2022 Day 1
Wednesday, November 2
All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time. Program is tentative and subject to change.
9:00am Travel Institute Certification Testing
9:30am - 10:30am Educational Sessions
Home-Based Travel Agents – Strategies for Success
This workshop will cover:
The New Travel Environment
The Home-Based Advantage
Your Business & Marketing Plans
Working from Home & Time Management
Ten Strategies for Success
Ten Tips to Success
Presented by Joanie Ogg, Founder / Co-Owner, Travel Professional News
Hawaii Tourism United States
How to market and sell an inspired Hawaiian Islands' vacation
Six Hawaiian Islands. Six Pure Experiences. From crystal blue waters to stunning green cliffs and black sand beaches, Hawai‘i’s wide-open spaces are the breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable encounters with a vibrant culture that rewards travelers seeking to expand their horizons. And, for the most enriching experience of Hawai‘i, encourage clients to join efforts to mālama (care for) this special place and unique culture.
It’s the perfect time to send clients to Hawai‘i. This session will provide a destination overview, island highlights and updates, top tips for selling Hawai‘i and the sales, marketing and training resources available for travel advisors.
Presented by Robyn Basso, CTC, Senior Director, Travel Industry Partnerships, Hawaii Tourism United States
10:45am - 12:15pm Educational Session
Carnival Corporation Opening Workshop
What’s New at Six of the Carnival Corporation Brands
Find out the latest news from Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Seabourn, Cunard and Costa. And, you’ll have the opportunity to win a free cruise from one of the presenting brands!
Jason Douglas, Sr. Manager, National Accounts, Holland America Line; Justin French, Regional Vice President, Western/Northern US and Canada, Carnival Cruise Line; Scott Knutson, Sales and Marketing Director, North America, Costa; Wade Menard, Business Development Manager, Strategic and National Accounts, Cunard; Jamie Paiko, Vice President of Sales, North America, Cunard; Carmen Roig, Vice President of Sales, Princess Cruises; Steve Smotrys, Vice President, Sales & Trade Relations, The Americas, Australia, Asia and Expedition, Seabourn; Anthony Viciana, Director of Sales, Eastern and Southeast U.S., Princess Cruises
12:45pm - 3:15pm General Session I and Lunch
General Session sponsored by Carnival Corporation & plc
Lunch sponsored by Holland America Line
Welcome from Fort Lauderdale
Presented by Stacy Ritter, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Lauderdale
CEO Conversation
Josh Weinstein, President and CEO, Carnival Corporation & plc and Arnie Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief, Travel Weekly
Presidents Panel
Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line; Josh Leibowitz, President, Seabourn; John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises; Arnie Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief, Travel Weekly
An Update from Holland America Line
Presented by Michelle Sutter, Vice President, North America Sales, Holland America Line
TW Talks, hosted by Uplift
Presented by Jackie Friedman, President, Nexion Travel Group
Mastermind Leadership Panel Discussion
Panelists include Katina Athanasiou, Senior Vice President of Sales, Silversea Cruises; Vicki Freed, CTC, SVP, Sales and Trade Support & Service, Royal Caribbean International; Todd Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Sales, Norwegian Cruise Line; Koreen McNutt, Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Engagement and Commercial Sales Officer, MSC Cruises; Dondra Ritzenthaler, ECC, Sr. Vice President of Sales & TSS, The Americas, Celebrity Cruises; Carmen Roig, Vice President of Sales, Princess Cruises; Michelle Sutter, Vice President, North America Sales and Chief of Staff, Holland America Line; Janet Wygert, VP of Strategic Partnerships, Carnival Cruise Line
Moderated by Danny Genung, CEO, Harr Travel and Mary Pat Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Northstar Travel Group
TW Talks, hosted by Uplift
Presented by Debbie Fiorino, COO, Dream Vacations
Category Spotlight - Domestic Destination: Alaska - Visit Anchorage
Presented by David Kasser, Senior VP of Sales, Alaska - Visit Anchorage
3:45pm - 4:45pm Supplier Educational Workshops
Japan National Tourism Organization
Japan Update by JNTO and partners, featuring Japan Cruises by Princess Cruises
Japan is a marvelous blend of the East and West that welcomes travelers to explore its unique, luxurious and cultural experiences. From stunning nature, amazing outdoors, peace and relaxation, colorful traditions, magical cities, delicious cuisine and inspiring art, Japan is a country of endless discovery for any type of traveler. Japan is now at the top of bucket lists and it is the perfect destination for family travelers, honeymooners, cruise travelers, and more. As special guests, representatives from Yokohama and Ishikawa (Kanazawa) will participate from Japan, and will talk about ports and tourist attractions. JNTO and Princess will announce a FAM opportunity during the workshop. The workshop attendees are eligible to apply for the FAM in February. We also have many prizes. We look forward to seeing you!
Presented by Raffaele Lima, Port Sales Representative, Ishikawa Prefectural Government, Kanazawa Port Authority; Ayami Kimura Fay, Representative, Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau; Yohko Scott, Regional Promotion Director, Japan National Tourism Organization; Anthony Viciana, Director, Eastern & Southeast U.S., Princess Cruises
Majestic Resorts
Discover the Majestic Way of Life!
Learn about the incredible value offered by one of the only luxury all-inclusive resort chains in the world with no time share or vacation club! Discover our beautiful locations in Punta Cana and Costa Mujeres, spacious accommodations, oversized restaurants, award-winning mixology, attentive butler service in adult-only club sections, amenities, activities, incredible weddings, and how we cater to the North American client. Majestic Resorts is a hidden gem with an almost 70% repeat rate! You will also learn about our current and coming agent resources, as well as our planned resort growth.
Presented by Lucien Echavarria, Director of Sales and Strategic Partnership, USA & Canada, Majestic Resorts
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean International: Iconic Adventures Ahead
Join Anthony Meloro and Ashley Gil for an exciting and ICONIC Royal Caribbean update! Get a glimpse into the latest innovations that will provide your clients with the family vacation of a lifetime. Learn how our award-winning sales team, the largest in the industry, can help you grow your business and train you on best practices to promote your agency. Icons aren’t born, they’re made, so join us to learn more about our bold, game-changing approach to transformational vacations!
Presented by Ashley Gil, Account Executive, Host Travel Partner Relations and Anthony Meloro, Director, Business Development Support & Trade and Host Travel Partner Relations
VAX VacationAccess
VAX: Everything You Need at Your Fingertips
Experience the power of the VAX Marketplace. VAX VacationAccess is the premier Leisure Travel Marketplace where all of the tools, resources and suppliers that advisors rely on are within reach. VAX helps you grow your business with bookable product for new brands, educational opportunities and tons of exciting editorial content on The Compass. Join us and learn what’s new and what’s next for VAX VacationAccess.
Presented by Beth Kitzman, Business Development Manager – Agency Channel, VAX VacationAccess.
5:00pm - 6:15pm Think Tank (advisors only)
Sponsored by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Emerald Cruises
Moderated by Richard Hickey, Sr. Director, National Accounts, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Emerald Cruises; Joanie Ogg, Founder / Co-Owner, Travel Professional News; Mary Pat Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Northstar Travel Group
5:00pm - 6:40pm STAR Program Roundtables
Travel Institute graduates with: Certified Travel Associate (CTA) , Certified Travel Consultant (CTC) or Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) who attend CruiseWorld will earn 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CTAs, CTCs and CTIEs are required to obtain CEUs, to maintain certification in The Travel Institute. For more information visit www.thetravelinstitute.com
