2024 Day 1

Wednesday, November 6

All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time. Program is tentative and subject to change.

8:00am Registration opens

9:00am – 10:00am Educational Sessions 

From Partnership to Prosperity: Making the Most of Your Host Agency Relationship 

This session is designed to equip travel professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to optimize their collaboration with host agencies, transforming these partnerships into avenues for prosperity. After attending this session participants will: 

• Be equipped with strategies to select the right host agency 

• Gain insights into building and maintaining a successful partnership 

• Learn how to maximize the benefits offered by host agencies 

• Be prepared to tackle challenges and leverage opportunities for growth 

Presented by Jesse Morris; Brand Ambassador; Travel Professional NEWS,  FindaHostTravelAgency.com  and HomeBasedTravelAgent.com 

Joanie  Ogg, CTC, MCC; Founder & Co-Owner; Travel Professional NEWS,  FindaHostTravelAgency.com  and  HomeBasedTravelAgent.com 

The many tools you may not currently be using on VAX VacationAccess 

VAX Vonda is going to share tools and tips that can save you tons of time and help you make more bookings and money!

Presented by Vonda Keeler; Brand Ambassador

The People, The Place, The Hawaiian Islands - Why Hawaiʻi is like nowhere else in the world

With their timeless beauty, diverse activities and rich culture, there’s no better time to plan a meaningful visit to the Hawaiian Islands.  What makes Hawai‘i special goes beyond its beaches, mountains, thrilling discoveries and endless ways to relax. Help your clients discover why Hawaiʻi is like nowhere else in the world, from the aloha spirit of its people to its unforgettable places. This session will provide a destination overview, timely island updates, top tips for selling Hawai‘i, and the valuable sales, marketing and training resources available for travel advisors.

Presented by Robyn Basso; Senior Director, Travel Industry Partnerships; The Hawaiian Islands

10:15am – 11:45pm Educational Session 

What’s New at Six of the Carnival Corporation Brands?

Learn the latest news from six of the Carnival Corporation brands all in one workshop!  Did you know that Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Cunard and the Italian brand Costa are all part of the Carnival Corporation family?  Together with German-based AIDA, British-based P&O UK and P&O Australia it is the largest cruise corporation in the world with more than 350 years of combined cruising experience, cruising to all seven continents and more than 700 destinations around the world.  From family to luxury to expedition there is a Carnival Corporation brand that will suit your client expectations with comfort, safety and reliability.  Whether it’s just driving distance from home or on the other side of the world, our ships offer the best seats in the house for the best views at sea. 

Presented by:
Alicia Steuart; Senior Director of Sales, Key Accounts & CIAT Team; Carnival Cruise Line
Ladonna Allen; Head of Sales and Trade Marketing; Costa Cruises
Jaime Paiko; Vice President of Sales, North America; Cunard
Rob Coleman; Senior Vice President; Holland America
Anthony Viciana; Director of Sales, Eastern & Southeastern U.S; Princess
Tara Schreiner; Vice President, National Accounts; Seabourn

12:00pm – 1:45pm General Session, sponsored by Carnival Corporation & Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line 

Welcome from Visit Lauderdale

Presented by Stacy Ritter, CDME; President & CEO; Visit Lauderdale

CEO Conversation 

Josh Weinstein; President, CEO & Chief Climate Officer; Carnival Corporation & plc

Gametime with the Carnival Corporation Presidents

Gus Antorcha; President; Holland America Line 
Christine Duffy; President; Carnival Cruise Line  
Katie McAlister; President; Cunard 
John Padgett; President; Princess 

Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line 

2:00pm – 3:00pm Sponsored Workshops  

Harnessing AI to Revolutionize Travel Planning

Cruise Planners invites you to an exclusive workshop showcasing the latest advancements in AI technology for travel advisors. Building on the success of our best-in-industry innovations, we’ll introduce powerful new features designed to enhance your daily workflow and elevate the client experience. From AI-powered content creation and predictive analysis to real-time assistance, our integrated tools are crafted to simplify tasks, boost efficiency, and provide personalized travel recommendations—seamlessly integrated within our CP Maxx platform. Whether you're looking to save time, boost productivity, or offer more personalized service, this workshop will show you practical ways to leverage AI in your travel business. Join us to see how these tools can help you work smarter and take your client offerings to the next level.

Presented by Brian Shultz; Chief Information Officer; Cruise Planners

Learn how to Market & Sell Princess Alaska Cruisetours

Interest in Alaska is at an all-time high and it can be an expensive and daunting purchase for clients. It’s difficult to shop it online and very few advisors feel comfortable making recommendations. If you want to specialize in Alaska Cruisetours, find new clients, help make dreams come true AND make great commissions too, come join us!

This will be an informative workshop on how to market & sell Alaska Cruisetours where we will discuss: 

• Why you should promote Princess Alaska Cruisetours

• Which Princess Alaska Cruisetours are the best to recommend and why

• Princess Alaska Cruisetour marketing strategies

Presented by Anthony Viciana; Director of Sales - Eastern US; Princess
Mary Jacquel; Director, Alaska Planning & Marketing; Princess

Welcoming Luxury: New High-End Hotels Join the Playa Resorts Family

Kimpton Hacienda Tres Rios redefines all-inclusive luxury in the heart of the Riviera Maya, blending a premium resort with a vast natural park. Inspired by the area’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, the resort offers panoramic ocean views, elegantly appointed suites with direct pool access, and a sophisticated culinary scene. Kimpton’s commitment to sustainability shines through its eco-friendly activities, including eco-trails and kayaking, all delivered with signature heartfelt service. Experience the epitome of refined elegance at Paraiso de la Bonita, the newest addition to the Luxury Collection All-Inclusive Resort portfolio. This exclusive adults-only haven, just 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport, offers a tranquil escape amidst 14 acres of lush tropical gardens and pristine white-sand beaches. Paraiso de la Bonita seamlessly blends luxury with nature’s raw beauty, catering to the most discerning guests. Discover unparalleled luxury in Riviera Maya.

Presented by Sonia Nunez; Business Development Manager Specialty Accounts: Playa Resorts & Hotels

Endless Discovery Seminar by JNTO and Princess

Join this workshop by JNTO and Princess to learn about Japan as a cruise destination! We will introduce you to Japan's unmatched diversity of breathtaking natural beauty, intriguing culture and world-renowned cuisine, helping you create an unforgettable itinerary for your clients. Representatives from Yokohama City Visitors Bureau and Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau will participate as our special guests from Japan to talk about their stunning ports and tourist attractions, while our partners at Prince Hotels USA, Inc. will highlight their wonderful accommodations on the ground. Participate in a brief survey at the end to receive a Starbucks gift card. We look forward to seeing you!

Presented by Yohko Scott; Regional Promotion Director; Japan National Tourism Organization
Sara Preston; National Account Manager; Princess
Yasukazu Kawachi; Assistant Manager; Yokohama City Visitors Bureau
Yoko Hirayama; Cruise Coordinator; Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tomohiro Kozaki; Executive Director; Prince Hotels USA, Inc.

Discover the Galapagos: an all-inclusive wildlife adventure aboard Celebrity Flora

Join Camila Madero, Manager of Galapagos Sales and Communications, to explore the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Discover the all-inclusive adventures that make Celebrity Cruises the best in the region, and learn how we blend luxury and sustainability aboard the Celebrity Flora—the first all-suites mega yacht designed for the Galapagos. Plus, find out how you can earn top commission on bundled packages!

Presented by Camila Madero; Manager of Galapagos Sales and Communications; Celebrity Cruises

3:15pm – 5:00pm General Session  

A word from AmaWaterways

Presented by Alex Pinelo; Senior Vice President, Sales; AmaWaterways

TW Talks, hosted by AmaWaterways  

Presented by Michelle Fee; CEO & Founder; Cruise Planners

Masterminds Panel Discussion, sponsored by Flex Pay 

Vicki Freed; Sales and Trade Support & Service; Royal Caribbean
Kirk Neal; Regional Vice President Trade Sales; Carnival Cruise Lines
Rob Coleman; Vice President - North America Sales; Holland American Line
John Chernesky; Senior Vice President, North America Sales; Norwegian Cruise Line
Wendy Whitener; MSC
Jennifer Suarez; Vice President of Sales, The Americas; Celebrity Cruises
Carmen Roig; Vice President of Sales; Princess

Moderated by Adam Duckworth; President and Founder; Travelmation; and Mary Pat Sullivan; Executive Vice President of of Marketing & Partnerships; Northstar Travel Group

A spotlight on Virgin Voyages 

Presented by John Diorio; Vice President, North American Sales; Virgin Voyages

Pitch Perfect: River/Small Ship 

Alex Pinelo; Senior Vice President, Sales; AmaWaterways
Richard Hickey; Senior Director, Key Accounts; Avalon Waterways
Kris Endreson; Vice President of Sales, North America; Aurora Expeditions
Brandon Townsley; Vice President & Managing Director, North American; Celestyal
Marilyn Conroy; Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing North America; Riviera River Cruises 

Moderated by Jill LaBarre; President; Travel Agent Pro.; and Danny Genung; Owner; Harr Travel

TW Talks, hosted by AmaWaterways  

Presented by Jackie Friedman; President; Nexion Travel Group

5:15pm – 6:30pm Think Tank (Advisors only), sponsored by Scenic Luxury Cruises

Moderated by Mary Pat Sullivan; Executive Vice President of of Marketing & Partnerships; Northstar Travel Group; and Joanie  Ogg, CTC, MCC; Founder & Co-Owner; Travel Professional NEWS,  FindaHostTravelAgency.com  and  HomeBasedTravelAgent.com 

5:15pm – 6:45pm STAR Program Roundtables* 

*Pre-scheduled suppliers and advisor attendees only