NTA Blog

Don't sit it out -- Dance!

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:54:36 -0700

Something special just took place in Montreal. I don't know exactly how to explain it. Of course, Montreal is special and the organizing committee showcased their city so well. But that wasn't it. Maybe it was the improved business with the tweaks in the exchange model combining Destination Pavilion and Tour Operator booths. Maybe it was the heart and humour of Steve Hartman's presence throughout the week. It might have been the gelling of NTA's identity as a truly international organization, or the effectiveness of the new tag line as a definition of who we are: bringing the world to North America and North America to the world.

I don't know. Everything was just... lighter. Attendees were more relaxed. Their NTA was in good hands, with the board staying on for an additional year to finalize a new era in association management. Their appointments were productive, meetings on the floor were frequent, and education was so relevant that attendance at seminars was amongst the best ever. And with WRTA, there were more buyers and also more international exhibitors to enhance the floor.

Maybe it was the joie de vivre of Montreal that affected us. We all decided to have fun with it this year: Steve Hartman with his stories, Cathy Greteman with her unbridled enthusiasm for NTA's future, Charles Lapointe with his unconventional final night speech, and me with my disco diva stunt.

It might have been that we were inspired. Arthur Tauck shared his loss and what one man, Bob Whitley, meant to so many. He also reconnected us with the origin of NTA and the incredible dedication of a few that was the basis of the freedom of our industry today. We were moved by the humility of great contributors, like John Stachnik for lifetime achievement, Scott Hartcorn for volunteer of the year and Carl Prince and Broadway.com for the new Shining Star award.

But in the end, I think I have to conclude that what happened was all about passion. I wrote my speech for final night before I left home, and the main point that I wanted to make was that what we do in tour and travel is powerful, that we change the world for the better every time people connect with other groups and cultures, that we foster peace and understanding through our work. What was fascinating to me is that almost every other speaker throughout the week focused on the very same thing.

2010 NTA Convention in Montreal reignited our member's passion for what they do and passion for the organization that helps them do it. Wow. It was super cool.

Signing off in my final blog as convention chair,
Au Revoir!

Dawn Rueckl, CTP

Almost time to pack

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:57:59 -0700

The current weather forecast for Montreal is sunny and warm for our week in this fantastic city. And by warm, I mean Canada-in-November-unseasonably-warm. However, I would be remiss if I advised you to pack a light jacket. It can go from fine to ferocious in mere hours. I know, you people from the south and from the warm equatorial nations are hoping for snow. Well, you may just get your wish. But me, I can wait. It will come soon enough and last far too long.

How many of you got a 2-fer-1 at Halloween and used your 70s disco outfit you are bringing to NTA to Trick or Treat? Just me??!! Although I won't share this year's outfit, here's what I wore for last year's Woodstock event:

Don't forget to get bedazzled for the Tuesday Night Fever event. Get down! Get funky!

Happy packing!

Convention Favorites from Oregon

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:12:59 -0700

Check out this message from Oregon for more Convention attendees looking forward to reconnecting with friends at NTA. Montreal or bust!

You've Got a Friend

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 06:26:26 -0700

One of the greatest parts of NTA Convention week is reconnecting with colleagues -- renewing friendships, re-establishing business relationships and re-igniting passion for our industry through gleaning ideas from each other.

Actually, I learned this best from an event I did not attend. Because our company was opening a new branch at the beginning of April this year, I was unable to attend NTA's first MONTAGE in Seville as originally planned. I soon learned that, just because I couldn't be there in person, that didn't mean I was not there. During the week I began to get cryptic emails from Spain about Dawn sightings. What was this??!! Then I began to get the pictures.

Jayne Lundberg of Western Discovery and Jay Smith of Sports Travel & Tours had created Dawn on a Stick and my happy face was appearing in pictures in bars, at monuments, dressed in flamenco, and with hunky Spanish waiters all over the country. OMG!! Did I ever laugh! But more than that, it warmed my heart to know the importance and value of these NTA relationships, and that when one of us is unable to attend, that person is truly missed.

So if you haven't yet committed to being in Montreal, there is still time. I am pretty sure it is more effective to attend in person rather than on a stick.

Dawn Rueckl
2010 NTA Convention Chair

So Many Ways to Give Back

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 06:04:02 -0700

Tourism Cares is NTA's official philanthropy, and you are going to see give back opportunities woven throughout the entire Convention. The first event is NTA Gives Back to Montreal on Saturday evening, when 200 volunteers donate their time to Saint Joseph's Oratory, where founder Brother Andre will be canonized October 17. Next is the party of the week on Monday night for Tourism Rocks (sponsored by Hard Rock International, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Nevada Commission on Tourism), held at Newtown. Check out the location:

Throughout the week you can participate in the Silent Auction -- donate your product or service for increased exposure. The exciting Live Auction takes place on Tuesday following the Tour & Travel exchange. Have a glass of wine, submit your final bids for the Silent Auction, and watch the bidding drama unfold. (Thank you to Premium Outlets for their support of the auctions.)

Also, volunteer as a mentor and have a travel & tourism student shadow you during the week. What a great way to pass on your knowledge and help engage students in the packaged travel industry. (For more information, contact Jessica Ahern.)

We are just one short month away from Convention in Montreal. Can't wait to see you all!!

Dawn Rueckl
2010 NTA Convention Chair

Shelley Gets Me Back

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:48:17 -0700

Shelley Thiessen, with Sun Fun Tours, Kamloops BC, Tells a Good Convention Story on Me...

Vous ne parlez pas français?

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:22:12 -0700

So you don't speak French and you are worried about how to get around Montréal. First, no worries. Most Montréalers speak English, and often with a very charming French accent that just makes you want them to keep talking. Here are some tips from Katie Baasen, Sales Manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development:

So I guess if you are a guy, you are going to want to share a cab with some gals in order to save on cab fare. And gals, if there are enough of you, you may be able to get around Montréal for free!

The State of Georgia has been a silver sponsor at NTA Convention for many years, providing refreshments and Georgia treats on the Convention floor. They have a large booth presence in the Convention Mall and most delegates find an opportunity to visit them during the week. I recently asked Katie the benefits for Georgia of this sponsorship:

"We love being sponsors at NTA. It gives those of us attending the show much more exposure in the marketplace, as well as those partners who don't attend the show. We enjoy getting to interact with NTA delegates -- operators and suppliers alike -- on the networking floor. NTA is an important part of our group tour marketing/sales efforts for the state of Georgia, and the sponsorship opportunity is our cherry on top so to speak. And selfishly, I make sure I bring snacks I enjoy eating so I will definitely not go hungry during the week." -- Katie Baasen

According to Katie, NTA sponsors get noticed. Simple.

And from me personally, a big thank you goes out to the sponsors of NTA Convention. You provide those extras, the conveniences and that bling that makes our convention the very best.

Until next time...

Dawn Rueckl
2010 NTA Convention Chair

Born to be Wild

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:30:31 -0700

Yes, Canadians are well known for their polite, calm and relatively happy demeanor. We love beer, maple syrup, hockey and all things that come in red. What you may not know is that we are all just a little bit wild...

Here is Jim Warren, NTA board member and ex-pat Canadian, lightening up a long board meeting by bringing some wild Canadianism to the table. The song "Born to the Wild" by Canadian band SteppenWolf is a main stay at Canadian parties and bars, especially after 2 am. Can't help but sing along, right Cathy? It has been said that this song introduced the genre of heavy metal by the lyric "heavy metal thunder" in the second verse, the first time the term was used in rock music. Does this take you back to your '60s revolt days Jim??!

So when you get to Montreal in November, sure, we will wear red and we are always polite and we will definitely chat you up about hockey. But stay up a little late and you are going to see the wild side. Guaranteed.

Appréciez votre été!

Dawn Rueckl
2010 NTA Convention Chair

NETWORKING = BUSINESS

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:35:19 -0700

We are all aware of the value of networking to build relationships, but no story says it better than Bob Hofmann of Broadway Inbound in New York:

Because of a chance meeting in the Research Center, Bob not only made some new industry friends but was also introduced to partners that have been bringing him business for almost 20 years. Not so remarkable when you realize that people do business with people they like, and you are never going to get to know if they will like you unless you are there to meet them.

So when you are in Montréal, arrive early, attend every event and stay til the last day. You never know when a new 20 year business relationship is going to begin.

Appréciez votre été!

Dawn Rueckl
2010 NTA Convention Chair

A Sponsorship with Many Happy & Funny Returns...

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:31:31 -0700

By: Tim Moulder, Sweet Magnolia Tours

One of the many facets to our Convention is sponsorships. Being a Missouri delegate I was introduced to a verv special one as I attended my first fall Convention in Atlantic City in 1993. That tradition began in 1982 and is a breakfast sponsorship known as Wake Up to Missouri. This wonderfully conceived marketing idea provided a hot breakfast served via room service to delegates and was tremendous exposure for the Show Me State. Many of you may still have sweatshirts from this event that concluded in 2007 during the Kansas City Convention after a brilliant 25 year run.

Each year brings those of us who volunteer to serve with the hotel staff a few challenges (getting up at 4 a.m. after a night out in the Convention city for instance.) We all have vivid memories of fellow delegates forgetting they signed up and appearing in jammies or sometimes less as they answered that knock at the door (hint...there are lots of mirrors in a hotel room.)

My favorite funny comes courtesy of the Toronto Convention in 2004.

I was assigned to help at the Intercontinental hotel and with a few years of experience now under my belt found the going to be smoother than normal. The staff was really on their game too and we were soon ahead of schedule which would lead to our undoing. We had served our meals for the allotted time between 6 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. in less than 15 minutes. The group decided to gather in the service area with hotel staff and chat until more rooms and floors could be covered.

The hotel was so professional keeping the breakfasts steaming hot in warming stations. We even received a visit from the head chef during this interval. So....now visualize a small room with a very low ceiling and the master chef opening the door on the warming machines to check out the breakfasts. The steam escapes in a large cloud and all eyes follow it the few inches to the smoke alarm just above. Within seconds the piercing sound and lights of the fire alarm are our new companions.

Here's one additional kicker....in this hotel they cannot be turned off by anyone except the fire department.

Well inside information is always invaluable and since we knew how and why things were happening it was hard not to smile and even snicker as the hotel was evacuated over the next few minutes. We did our part by directing our fellow delegates and other hotel guests to the exits....many in hotel robes and many with much less on. And you know how hard it is not to laugh when you're supposed to be serious.....my sides still hurt and the tears still flow as I have retold this story of looking down 14 stories to the street to see the "White Out"....comprised of robes and bath towels on the Avenues below.

I must have looked like the cat who swallowed the canary as everyone returned several minutes later. The bewildered look on Catherine and Suzanne's faces....oh my gosh I really should not name names...is still just as vivid as I write this as when it happened.

So glad I volunteered that morning...Wake Up To Missouri!!

Meet Montreal!

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:02:00 -0700

Last week, your hard working NTA Leadership members of the Meetings and Events Committee met in Montreal to discuss how to make the 2010 Convention the best ever. We sat in on the Montreal Organizing Committee's meeting and saw once more how fantastic and enthusiastic that group is -- they have all the bases covered. We also met for a full day of brainstorming how to WOW our NTA convention attendees with all the new and improved ways of connecting and doing business. Check out my conversation with this year's committee chair, Lisa Itel with Travel Oregon:

Yes, that's right, the number of appointment taking tour operator buyers is up by a full 40% over last year. This means more appointment opportunities for everyone. But DMO and supplier space is filling fast, so don't delay or you may find yourself on a waiting list for appointments.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tourisme Montreal for their sponsorship as the host city for Convention. The destination is fantastic, but it is the people organizing the event that are exceptional. Vous êtes le meilleur!

Check back next week -- I have another funny story to share with you from a NTA convention goer. Au revoir for now!

Remember, send me know your funny Convention stories (written or video) at NTAConvention10@gmail.com!

Dawn Rueckl
2010 NTA Convention Chair

The Guy with a Pillow Case Stuck to His Head

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:02:19 -0700

The Guy with a Pillow Case Stuck to His Head

Getting the most out of convention involves an understanding of the event and a clear picture of what your goals are. The business opportunities are endless, but as the Boy Scouts always say, you need to be prepared. In order to maximize your time and money, have a firm idea of what you want to accomplish before you get there and make a plan. Click here for some great guidelines on how to define your convention experience.

But the unexpected can always happen, as Paul Nakamoto from Roaring Camp Railroad tells us in his VERY funny story of his first NTA Convention. Read on....

"As a member of the NTA Board of Directors, let me be one of the firsts to incriminate myself with a funny convention story.

Part 1
In the past, NTA held two annual conventions, a Spring Exchange and the annual convention in the fall. While attending the Spring Exchange in Birmingham, Alabama (my first real visit to the south) I arrived real late, checked in to the hotel and fell asleep watching TV, chewing gum. The next morning I woke up and no gum...ah it had fallen out of my mouth and on to the pillow and now the pillow case was firmly fastened to my hair! No matter how much I tried I couldn't pull the pillow case and gum out of my hair. I tried everything I had with me, toothpaste, shaving cream, soap, shampoo, hair condition all it did was made a really big mess! So I called the hotel front desk and they suggested peanut butter and ice but all they had were Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and I tried both with no luck. So I called the front desk again and they transferred me to the hotel salon and barber shop and the person there said come on down we should have something that can remove the pillow case. I asked where are you located? The reply was walk through the lobby and were on the far end. I said, I'm an Asian Man from California, I can't walk through the hotel lobby with a pillow case on my head in Birmingham Alabama. So the front desk sent up a big floppy hat and I put the hat on, put a pair of sunglasses on and I ran through the lobby to the barber shop. Once in the barber shop, the barber said oh we can take care of this and I heard a SNIP and the barber had simply cut a big chunk of my hair off and now I had a man-made bald spot (one hour to go before my first appointment). I said now what am I going to do? The barber simply combed my hair with the part on the other side. So a few hours later I'm sitting in an appointment (with an unnamed tour operator) and I'm scratching my head with a pen forgetting that's now where my part is and I had colored in my part with blue ink. Oh it was an unforgettable day but the funniest part was on the bus that night hearing people gossiping about the guy who got a pillow case stuck to his head.

Part 2
Since the Spring Exchange was before Pow Wow, I was on a plane to Pow Wow heading for Dallas with a bunch of tourism colleagues from my area and as the flight attendant was serving drinks, she brought me two cups of ice with my can of Coke. I asked what's the second cup for? Her reply, oh that's in case you need to remove gum from your hair if you fall asleep. A little while later the next round of drinks came and when she served me a drink she handed me a Reese's Peanut Butter cup and I said, okay now I know I'm being set up and she just smiled and said, peanut butter is great for taking gum out of your hair. Then when I got to my hotel the desk clerk said oh wait there's a basket for you and it was full of assorted flavors of gum, a big jar of Skippy Peanut Butter and a big floppy hat. That entire week of Pow Wow, everything I left my booth I'd come back to a "gift" of some sort so my tourism colleagues here in the San Francisco Bay Area had fun with this one too."

Submitted by Paul Nakamoto
Roaring Camp Railroads

A Funny Thing Happened at the NTA Convention...

Dawn Rueckl, CTP — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:30:22 -0700

Welcome to the first entry for the 2010 Convention blog!

I have a special message to all NTA members about Convention. Watch my first video blog below and hear what funny thing happened to me at the NTA Convention one year. Remember, check back frequently to watch and read your colleagues stories and get updates about Convention 10!

And, let me know your stories too! Send them to me (written or video) at NTAConvention10@gmail.com.

Happy laughing,

Dawn Rueckl
2010 NTA Convention Chair

Preparing for the Trip...Your Questions Answered

Larry Friedman — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:18:20 -0700

Preparing for the Trip...Your Questions Answered

Q: What do I need to bring with me to be prepared for networking/business functions? Should my materials be in Spanish/English?
A: All attendees should have at least 150 business cards available for networking at MONTAGE. Additionally, for the Workshop session, attendees should bring information about your company either brochures or a profile sheet. If your information is available in Spanish, we suggest that you bring 50 copies.

Q: Will the Dine Around be hosted or is it a group event that everyone partakes in?
A: At Friday night's MONTAGE Dine Around, a local coordinator will accompany guests as they stroll bar to bar and help them choose among the wide variety of tapas. Attendees will be responsible for their own expenses this evening.

Q: Is there a buyer-to-buyer opportunity or is it all "shopping" along a destination pavilion sort of set up?
A: The Workshop (scheduled for Thursday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.), is open to all attendees, both buyers and sellers. During this time, attendees who registered as a seller will be positioned at tables with buyer attendees being able to shop the floor. While there are no restrictions on what can be distributed during the Workshop, it is recommended that you have available a business card and profile sheet. There is no additional buyer-to-buyer session.

Q: What is the dress code? What is the dress code for the Gala dinner?
A: Attire for all seminars, events and leisure activities is smart casual.

Q: For those of us staying for the pre- and post-trips, are there laundry facilities or the ability to clean our clothes to eliminate over packing?
A: The Hotel Silken Al-Andalus offers valet laundry service, please consult hotel staff for prices and availability.

Q: What meals are provided and what must I cover or on my own?
A: The following meals are included in your MONTAGE registration:
      Breakfast*: April 14, 15, 16, & 17
      Lunch: April 15, 16, & 17
      Dinner**: April 14, 15, & 17

*For all reservations made via NTA at the Hotel Silken Al-Andalus, breakfast is provided with each night of your stay.
**The Icebreaker event on April 14 will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres.

Q: What is the hotel address?
A: Hotel Silken Al-Andalus
     Avenida de la Palmera
     Esquina c/. Parana
     41012 Sevilla
     Spain
     34 954 298 850 (p)*

*Note: Add 011 when dialing from the U.S. or U.S. phone.

Q: Who should I contact if my flight/train is delayed arriving into Seville?
A: Contact Lee Carter at 44 (0) 780 286 4591*.

*Note: Add 011 when dialing from the U.S. or U.S. phone.

Guest Blogger, Santiago García-Dils de la Vega,
Tells the Story of Sevilla

Larry Friedman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:24:31 -0700

Seville is an open, welcoming, hospitable city. It is also a city full of secrets which cannot be explained in their entirety because you must first earn them, or at least be prepared to earn them.

Because of the charming appeal and the wide range of activities available,
Seville has become one of the most popular urban choices when visiting Spain: a cultural melting pot of the most fascinating cultures spread along the Mediterranean, and a unique place where all of them have left their footprint: Tartessians, Iberians, Romans, Arabs, Jews and Christians.

It is a lyrical destination, where to find an infinite world of attractions as
monuments, flamenco, sports, gastronomy, history, shopping...

Shortly after the discovery of America in 1492, thanks to our port, Sevilla was the point of convergence of all the goods shipped across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, with the monopoly of the trade with the "New World" overseas, which made of the city a universal and cosmopolitan metropolis: Seville attracted people from everywhere, as capital of both worlds.

Two major international events in the 20th century, first the Iberian American Exhibition in 1929 and then in 1992 the World Fair to commemorate the fifth centennial of the Discovery of America revealed a modern city fully capable of exploiting the opportunities brought by democracy and a significant economic development, offering itself to the world.

In recent years, Sevilla has undergone great changes in order to modernize this fabulous city, such as the new urban network of bike lanes, covering over a hundred miles, the new pedestrian areas in the historical centre combined with the tramway, the new underground network, besides our tourist infrastructures: International airport , the AVE or high-speed train, more than 20.000 hotel beds, etc.

On the other hand, everything about Sevilla is true - all of its stereotypes, and many others yet be invented, and also its secrets, or rather its hidden treasures. Sevilla is unique, but there are many Sevillas.

For example, the Seville of the orange blossom, that you will find at its peak during NTA MONTAGE : almost every street in the city is filled with a line of orange trees, which are in bloom in March and April, marking the beginning of the warm season.

It's no coincidence that Seville's most important and distinctive celebrations take place at this very moment: both the religious Semana Santa and the profane Feria de Abril bring by this time of year their long awaited atmosphere to our streets.
Beyond sight and sound, smell and flavour provide our memory with unforgettable sensations. If you wish to add the azahar to your library of catchy memories, hurry up for your travel reservations. You're still on time to join us for NTA MONTAGE!

I hope to see you there,
Santi

P.S. Please fan our MONTAGE Facebook page!

Thanks, as always, to the sponsors, including The Mills, A SIMON Company for the registration bags and Hotel Silken Al-Andalus Palace for the Friday morning seminar.

NTA Blog

Don't sit it out -- Dance!

Almost time to pack

Convention Favorites from Oregon

You've Got a Friend

So Many Ways to Give Back

Shelley Gets Me Back

Vous ne parlez pas français?

Born to be Wild

NETWORKING = BUSINESS

A Sponsorship with Many Happy & Funny Returns...

Meet Montreal!

The Guy with a Pillow Case Stuck to His Head

The Guy with a Pillow Case Stuck to His Head

A Funny Thing Happened at the NTA Convention...

Preparing for the Trip...Your Questions Answered

Preparing for the Trip...Your Questions Answered

Guest Blogger, Santiago García-Dils de la Vega,Tells the Story of Sevilla

Guest Blogger, Santiago García-Dils de la Vega,
Tells the Story of Sevilla