2024 Day 1

Wednesday, November 6

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

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 Robin Basso; Senior Director, Travel Industry Partnerships; The Hawaiian Islands

10:15am – 11:45pm Educational Session 

Carnival Corporation Opening Workshop 

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

Welcome from Fort Lauderdale 

CEO Conversation 

Josh Weinstein, President, CEO & Chief Climate Officer, Carnival Corporation & plc and Arnie Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief, Travel Weekly 

A Word from the Carnival Corporation Presidents 

Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line 
Christine Duffy, President Carnival Cruise Line 
Natalya Leahy, President, Seabourn 
Katie McAlister, President, Cunard 
John Padgett, President, Princess Cruises 

TW Talk  

Presented by Michelle Fee, CEO & Founder, Cruise Planners 

A spotlight on Alaska – Visit Anchorage  

Lunch, sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line 

2:00pm – 3:00pm Sponsored Workshops  

Cruise Planners: 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 Scott Koepf; Chief Strategy Officer; Cruise Planners

Brian Shultz; Chief Information Officer; Cruise Planners

Princess

Playa Resorts & Hotels: 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 Cruises

Join this workshop by JNTO and Princess Cruises 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!

Celebrity Cruises

3:15pm – 5:00pm General Session  

TW Talk 

Presented by Jackie Friedman, President, Nexion Travel Group 

Mastermind Leadership Panel Discussion  

A spotlight on Virgin Voyages 

Pitch Perfect: River/Small Ship 

Companies include: AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Celestyal Cruises, Riviera River Cruises 

5:15pm – 6:30pm Think Tank (Advisors only) 

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