NTA Blog

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.

In less than a month we will be leaving for Spain!
Can you believe it? No lo creo!

Larry Friedman — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:14:08 -0700

One of the best parts about traveling is the opportunity to experience other cultures. One of the aspects of Spain that I enjoy but many find difficult at first, is the way the day operates, in particular meal times and entertainment. If you plan a night of dining with friends and go to a restaurant at 6 pm, as you might here in the states, you will be alone! If not alone, anyone else there would be having a snack or a drink. Lunch at 12 noon? You're not serious!?! Lunch is usually around 2 pm.

Let's put it this way. If you are used to eating when the news is on, you will have lunch at 3 pm and dinner at 9 pm. As I recall from time spent in the homes of friends in Madrid, meals were later and you didn't even think about going dancing until midnight had come and gone.

The other part of this is that most of the stores including supermarkets close at 2 pm. They reopen later in the day. It is what we call siesta. Although not all business work on this time clock, many do.

If you take a look at the schedule for MONTAGE, you might at first question the times of lunch, etc. but believe me, it is simply being a part of the Spanish clock. Once you get used to it, it is delightful! (Frankly, in my opinion the Friday dine around is a little early as it starts at 8pm).

You must enjoy tapas while you are at MONTAGE. It is so much fun to have some of this and some of that. Eating in Spain is to be enjoyed; it is not to be rushed. I have never been rushed at a restaurant in Spain--I do not think it happens. Meals are to be enjoyed along with conversation and relaxation. Vino tinto (red wine) is more popular and common in Spain than vino blanco (white wine) although delicious varieties of both can be enjoyed.

One last thought...if the only Spanish you remember is from high school, do not be afraid to use it. I have always found the Spanish people encouraging of people who make the effort to speak their language.

Thanks, as always, to the sponsors and Theatre Direct & Broadway.com/Groups for sponsoring the notebooks. To learn how you can reach 100 tour operators through a MONTAGE sponsorship, contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today!

Writing the blog this week, fills me with the greatest of memories of this wonderful country. I can't wait to go back and see you there! No puedo esperar!

Hasta luego!

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

Personal Enrichment at MONTAGE

Larry Friedman — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:50:02 -0700

"Don't get me started about the personal enrichment MONTAGE offers."

That is how I ended last week's blog. I realize that coming to MONTAGE is a business decision. We have to prioritize and look at return. Fortunately, for those who will attend MONTAGE, I believe they will have both business and personal return on investment.

To talk here on an NTA blog about the personal enrichment that travel brings, would be preaching to the choir. I would think that almost all of us entered the tourism industry because we knew what travel gives to an individual. We entered the industry because we understand that travel gives us incredible educational and growth opportunities PLUS fantastic friends and memories. If we didn't know that when we entered the industry, I am sure we learned it quickly.

So instead, let's talk about Spain. Have you been? I would almost be embarrassed to say how many times I have traveled there. The culture of Spain is alive and vibrant. The people love life and love to share it (see my photo below with friend in Spain)! It is a warm culture with zest. Numerous times recently when walking with friends in the streets of Madrid and seeing so many people out and about in the evening, we remarked "What crisis"? My Spanish friends all explained to me the importance of enjoying life and that yes, even when the afternoon news talked about "La Crisis", Spaniards want to enjoy family and friends always and in particular all weekend long (which often starts Thursday).

I love the music of Spain and the dancing. Seville is so rich in the cultural history of this country. Do you realize that we arrive the week before the big Seville Fair? The preparations will be in full swing while we are there. Some of you may even consider staying over. This Fair is incredible! Last year it was the lead story a every night on the news in Madrid. I remember watching the news thinking how much I would love to go to Seville. I can't believe we are going--I can't believe that I am going with so many dear friends at NTA.

One other thing that I love about Spain. They are patient and very encouraging of those of us who try to speak Spanish. Brush up on your high school Spanish. They will all help you communicate. The smile on their faces will be of encouragement, not because they are laughing at you.

Ok, one more thing that I love about Spain....tapas. The food is "rico"!

If you decide to go, I cannot imagine that you would regret it, either personally or professionally. If you decide not to go, you will miss a glorious opportunity.

Go to the MONTAGE and give this some serious thought. I'd love to share this enrichment with you.

This week, let's thank Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises for their MONTAGE sponsorship! It's not too late to sponsor at this event for premium exposure so contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today to reserve your spot!

Hasta luego!

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

The Question Is..You can't afford MONTAGE or you can't afford TO MISS MONTAGE?

Larry Friedman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:35:16 -0700

MONTAGE has a 5-to-1 buyer-seller ratio. It boasts attendees from 11 countries. That says it all. What seller wouldn't love to be at a conference where the buyers out-number the sellers by a ratio of 5 to1? That alone is a remarkable opportunity!

When you couple it with the fact that they are coming from all over the world, giving sellers new exposure, it is an opportunity not to pass up. Take those two facts and then take a look at the program. You will see that the activities lend themselves to intimate opportunities to explore new business potential while strengthening existing ones. I know that at this time many of you would say that you can't afford to do this. I suggest that with this ratio and number of new buyers, it may be an opportunity you can't afford to miss!

NTA has specifically referred to MONTAGE as "no boundaries to selling. No restrictions in attendance. Just an open marketplace of international travel commerce in a city that captivates."

Realizing that there are budget restraints for most of us, NTA has offered two different levels of attendance. You can choose to attend MONTAGE and take advantage of the events, networking opportunities and classes. Or, you can also purchase a stand for the workshop and strengthen your presence. What you choose to do is up to you and your budget.

In addition, NTA has secured airfare discounts and have announced lower hotel room rates.

The final business component I would mention this week is the continuing education component-- and this is an excellent program. Knowing what education seminars cost these days, this part alone would cost more than the entire registration.

This week I wanted to touch on the business opportunity that you do not want to miss. Don't get me started about the personal enrichment MONTAGE offers...I'll save that for next week!

Hasta luego!

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

Guest Blogger, Cathy Greteman, Encourages You to Join the Smart Operator List and Attend MONTAGE

Larry Friedman — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:07:12 -0700

I am so excited about MONTAGE. As an operator, MONTAGE is an excellent way for me to meet face-to-face with some of the international operators who are interested in bringing groups to North America. Because the format of this meeting is dedicated to developing partnerships, MONTAGE is without a doubt the place for operators to be. NTA has taken a bold step in creating a meeting environment that is solely dedicated to bringing to our membership new opportunities for buying and selling on a global scale. And frankly, you cannot get this same level of opportunity anywhere else in the industry.

Right now, the Euro is a great buy, so the cost of the meeting in Seville is better now than any time in the past few years. Check out the new hotel rates being offered....what a bargain! So....time is a wastin'. Sign up as soon as possible to be on the MONTAGE "Smart Operator" List.

This great event wouldn't be possible without the generosity and help of the Tourism Office of Seville. A big thank you goes to our MONTAGE Host City for not only hosting NTA but sponsoring the Team Building Activity, Icebreaker, Thursday Evening Event, Final Dinner Gala, Leisure Activities and Arrival/Departure Transportation. To learn how you can reach 100 tour operators through a MONTAGE sponsorship, contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today! We can't wait to visit your beautiful city!

See YOU in Seville!!

Cathy Greteman
2010 NTA Chairman and CEO

Get Educated at MONTAGE

Larry Friedman — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:15:16 -0700

The world is constantly changing and getting smaller. The way we communicated to each other five years ago has become "old school". The speed of which we communicate is IMMEDIATE.

Remember when we didn't even have a fax machine? Remember when we thought the fax machine was the end all, be all? How do we communicate globally? How do we market to a wider variety of audiences? Are you using social media at all or effectively? Do you even know if you are using it effectively?

For MONTAGE, NTA has put together an education program which filled with topics that need to be addressed by a business or destination wanting to be successful today. These topics include: "Discover the Potential of Social Media, Marketing and Branding Skills for a New Era" , "Get a Grip on Social Media: Hands On Social Media Skills" and "Customize Your Social Media Marketing Plan: Tap Into Your Creative Marketing Potential". In addition, timely topics are "Green Travel, Sustainability and ROI" and "New Rules in Sales and Customer Relations".

Business and Product Development programs will highlight both China and Africa.

To take advantage of the intimacy of this gathering, you will be able to attend sessions such as "How Can We Help Each Other and Our Businesses" and "Ask the Destination for Tour Operators".

It is a full education program while having the opportunity to share the experience with operators, destinations and suppliers- from all over the world. The education component alone justifies the cost of registration to MONTAGE!

While considering the value of the education component of MONTAGE, don't forget the Business Workshop, or tradeshow, that will be taking place. This will be specific opportunity for all the NTA member groups to get together and talk business.

Go to the website. Look at all the opportunities MONTAGE has to offer and register! Potential business partners from 10 countries have already registered for MONTAGE. Discover new product, meet new partners, connect with your overseas counterparts and experience the popular destination of Seville.

Thanks, as always, to the sponsors and host city who have enabled the registration to stay reasonable. To learn how you can reach 100 tour operators through a MONTAGE sponsorship, contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today!

Hasta luego!

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

So Many Sights to See!

Larry Friedman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:52:38 -0700

Sightseeing tours have long been a part of NTA events but in Seville that will become team building exercises while experiencing the culture of Spain. The tours take on a whole new meaning both professionally and personally during MONTAGE.

Review your options and choose your tour! Please fill out the Team Building and Leisure Activity Registration Form and fax it to Lee Carter by March 10, 2010 (+1.859.226.4434).

Option 1: Conversing in the kitchen-a Spanish-style cooking class. For tour operators the professional benefit is obvious-it is experiences like this that you can build into a memorable and successful tour that clients will talk about. For DMO and Suppliers it will be an opportunity to truly interact with operators. What kitchen isn't filled with conversation and interaction? This is a hands on activity where you will work together to prepare dishes. Added bonus: eating tapas!!!

Option 2: Learn the ancient and profound art of Flamenco dancing. Can you imagine learning how to Flamenco dance and not getting to know your classmates at the same time? I am sure this team building exercise will have some light shared moments while respecting this expression of deep sentiments. Here is an opportunity to experience something new about the Spanish culture with new business associates.

Option 3: Relax after your flight to Seville in the Arab Baths. Just imagine going to the Arab Baths in Seville's Jewish quarter. Choose your favorite bath temperature during the soothing tour through three different rooms: a warm water bath at 36 degrees Celsius (tepidarium), a hot water bath at 40 degrees Celsius (caldarium), and finally a cold water bath (frigidarium) at 16 degrees Celsius. After experiencing the rooms here, how could you not smile at everyone around you?

Option 4: Shop Seville style. Survey after survey shows that shopping is the number one vacation activity and in Seville it is also important. So that you and your group can maximize your shared time, the experience here will include a guided tour so that you can also learn about the local products. These include ceramics, guitars, lace fans, embroidery and more. You have to bring back a souvenir!

Option 5: Step back in time at the Fine Arts Museum. The building is a former Mercy convent renewed in the 17^th century. Beef up on your Sevillian history in the fifteen exhibition rooms full of Sevillian art from the Gothic period to the early trends of the 20^th century. The museum's impressive collection of Spanish art extends from the medieval to the modern, focusing on the work of Seville School artists such as Francisco de Zurbarán, Juan de Valdés Leal and Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.

If all of that wasn't enough, we will head for the Icebreaker! Hosted by the Tourism Office of Seville, we will enjoy the Royal Alcazar Palace-the oldest Royal Palace in Europe. Can you imagine?

Don't just imagine. Go to the NTA MONTAGE website for more details on all of this AND transportation discounts.

Join me in thanking the Rhode Island Tourism Division for supporting NTA and MONTAGE through their badge holder sponsorship! NTA greatly thanks them for their dedication to the association and this event. To learn how you can reach 100 tour operators through a MONTAGE sponsorship, contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today!

Hasta luego!

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

Find New Business at the Business Workshops

Larry Friedman — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:54:00 -0700

I know that many suppliers and buyers would like to attend MONTAGE but are asking "How do I justify it?" or "How can I make the most of this opportunity?"

First, let's take a look at the new business potential. NTA has reached out to all its strategic partners to attend this event including NACTA and the IGLTA. They are inviting organizations such as the European Tour Operators Association, African Travel Association and Indian Association of Tour Operators. These are all organizations I want to work with. To be able to meet with all of them at one location makes this cost effective. And tour operators from 8 countries have already signed up!

To participate in the trade show, or business workshop, is another opportunity MONTAGE offers. Anyone can have a display. An operator who wants to sell to other operators, suppliers and destinations all have the opportunity to purchase booth space during the trade show/business workshop part of the event. The cost is less for NTA members. The floor is open to all.

If you have an office in Europe, you may want to let them know that you will be attending. I plan to let our office in Germany know that I will be in Europe. That way, if there are some operators who would like to meet with me more conveniently while I am in the European Union, they can register for MONTAGE and take advantage of this opportunity as well.

There are also sponsorship opportunities to get your name out there even more. As we recognize a sponsor in each blog entry, a big thank you this week to Tourisme Québec and Tourisme Montréal for their generous sponsorship! Keep an eye out for their ad in the official MONTAGE program and please join me in thanking them for their support. If you'd like to gain exposure at MONTAGE, contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today.

For more information regarding the trade show/business workshop, sponsorships and to register, please visit the NTA Web site.

Muchas gracias,

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

A Look at Pre- and Post-MONTAGE PDTs

Larry Friedman — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:53:19 -0700

Do you remember the first time you saw a sight, such as the Coliseum or Lincoln Memorial, and being awe struck? That's how I felt the first time I saw the Palacio Real in Madrid. I remember coming around a corner on a sightseeing bus and seeing this magnificent structure surrounded by beautiful gardens and an incredible view reaching out toward Casa de Campo. You can have that same experience on the pre-MONTAGE product development trip, which starts in Madrid. Madrid is filled with exceptional architecture, historical sites, art, culture and great food! In fact, all of Spain is filled with exceptional architecture, historical sites, art, culture and great food!

In addition to Madrid, participants in the pre-tour will experience Granada and its Royal Palace, the Alhambra. You will see the Sierra Nevada mountain range - not to be confused with California and Nevada; this is the ORIGINAL! - the highest in Spain. Another stop on the way to Seville is the Albaicin, a World Heritage Site, then Cordoba. This trip will also highlight the rich Christian, Jewish and Moslem heritage of this part of Spain.

The post-tour will take you through the Western Andalucia region, which includes Huelva, Jerez and Cadiz. If you have been to the Mediterranean before, you know what a wonderful aura it has. That may sound odd but it is true! Plus, this part of the sea has a rich history. It was from here that Christopher Columbus set sale for the first time to the "Indies". And Cadiz has a history that goes back to the days of the Phoenicians.

For more details on the product development tours, visit the NTA Web site. Participation is limited and registration deadline is March 10, so register NOW!

This week's valued MONTAGE sponsor is VisitRochester - thank you for your commitment to NTA and this event! If you're interested in joining VisitRochester and promoting your message to all attending delegates through sponsorship, contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today.

Hasta luego!

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

Bienvenidos!

Larry Friedman — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:53:03 -0700

This April NTA is offering all of its members a new business opportunity. For the first time ever, NTA will be producing a conference on a continent that is NOT North America! This means new business opportunities for all of our members.

With the new venue of Seville, Spain, tour operators will have the opportunity to explore an exciting destination to consider for their clients. The best way to develop and sell a tour is to know it firsthand. I would imagine that more, if not all of our operator members, have return clients who come back because they know the operators' reputation for quality. What better way to know the quality of a destination than to experience it yourself!

For DMOs and Suppliers, the new destination brings the opportunity to meet with new operators. NTA is inviting operators to this event in Spain who have not previously come to the annual conference in the United States or Canada. Plus, the buyer to supplier ratio is expected to be in the favor of those of us who attend. Take advantage of this intimate experience to develop new clients while reinforcing existing contacts.

Over the next several weeks we will be taking a look at the schedule of events including the product development trip, team building activity, business workshop, seminars, plus the icebreaker, gala dinner, sightseeing opportunities and more. Meanwhile, go to the NTA MONTAGE website for more information and to register.

This week, let's all thank Mohegan Sun for their support in being a MONTAGE sponsor! If you're interested in joining Mohegan Sun and reaching an anticipated 100 tour operators at MONTAGE, contact Melisa-Beth Rooke today.

Hasta luego!

Larry Friedman
Nevada Commission on Tourism
lfriedman@travelnevada.com
2010 MONTAGE Chair

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