2024 Day 2

Thursday, November 7

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

6:45am Registration opens

7:45am – 8:30am Breakfast, sponsored by MSC Cruises

Presented by Erin Douglas; MSC Cruises

8:45am – 9:45am Sponsored Workshops  

Alaska by the numbers

What drives traveler’s decisions when planning for an Alaska trip? In short, the numbers.  Learn the distances (Alaska IS Big!), temperatures in all the seasons and when to go, money & how to get the best bang-for-the-buck!  And lots of other facts about Alaska wildlife, culture & attractions that will help you sell this destination with the authority of a seasoned expert.  This engaging and entertaining presentation will definitely increase your numbers to the 49th state!

Presented by Katy Ouellette; Tourism Sales Manager; Visit Anchorage
Tracy Zadra; Senior, Passenger Sales Executive Cruise, Travel Trade and Training; Alaska Railroad
Serene Hutchinson; General Manager; Juneau Tours & Whale Watch

The Future of Travel with Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Join us for an engaging panel session moderated by Danny Genung with Harr Travel. Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises will unveil exciting updates and developments that are shaping the future of cruising. Discover the latest innovations and enhancements our fleets, including the much-anticipated new ships set to redefine luxury and adventure at sea. 

We will share insights into our commitment to the travel partner community, emphasizing how your role is pivotal in our journey forward. With a focus on collaboration, we’ll discuss our latest initiatives designed to support partners in maximizing their potential and strengthening client relationships. 

Whether you're a seasoned travel expert or new to the industry, this session will equip you with invaluable knowledge and inspiration. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear straight from our team as we chart a course for the future of travel together.

Presented by Derek Lloyd; VP, Field Sales; Norwegian Cruise Lines
Scott Kluesner; VP, Strategic Accounts; Oceania Cruises
Eric Schmit; Director Business Development & National Accounts; Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Moderated by Danny Genung; Harr Travel

What’s New With Royal Caribbean International

Join us for an exciting Royal Caribbean update! Get a glimpse into the latest destinations and deployment that will provide your clients with the family vacation of a lifetime. Learn how our award-winning sales team can help you grow your business and train you on best practices to promote your agency. Come seek the world with Royal Caribbean International! 

Presented by Ashley Gil; Sr. Account Executive, Host Agency; Royal Caribbean International

How to Evolve Your Client with Scenic Group

Your clients, especially luxury clients, are on a never-ending quest for excitement and purpose.  Learn how to not only motivate but inspire your clients by leveraging Scenic & Emerald Cruises unrivalled portfolio of luxury & ultra luxury offerings. 

Presented by Antolin Del Collado; Regional Sales Director- Florida & Puerto Rico; Scenic & Emerald Cruises

Taking your Sandals & Beaches Resorts Business to the Next Level!

If you’re a travel advisor and want to grow your luxury all-inclusive travel business, a partnership with Sandals and Beaches resorts is a great way to take it to the next level. No other place in the world captures the imagination more than the Caribbean, which is home to 20 Sandals and Beaches resorts. This session will provide you with an array of tools and programs designed to help you sell more effectively including resort updates, Certified Sandals Specialist and Preferred Sandals Agency programs, Points to Paradise, Back to the Beach resort immersions, booking bonus incentives, and support from your local BDM. Liz Purkey, Regional Director, Southeast will show you how our partnership with Travel Advisors is second to none, making the biggest difference in your bottom line and helping you earn commissions with commas!

Presented by Liz Purkey; Regional Director, Southeast; Sandals & Beaches Resorts

10:00am – 11:00am Sponsored Workshops  

Enhancing your clients' pre and post cruise Miami stays

You've booked your client's dream cruise - but the fun doesn't stop there!  Join us to learn more about Miami's newest attractions, restaurants and Events; as well as meet the Sales Team from two PortMIAMI hotels - The ELSER Hotel and the Mondrian South Beach.  Cruising from the Cruise Capital of the World has never been better!

Presented by Debra Lee; Director of Travel Industry Sales, US, Canada & Cruise; Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau  
Ryan Todd; Director of Marketing & Sales; The ELSER Hotel
Keldon Young; Senior Sales Manager; Mondrian South Beach

On Stage Alaska, presented by Holland America Line

Join Holland America Line’s Alaska and Yukon Experts for a fun and informational session about our unmatched cruise and cruisetours. 

Presented by Rachel Moody; Wendy Close 

Discover The Majestic Way of Life

Please join us to learn about the best luxury all-inclusive brand in the Caribbean, Majestic Resorts!

Presented by Lucien Echavarria; Director of Sales & Strategic Partnership; Majestic Resorts

Discover the Extraordinary: Windstar's Private Yacht-Style Cruising

Join us for a product update where you'll uncover the unparalleled experience of Windstar’s private yacht-style cruising. In a world where luxury and personalization intersect, our yachts offer an intimate and relaxed ambiance, accommodating just 148 to 342 guests. Learn how we deliver genuine, bespoke service tailored to your clients' preferences, ensuring every voyage is unique and unforgettable. Explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, from charming small ports and hidden harbors to secluded beaches, and immerse yourself in local cultures that remain largely undiscovered by typical tourists. This session will reveal why Windstar Cruises stands 180 degrees from ordinary and how we redefine the art of luxury travel. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the extraordinary possibilities awaiting your clients.

Presented by Joe Jiffo; Director of Field Sales; Windstar Cruises

Make Ship Happen with Virgin Voyages

Holy Ship, a lot is going on with Virgin Voyages. Get the latest details on how to sell this award-winning brand and learn how to make more money and have more happy clients when they sail with Virgin Voyages.

Presented by Amanda Morales; National Account Manager; Virgin Voyages

11:15am – 2:15pm General Session & Lunch

CEO Conversation 

Jason Liberty; President and CEO; Royal Caribbean Group; and Arnie Weissmann; Editor-in-Chief; Travel Weekly 

Presidents Panel 

Michael Bayley; President & CEO; Royal Caribbean International 
Bert Hernandez; President; Silversea 
Laura Hodges Bethge; President; Celebrity Cruises 

Moderated by Mary Pat Sullivan; Executive Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships; Northstar Travel Group; and Arnie Weissmann; Editor-in-Chief; Travel Weekly

Lunch, sponsored by Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea Cruises 

Presented by Katina Athanasiou; Senior Vice President, Sales & Services, Americas; Celebrity Cruises; Vicki Freed; Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Support & Service; Royal Caribbean; and Joe Leon; Vice President, Sales, Americas; Silversea Cruises

TW Talks, hosted by Amawaterways 

Presented by Jill Marancos; Senior Director of Business Development; Ensemble Travel 

A spotlight on ALG Vacations   

Presented by Jim Tedesco; Vice President Sales; ALG Vacations 

Pitch Perfect: Groups 

Luis Marte; Sales Representative; Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel
Raquel Reyes; Director; Dominican Republic Tourism Board
Cindi Occhuizzo; Charter and Journey Together Lead; Explora Journeys
Stephan Tubman; Strategic Account Manager; Oceania Cruises
Javier Morales; Business Development Manager, Southeast USA; Sandos Hotels & Resorts 

Moderated by Suzy Schreiner; Owner; Azure Blue Vacations; and Jamie Rumpf; CEO/Travel Advisor; Love of the Magic Vacations

A spotlight on Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Presented by Gary C. Sadler, OD; EVP, Sales & Industry Relation; Sandals & Beaches Resorts 

TW Talks, hosted by Amawaterways

Presented by Deb Fiorino; Chief Operating Officer; Dream Vacations 

A spotlight on Alaska – Visit Anchorage

Presented by David S. Kasser; Senior Vice President, Sales; Alaska - Visit Anchorage

A moment with IMG Global

Presented by Grant Hayes; Director, International Sales – Travel; IMG Global

A moment with Vacation Planners  

Presented by Jenn Lee; President; Vacation Planners

2:30pm – 5:00pm Exhibitor Showcase Kick Off and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony