leaders alike . In response to popular demand , we ’ re reintroducing early-riser educational opportunities and repeating select courses , enabling attendees to absorb additional knowledge without missing out on any compelling sessions .
In a brand-new addition this year , alongside the popular trade show , we ’ re introducing dedicated 1:1 appointments with travel suppliers on a separate day . This exclusive setup aims to provide a relaxed environment for travel advisors to engage with suppliers , fostering stronger relationships crucial for business growth .
While the annual Advocacy Dinner remains a highlight , we ’ ve strategically shifted it to the final night , creating a more impactful culmination of the event . To infuse even more excitement , Southwest Airlines will host a lively party at their headquarters in lieu of the mid-event dinner , and Carnival Cruise Line will kick off our opening night on Wednesday , May 29 , with a spectacular carnival-themed event . Attendees can look forward to the same Young Professionals Society ( YPS ) Reception , but we ’ ll be adding to the vibrancy of our agenda by holding an independent advisor happy hour for those advisors not affiliated with a host agency to connect .
Q : Are there any specific workshops or speakers you ’ re especially excited about ? A : We ’ re thrilled to present a star-studded lineup of speakers for The Travel Advisor Conference this year !
Leading the charge is Venus Williams , the tennis legend and business entrepreneur who will serve as our keynote speaker . Williams will share invaluable business insights drawn from her entrepreneurial journey across several industries , including wellness , fashion and design . Her unique perspective as a female leader adds a compelling dimension to the conference , offering both inspiration and strategies that can be applied to the business of travel advisors .
As a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional training , we ’ re honored to feature former FBI top negotiator and New York Times best-selling author , Chris Voss from The Black Swan Group . As a Masterclass speaker , Voss will impart essential business negotiation skills to our attendees , drawing from his rich experience in high-stakes situations . Our lineup also includes esteemed industry leaders such as Christine Duffy ,
General Session at ASTA ’ s 2023 convention
President of Carnival Cruise Line , and Chris Nassetta , President and CEO of Hilton . We ’ ve also curated a diverse range of speakers from prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Arizona State , as well as thought leaders from TED and the Small Business Development Center .
Q : Can you talk more about the educational “ tracks ” and the opportunity to earn credits toward a Verified Travel Certification ? A : At this year ’ s conference , we ’ ve strategically organized our breakout education sessions into three distinct tracks , each tailored to meet the specific needs of our diverse audience .
The first track , “ Cultivate ,” is crafted for individuals seeking the foundational knowledge and essential skills to kickstart their travel business from marketing , back-office accounting , branding and more .
For those more focused on business growth , the “ Accelerate ” track offers targeted workshops geared towards travel advisors committed to learning proven strategies and tactics to propel their business in overdrive .
Lastly , the “ Innovate ” track is designed to explore cutting-edge trends , innovative technologies and strategic insights to advance agencies forward .
We ’ ve implemented a new sign-up feature for education sessions . This feature enables attendees to pre-select specific sessions , ensuring a customized and curated learning journey . All registered attendees will receive timely notifications via email , prompting them to select and register for their preferred education sessions . We understand the importance of a smooth onboarding process , so we ’ ve planned to conduct track-specific orientations at the beginning of the conference . This will provide attendees with a roadmap and a clear understanding of what each track has to offer .
For the first time , ASTA will also be offering an onsite course that will count towards our Verified Travel Advisor program , allowing attendees to earn credits toward certification . The course is titled Bankruptcy Basics and will be offered Thursday , May 30 , during the conference from 4-4:45 p . m . CST . Advisors will need to show proof of their attendance and will be required to pass an online exam at a later date .
The Verified Travel Advisor certification is an elite level of industry recognition that demonstrates to both clients and industry peers an advisor ’ s travel knowledge and commitment to excellence . Achieving and maintaining this certification elevates one to an elite level of trust and integrity within the industry . Especially in the new era of artificial intelligence and online travel scams , obtaining the VTA guarantees consumers are working with a real person on the other end of the line .
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