Revenue Secrets: Featuring Two Industry Experts
10:15-11:30 a.m.
Featured Speakers:
Kevin J. Wright, president, World Religious Travel Association
Greg Stielstra, author, Faith-based Marketing and Pyromarketing

An Industry First! Join Kevin J. Wright, president of NTA strategic partner the World Religious Travel Association, and Greg Stielstra, North America's top faith-based marketing authority, as together they lead a fascinating and remarkable discussion on how to effectively work with the $18 billion faith-based market. From pilgrimages, missions and conventions to adventure trips, leisure vacations and cruises, "religious travel and hospitality" is much broader than most people think. With two industry-leading experts at the helm, Kevin and Greg will change the way you do business forever with this new clientele and revenue opportunity.