Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum: Full Schedule

2:00pm PDT

Group Travel from A to Z

Sunday March 30, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Groups can represent significant and lucrative business opportunities for your agency if done right. This extended session will cover Groups from A to Z with a focus on finding and servicing group business (including their unique needs); tips and tools to streamline and properly manage groups of any size without overwhelming your agency; and the contractual elements and language to keep your agency and clients safeguarded.

Moderators

Amy Leon

Leisure and Luxury Specialist, Adventures by Amy

After saying goodbye to corporate America, Amy Leon founded Adventures by Amy in 2016, where she would share her love of travel while helping others plan their next big adventure. Since its inception, known as one of the premier destination wedding specialists on the East Coast, as... Read More →

Speakers

Kelley Hogan

District Sales Manager, Scenic Cruises

Jeffrey Ment

Managing Partner, Ment Law Group, PC

Jeffrey Ment provides legal counsel to travel companies around the world. He has been in the travel industry for more than thirty-five years. Prior to law school, he gained valuable experience while working as a travel advisor, tour guide and sales manager for two airlines. Mr... Read More →

Dian Holland

District Sales Manager - Western USA, Jamaica Tourist Board

Dian Holland is Business Development Manager for the Jamaica Tourist Board with overall responsibility for the Western USA, including the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.Dian works closely with retail... Read More →

Erin Miller

Business Development Manager, ALG Vacations

Erin started her tenure at Apple Vacations over 17 years ago in Customer Service before transitioning into the Sales Department. Within sales, Erin has led several different roles like Business Development Specialist for the East Coast, BDM of Central PA & MD and moving into the Host... Read More →

Veranda Adkins

Owner, Travel Legacy, Inc.

Veranda Adkins is a renowned travel industry expert, coach, and influential speaker with over 22 years of experience. As the founder of Travel Legacy, a multi-million-dollar agency, Veranda is dedicated to empowering mid-level travel agents to launch and scale their businesses. She... Read More →

Sunday March 30, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

9:15am PDT

Growth Strategies to Maximize Your Destination Partnerships

Monday March 31, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Concorde B

“Where do you want to go?” is likely the first qualifying question your asking clients when vacation planning, which is why it’s important to be immersed and knowledgeable on destinations around the globe! In this session, we’ll explore how travel advisors can successfully collaborate with Tourism Boards, Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVB’s) and other Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). Talking points will include: Why specialization and familiarity will strengthen your sales probability (and streamlining your qualification process); what role the DMO plays in supporting your goals; how this relationship will elevate your ability to curate unique itineraries for an enhanced in-destination experience; expand your cooperative destination marketing for a mutually beneficial partnership!

Moderators

Stacey Cabell, CTIE

Owner, Starstuff Travel, LLC

Stacey Cabell is the owner of Starstuff Travel based out of Toms River, NJ. She started the agency that specializes in Family Travel back in 2013 after deciding she wanted to help other families create the same amazing memories she had with her own family. Shortly after opening the... Read More →

Speakers

Robyn Basso

Senior Director Travel Industry Partnerships, Hawaii Tourism United States

As Senior Director of Travel Industry Partnerships, Robyn leads the development and execution of HVCBʻs sales and marketing strategy designed to promote travel trade growth from the United States. Her responsibilities include managing the organization’s travel trade training... Read More →

Heather Ruhle

Tourism Development Manager, Visit Anchorage

A lifelong Alaskan who can be found in the outdoors all year round. Boating, hiking and fishing in the Prince William Sound all summer long and skiing, fat tire biking or camping in the backcountry looking for Northern Lights during the winter are all regular activities. She loves... Read More →

Nikolina Banovac Matana

Dubrovnik Tourism Board

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Dubrovnik, followed by a graduate degree in Public Relations. During my studies, I gained work experience as an information officer at the Dubrovnik Tourist Board and as a tour guide, after which I transitioned to the Dubrovnik-Neretva... Read More →

Andrés Martínez Reynoso

Director, Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council (CPTQ)

Monday March 31, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

10:30am PDT

Getting to YES Faster! Personality Selling with Bulls, Owls, Lambs, and Tigers!

Monday March 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

Concorde B

Unlock the key to effortless sales and seamless communication in travel planning (and life!) Join the President of Vacation Planners, Jenn Lee, for an insightful webinar to transform how you connect with clients and understand yourself. Delve into the world of four distinct personality types – Bulls, Owls, Lambs, and Tigers – and discover how this knowledge can dramatically boost your success as a travel advisor.
You can elevate your client relationships, boost your sales performance, and transform your approach to travel advising. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a significant edge!

Speakers

Jenn Lee

President & Chief Marketing Officer, Travel Planners International & Vacation Planners

Monday March 31, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

1:00pm PDT

Discover Destination Session: Sunshine State Showcase: From Iconic Cities to Coastal Retreats

Monday March 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Concorde B

Explore the dynamic offerings of Florida, from Miami’s bustling energy and Central Florida’s attractions to the serene beaches of the Treasure Coast and the upscale amenities of Sunseeker Resort. Discover how to match each destination to your clients’ desires.

Monday March 31, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Concorde B

Sponsored Session

2:00pm PDT

Discover Destination Session: British Virgin Islands, Incomparable Island Experiences

Monday March 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Concorde B

Discover these 60 islands, known as the British Virgin Islands (BVI), where temperatures range between 75 and 80 degrees all year round.

Known as a treasured destination rich in undiscovered experiences, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is an alluring archipelago comprising 60 islands islets and Cays located in the Northeastern Region of the Caribbean Sea region. With plentiful private villas and luxury boutique resorts, there is no shortage of accommodation from which to choose, whether for leisure, Romance, or MICE (meetings, events, and incentives) travel. The BVI has long been hailed as the world's sailing capital for its line-of-sight sailing, myriad boat charter options (bareboat, crewed, powered, traditional hoisted sail), and an array of experiences catering mainly to yachtes. Join us and learn more about our 60 Islands, all waiting for you to explore.

Speakers

Lynette L. Harrigan, MBE

Niche Marketing/Tourism Liaison Manager, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission

Tausha Vanterpool

Business Development Manager West Coast, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board

Monday March 31, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Concorde B

Sponsored Session

3:00pm PDT

Discover Destination Session: The People, The Place, The Hawaiian Islands - Unlock Exclusive Travel Insights and Timely Updates for Your Clients on Travel to The Hawaiian Islands

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Concorde B

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.

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.

Speakers

Robyn Basso

Senior Director Travel Industry Partnerships, Hawaii Tourism United States

Maile Brown

Director of Marketing, Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau

Maile has been in the hospitality industry for 23 years and with the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau since June 2005. With the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, her responsibilities include reviewing marketing initiatives for Kaua‘i, overseeing both MCI and travel trade initiatives for all markets... Read More →

June Pagdilao

Director of Sales, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau

After attending college in Washington State, I spent several years in the Pacific Northwest working at Red Lion/Thunderbird Motor Inns throughout Montana, Washington State and Oregon, before moving back to my home Maui.More than 41 years in the hospitality industry in Hawaii and the... Read More →

Karishma Chowfin

Director of Sales, O'ahu Visitors Bureau

Karishma is the Director of Sales for the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau. She brings 20+ years of experience in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry, and is responsible for leisure sales initiatives as well as assisting with the Meetings Convention & Incentives (MCI) segment in North America... Read More →

Deanna Isbister

Director of Sales, Island of Hawai‘i Visitors Bureau

Deanna has been a hospitality professional for over 30 years throughout Hawai‘i and the U.S. holding management positions in the car rental, hotel and wholesale divisions of the industry. Her experience has allowed for a well-rounded insight into the hospitality industry.Her current... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Concorde B

Sponsored Session

8:30am PDT

From Land to Sea (or River): Selling the Cruise & Tour Experience

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Concorde B

Combining a land and sea (or river) experience is one of the most memorable opportunities for your client (and a commission opportunity for you)! In this session we’ll discuss why this is the perfect combination of travel; the profile client; unique itineraries and key destinations; what’s included and not and more!

Moderators

Dave Meihoefer

VP of Sales and Engagement, Travel Planners International

Dave is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the travel industry. Prior to joining TPI, he held key positions at renowned companies such as Celebrity Cruises, Collette Vacations, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where he excelled in sales, account management, and... Read More →

Speakers

TJ McAvoy

Business Development Manager, Globus family of brands & Avalon Waterways

David Fredericks

SVP Sales & Marketing, Century Cruises

Jessica Mooney

Sr. Manager, Channel Strategy, Celebrity Cruises

Jessica Mooney's 11-year tenure at Celebrity Cruises has spanned various roles in the Sales department. She started as a sales manager in Virginia and the DC metro area collaborating with advisors to help build their businesses. Later she joined the Celebrity Sales Training Team and... Read More →

Nicholas Boekdrukker

Managing Director, LGT Golf

Nicholas Boekdrukker is the Managing director and owner of LGT Golf, a boutique luxury golf tour operator and DMC. A winner of the World Golf Awards “Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator for 5 consecutive years, LGT Golf delivers a unique program of golf itineraries for river cruise... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

9:45am PDT

Partnering for Success: How to Create a Win Win Seller Supplier Partnership

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Concorde B

Do you want your business to reach its full potential? This must-attend session will explore the power of a strong relationship plays with your preferred partners Business Development Manager (BDM). Uncover the critical aspects this important relationship lays in your success, including collaborative initiatives; opportunities and assets that will maximize your profitability; exclusive experiences that will give you a competitive edge; and best of all, success stories that have resulted from strong BDM partnerships.

Moderators

Keli Washburn

Business Development Manager, the Globus family of brands & Avalon Waterways

Introducing Keli Washburn, our dynamic Business Development Manager at the Globus family of brands. Keli has built a distinguished career in supporting and empowering professional travel advisors. She is the driving force behind our presence in the South West, focusing on nurturing... Read More →

Speakers

Deborah Tortoriello

National Sales Manager, Vacation Express

Deborah Tortoriello is the Director of Sales with Vacation Express. Debi has spent 14 years as a member of the Vacation Express team and working in Sales for 30 years. A true industry veteran for over 35 years, she began her career in travel as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines... Read More →

Stacey Cabell, CTIE

Owner, Starstuff Travel, LLC

Lindsey Wagner

Sales Manager, West, Virgin Voyages

Lindsey Wagner, based in Southern California, is the Director of Field Sales – West at Virgin Voyages, leading a high-performing remote team of four Rockstar Sales Managers across the Western U.S. Since joining Virgin Voyages in 2018, Lindsey has been instrumental in helping to... Read More →

Brad Lennox

Owner & CEO, Dekel Travel

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

11:00am PDT

Supplier Partners Share! Using Social Media and Digital Tools to Achieve Your Goals

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Concorde B

Maximize your social media and online strategies with tips from top industry partners – business development
manager! From social media insights to partner platforms and tools, this session will cover actionable ways to innovate your offerings while increasing your earnings with proven tips! You won’t want to miss this session!

Moderators

Mary Charleson, MBA, CSP

Marketing Educator, Speaker & Strategist, fiveminutemarketing.com

Mary Charleson, is a marketing speaker, educator and strategist. She is the author of www.fiveminutemarketing.com blog and weekly newsletter. Mary has authored two books: Word of Mouth Mouse & Mobile and Five-Minute Marketing and is a 15-year member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.Mary’s career spans over 20 years in media and marketing. She holds an MBA in marketing... Read More →

Speakers

Joe Vanderhoff

Manager of Training and Development, Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Joe is currently the Manager of Training & Development and was formerly the Central Texas BDM for Sandals since 2019. Joe is responsible for creating programs that work with travel advisors to help grow their Sandals & Beaches business through strategic social media marketing tactics... Read More →

Luke Majewski

Regional Director Of Business Development - TX, OK, AR, LA, AIC Hotel Group

Ten year veteran of the travel industry specializing in all inclusive luxury hotels and weddings. Working with AIC for over 8 years now helping travel advisors navigate the luxury all inclusive resort marketplace with unique and creative sales and marketing techniques. A huge focus... Read More →

Drew M. Santiago, ACC

Director of Business Development & CIAT Mayor of Funville, Carnival Cruise Line

Drew M. Santiago is an esteemed figure in the cruise industry, boasting an impressive 26-year career that spans from shoreside and shipboard positions. His journey commenced at Princess, where he started as an entry-level Reservations Agent. Through unwavering dedication and passion... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

2:00pm PDT

Discover Product Series: Do More and Earn More with Viator Experiences: We will show you ways to tap into this revenue stream and ride the wave of the Experience Economy!

Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Concorde B

The Experience Economy’s rapid growth and consumer demand for experiences is expected to continue for years. Don’t leave money on the table. Learn how easy the Viator Travel Agent Program makes it to boost your business and increase your potential market while creating well-rounded itineraries.

Speakers

Michelle Bartholomew

Sales Manager (Travel Agent Program), Viator

Bryan Kalarchik

Account Manager, Viator

Tuesday April 1, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Concorde B

Sponsored Session

3:00pm PDT

Discover Product Series: Century Cruises, China Should be on your Clients' Bucket List

Tuesday April 1, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT

Concorde B

Embark on an extraordinary journey with Century Cruises, where luxury meets sustainability. Our state-of-the-art fleet of six elegant vessels graces the majestic Yangtze River, offering an unparalleled gateway to 5-star cruises and tour experiences for your esteemed clients, both within China and beyond. Discover the ease of selling this captivating destination with our inclusive cruise and land packages, featuring seamless air travel and our exclusive Visa-Free tours.

Speakers

David Fredericks

SVP Sales & Marketing, Century Cruises

Steve Simao, CTC, CIS

VP of Sales, Century Cruises

Tuesday April 1, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Concorde B

Sponsored Session

8:30am PDT

It’s All About the Base, Database, No Trouble!

Wednesday April 2, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT

Concorde B

Success as a Travel Advisor starts with marketing, progresses through sales and culminates with exceptional service. The common element through every step in the journey is the care, feeding and love of your database! Join Scott with his 40 years of retail expertise and learn how to build, cultivate and coddle your database to maximize results. You will not only be singing the title of the workshop along with him but will walk away with specific steps on how to take your business to the next level.

Speakers

Scott Koepf CTC, MCC

Chief Strategy Officer, Cruise Planners

With more than 30 years in retail travel Scott Koepf is Chief Strategic Officer of Cruise Planners, one of the largest and most awarded travel companies in North America and beyond. He previously served as President of the National Association of Career Travel Agents. Prior to his... Read More →

Wednesday April 2, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

2:00pm PDT

The Las Vegas MVPs - Hosted by the LVCVA

Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Concorde B

Las Vegas is the destination for world-class entertainment, attractions, spas, pools, golf, shopping and outdoor adventure. Hear from our destination experts how to sell unique attractions, higher commissions and earn rewards for your Las Vegas bookings.

Speakers

Scott Fujinaga

Leisure Sales Executive, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

Scott Fujinaga has called Las Vegas home for the past 21 years and in this short time, witnessed tremendous evolution of this fabulous desert destination. Over the past few years, Scott has been tasked with tasting crafted culinary creations, seeing thrilling performances and experiencing... Read More →

Wednesday April 2, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Concorde B

Sponsored Session