American Society of Travel Agents

San Diego CA, August 26 – 29, 2017

ASTA Global Convention is the annual convention of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. This annual event is where travel industry professionals obtain in-depth, interactive training on multiple fronts, including the most recent industry, government affairs and legal developments impacting the travel industry, an area in which only ASTA excels.

Equally as important, it is where travel agents learn how to stay a step ahead and develop and grow their businesses through expert educational sessions, network with global travel suppliers and exchange ideas with their travel agent peers. With constant changes in the industry coupled with the potential volatility of today’s world, the ASTA Global Convention is a “Must Attend” for every travel agent regardless of size or focus.

Striving for excellence was the 2016 theme beautifully expressed by Keynote speaker, Captain Chelsea “Sully” Sullenberger, American hero and former USAir Pilot.

Asta creates a platform to achieve excellence and build trust for the consumer and the suppliers. The variety of associations spans all facets of the travel industry including motivational speakers. The 2016 tradeshow floor was open for 4 hours during the conference which allowed time to visit the wide variety of vendor and supplier booths. Vendors donated so many fabulous prizes and amazing vacation packages which created a lively buzz throughout the convention.

A vendor I found of particular interest was UATP. Their Insiders Club offers an annual travelers insurance package. Spending thousands on policies annually, I found this of particular interest. This is one of the many benefits offered to travel industry professionals.

We are who we associate with. If we work with the best, that expect the best, then we will offer the best! That was the valuable take-away from the 2016 ASTA Global Convention held in Reno Tahoe. Being the best travel agent in an always growing and competitive field can be challenging. Putting yourself above the competition means continually educating yourself and being part of reputable organizations that stand by you.

2016 Conference
     

 Incredible Lineup of Conference Speakers

My Conference Itinerary

There were so many relevant and informative sessions going on throughout each day it was difficult to choose. My lineup certainly reflects the care that ASTA put into creating a successful event. I know I will walk away with a world of knowledge after the conference. The goal is to work in the travel industry as a team, incorporating all of the aspects affected by travel, and to generate a feeling of safety for travel agents and the professionals that sell travel. ASTA wants to assure the consumer that travel is safe and it starts by making it safe for their travel agents. It is a large task to take on and could never be done without ASTA!

Elisa Kotin

Sun, Sept 25

I’ll register early – Tuscany Ballroom Foyer
11:00 am – 12:00 pm – New Member Orientation
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – ASTA New Stars Program, Meet & Greet

Mon, Sept 26

7:00 am – 8:00 am – The Marketing 2-Step with Mike Marchev
8:30 am – 10:30am – Global Travel Exchange @ AGC
10:00 am- 10:30am – Coffee Break and Global Travel Exchange @ AGC Networking
10:30 am – 11:30am – Straight Talk: Peter Greenberg and Arne Sorenson
11:40 am – 1:00 pm – The Entrepreneurial Spirit – Making it Happen
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Ethics & Integrity Workshop
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – ASTA Premium Member Reception
6:00 pm – 8:30pm – Welcome Reception at National Automobile Museum

Tues. Sept 27

7:00 am – 8:00 am – Learning to Spot Profitable Opportunities with Mike Marchev
8:00 am – 10:00 am – General Session
10:15 am – 12:15 pm – Trade Show Floor Opens
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Lunch and Learn: Trisept Solutions
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Social Media
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Sharpen Your Marketing and Sales Skills with the Industry’s Best

Wed, Sept. 28

8:30 am – 9:30 am – Leading a Team to Greatness – How You Can Up Your Game
9:45 am – 10:45 am – Trade Show Floor Opens
10:45 am – 11:30 am – Press Conference
11:30 am – 1:15 pm – ASTA Premium Member Meeting with Zane Kerby and Jeff Katz
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm – Stellar Customer Service in Today’s Market
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm – General Session – Keynote Speaker Sully Sullenberger
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Farewell Dinner