Schedule & Speakers

All events are held at the Salamander Hotel, unless otherwise noted.

Thank you to our official transportation sponsor, Carey International.

*All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET). Schedule is subject to change.

Monday, September 16, 2024
10:30 AM - 3:00 PM	Registration Open Location: Gallery Ballroom Foyer, Salamander Hotel Check-in to receive your attendee badge and materials. ASTA staff are also available to assist with any questions you may have. Registration & Badges Sponsored by BWH Hotels Attendee Welcome Bags Sponsored by MSC Cruises
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM	Proud Partner Committee Lunch & Meeting Location: Hillwood Meeting Room, Salamander Hotel
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM	Transfers to the National Press Club Location: Gallery Ballroom Entrance, Salamander Hotel IMPORTANT: ATTENDEES MUST BRING A PHOTO ID (SUCH AS A DRIVER'S LICENSE) FOR ENTRANCE TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB Transfers to the National Press Club for ASTA's Travel Industry Forecast depart from the Gallery Ballroom Entrance at 1:30 PM. Transportation is sponsored by Carey International. For those arriving on this day, check-in at the hotel is at 4 p.m. If your room is not available for an early check-in, you may store your luggage with the front desk until you return from the National Press Club.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM	The Travel Industry Forecast with Leading Experts Location: National Press Club IMPORTANT: ATTENDEES MUST BRING A PHOTO ID (SUCH AS A DRIVER'S LICENSE) FOR ENTRANCE TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB Please arrange your travel accordingly because you won't want to miss out. The National Press Club is an iconic venue steps away from the White House, and this is a great place to learn and network. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. DUTY OF CARE: HOW SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES USE MANAGED TRAVEL PROGRAMS ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speakers: Rita Visser, Director, Global Travel Sourcing & GPO for Oracle; Steven Mandelbaum, Senior Vice President, Business Solutions at EAB; Lee Thomas, ASTA's Vice Chair and Strategic Advisor for Nous Travel ASTA's Vice Chair and Strategic Director for Nous Travel, Lee Thomas, joins two corporate travel buyers in a panel discussion about the value of managed travel programs. IN AN AI DOMINATED LANDSCAPE, WHY DO YOU STILL NEED A TRAVEL ADVISOR? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speakers: Wayne Muhlstein, Wayne Travels, McCabe World Travel–a Virtuoso agency; Dr. Terika Haynes, CEO & Founder of Dynamite Travel–ASTA's 2023 Travel Advisor of the Year; Jackie Friedman, ASTA's Board Chair and President of Nexion ASTA's Chair and President of Nexion, Jackie Friedman, engages a panel of travel advisors and their clients on the importance of travel you can trust. CONSUMER PROTECTIONS IN THE STATE OF AIR TRAVEL TODAY ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speakers: Scott McCartney, Co-host of Airlines Confidential podcast and former travel editor and Middle Seat columnist, The Wall Street Journal; John Breyault, Vice President, Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud, National Consumers League Earlier this year the Department of Transportation issued two final rules on ancillary fees and ticket refunds. What does this mean for the business of selling travel and how will this change the traveler experience?
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM	Transfers to Salamander Location: Outside of National Press Club
5:45 PM - 6:00 PM	Transfers to Board Dinner Location: Gallery Ballroom Entrance, Salamander Hotel
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM	ASTA Board of Directors Dinner sponsored by Hilton Hotels Location: Coming Soon This dinner is for ASTA Board Members only.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM	Government & Political Affairs Dinner Location: La Vie (The Wharf) This dinner is for ASTA Government & Political Affairs Committee Members only.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM	Dinner on Own Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. Many restaurants are located nearby the hotel, including The Wharf waterfront neighborhood. You may also inquire with the hotel's concierge for recommendations.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Registration Open Location: Gallery Ballroom Foyer, Salamander Hotel Check-in to receive your attendee badge and materials. ASTA staff are also available to assist with any questions you may have.
8:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Corporate Advisory Council Meeting and Breakfast Location: Philips, Salamander Hotel
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Attendee Breakfast Location: Gallery Ballroom, Salamander Hotel
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Beginner Training: Capitol Hill 101 Location: Gallery Ballroom, Salamander Hotel This session is a beginners' crash course on navigating Capital Hill and protocols for meeting with your Members of Congress and their staff. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend this training. BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE ADVOCATE FOR ASTA •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speaker: David Lusk, Founder & CEO, Key Advocacy David will teach attendees how to build a foundation for their advocacy skills. This will help attendees frame their story and their asks for a successful day on Capitol Hill. CAPITOL HILL 101 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speakers: Jessica Klement, Vice President, Advocacy, ASTA, and David Peluso, Partner, Kountoupes Denham Carr & Reid (KDCR) Jessie and Dave will walk attendees through the Capitol Hill complex, as well as spend time discussing the important role citizen advocates play in advancing legislative priorities. This will be followed by a brief role-playing exercise to bring it all together. Sponsored by: BWH Hotels Globus Family of Brands Sandals Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Virgin Voyages Visit Anchorage
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Lunch sponsored by Chase Travel Location: Gallery Ballroom, Salamander Hotel
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM	Issues Training: Advocating Effectively on Capitol Hill Location: Gallery Ballroom, Salamander Hotel Dive deeper into the issues and how to effectively discuss these in your meetings with Congressional offices. This session is designed to provide you with all the resources you will need to be prepared. ISSUES UPDATE •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speaker: Jessica Klement, Vice President, Advocacy, ASTA Jessie will provide an overview of the legislative policy issues attendees will take to Capitol Hill and provide the most updated information on the issues. CAPITOL HILL STAFF PANEL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speakers: Jessica Klement, Vice President, Advocacy, ASTA Jessie will moderate a panel of Hill staff that will share their insider tips on navigating a successful legislative visit. WHAT IS ASTAPAC? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speaker: Jessica Klement, Vice President, Advocacy, ASTA This is a brief session on the importance of ASTAPAC and the role your contributions play in ASTA advocacy. ASTA MEMBER PANEL •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Speakers: Jessica Klement, Vice President, Advocacy, ASTA; Chris Seddelmeyer, Owner, Travel Concepts; Jay Ellenby, President, Safe Harbors Business Travel; Vanessa McGovern, Co-Founder & Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Gifted Travel Network This member panel, moderated by Jessie, will discuss why advocacy is important to them and why they got involved in ASTA.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM	Transfers to Welcome Reception Location: Gallery Ballroom Entrance, Salamander Hotel
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM	Welcome Reception Location: On the Hill Enjoy drinks, light appetizers and networking as we officially kick off ASTA's 2024 Legislative Day. The reception features the presentation of our annual Global Travel Advocate awards to Members of Congress who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in support of the travel agency sector and broader travel and tourism industry. There will also be a fun photo activation sponsored by Hertz.
7:45 PM - 8:00 PM	Transfers back to Salamander Hotel
7:45 PM - 8:00 PM	Transfers to Chapter Dinner Location: Coming Soon Transfers will depart from the Welcome Reception to the Chapter Presidents Dinner.
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM	Chapter Presidents Dinner sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico Location: La Famosa This is for Chapter Leadership and is invite only.
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM	Dinner on Own Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. Many restaurants are located nearby the hotel, including The Wharf waterfront neighborhood. You may also inquire with the hotel's concierge for recommendations.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM	Breakfast & Advocacy Awareness Day Kick Off Location: Gallery Ballroom, Salamander Hotel This informal breakfast is an opportunity to meet with members of your state delegation before your scheduled congressional meetings begin and to ask any final questions about your schedule for the day.
7:30 AM - 3:00 PM	Registration Open Location: Gallery Ballroom Foyer, Salamander Hotel ASTA staff are available to assist with any questions you may have.
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Congressional Meetings on Capitol Hill Location: Capitol Hill Refer to instructions and schedule provided to you onsite.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Closing Reception & Dinner sponsored by Virtuoso 5:30- 6:30 Cocktail Hour 6:30- 7:30 Dinner Location: Gallery Ballroom, Salamander Hotel Join us to celebrate the conclusion of Legislative Day at our Closing Reception & Dinner, sponsored by Virtuoso. Enjoy food and drinks while networking with peers and partners, recapping the successes of the day and hearing directly from ASTA's leadership and Advocacy team on the path forward for our industry.
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM	Transportation to the Wharf Looking to go out to the Wharf after our closing dinner? We will have a shuttle available, running to & from the Salamander, to take you there safely. The Wharf is also walking distance from the hotel. Last pickup time from the Wharf is scheduled for 10:00pm.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM	YPS Karaoke Night Location: Live-K Karaoke Bar (The Wharf) For our YPS crew, we have a special post-Legislative Day event! Come celebrate the closing of a fabulous time in D.C. and belt your favorite songs with the ASTA staff. Transportation provided from the Salamander. Due to the limited size of the venue, RSVP required for attendance. Invite only.

Meet our Speakers

Dr. Terika L. Haynes
CEO & Founder - Dynamite Travel & ASTA's 2023 Travel Advisor of the Year
Dynamite Travel was founded by Dr. Terika L. Haynes in 2008. Dr. Haynes is a savvy business professional who sought out to create a company that would not only assist customers with purchasing travel services and products but would also assist customers with creating unique travel experiences. As such, Dynamite Travel is a company dedicated to creating unforgettable vacation experiences and making sure that each client’s experience with Dynamite Travel is a blast! Over the years, Dr. Haynes found herself most comfortable within the luxury travel realm as she experienced one destination after another. As such, she has dedicated her focus to providing luxury vacation experiences for her clients which are located all around the world. Dr. Haynes has a strong passion for assisting travelers of diverse backgrounds including but not limited to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations. Dr. Haynes has also been instrumental in inspiring more women to experience solo travel. As a sophisticated client of Dynamite Travel, we have a judgement free zone for those who only want the best luxury vacation enhancements during their vacations.

Steven Mandelbaum
Senior Vice President, Business Solutions - EAB
Steven is known for bringing innovative approaches to cost-effectively solve the most pressing and unique challenges. At EAB he leads the strategy and operations for internal technology, office space, travel, purchasing, vendor relationships, and more than 100 member and employee-focused events produced each year ranging from 20 to over 3000 attendees. Steven has played a key role in implementing every major internal process and system at EAB (formerly part of The Advisory Board Company) including customer relationship management, finance, human resources, marketing, travel, real estate management, events, and other internal systems. His solutions have focused on enhancing the employee experience coupled with scale that saves tens of millions of dollars in expenses annually. Steven is often called to present and facilitate at technology and travel industry conferences such as Dreamforce, ZDNet, Business Travel News, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives and the Global Business Travel Association.

John Breyault
Vice President, Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud - National Consumers League
John Breyault is a nationally-recognized consumer advocate with more that 20 years of experience championing the rights of consumers and the underserved. At the National Consumers League, he advocates for stronger consumer protections before Congress and federal agencies on issues related to technology, fraud, data security, privacy, aviation, live event ticketing, video gaming, and more. In addition, John manages NCL’s Fraud.org and #DataInsecurity Project campaigns. John has testified multiple times before Congress and federal agencies and is regular contributor to national press outlets including the Washington Post, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal.

Jackie Friedman
President - Nexion Travel Group
Chair of the Board - American Society of Travel Advisors
Jackie Friedman is the president of Nexion Travel Group, a fully accredited host agency owned by Internova Travel Group. She oversees a team of 50+ employees supporting more than 6,000 independent travel agents in the US and Canada. Jackie joined the Nexion team in 2004 as VP of U.S. Operations. In 2007, she was promoted to President. Prior to joining the Nexion team, Jackie spent 15 years with Sabre, serving in a variety of sales and leadership positions. Jackie started out working as a front-line agent and a travel agency manager in Toronto. Jackie is often asked to participate as a speaker or panelist at industry conferences. She is in her fourth term on the ASTA Board of Directors and is currently Chair. She is also on the Travel Institute Board of Trustees, the CLIA STARBoard, The Professional Association of travel Hosts (PATH) Board of Directors and numerous supplier advisory boards. Jackie is a recipient of a Travel Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), and the Barbara O’Hara Award for Advocacy (2015), among other industry honors and achievement awards.

Lee Thomas
Director - NousTravel
Vice Chair of the Board - American Society of Travel Advisors
Lee Thomas has decades of travel industry executive focusing on supporting the Independent Agents who make travel happen. Lee's background covers finance, operations, and technology. This experience focuses on delivering gains by leveraging tech with operational proficiency. Lee's philosophy has always been to take care of the people who take care of travelers. Do this well, and everyone does well.

Rita Visser
Director Global Travel Sourcing & GPO - Oracle
Rita has been in the travel industry for over 20 years. Starting at Rosenbluth, she learned the workings of the industry from the inside out. She understands a PNR as well as P&L and everything that sits between those entities. She has been involved in many industry initiatives, teams and committees and is currently on the Board of Directors for GBTA and a founding member of WINiT. Rita is constantly working to push the industry and everyone involved in the industry forward. She asks the tough questions of both sides of the hot topics. She helps Oracle to set strategies that result in positive benefits for Oracle and its’ travelers.

Wayne Muhlstein
Wayne Travels, McCabe World Travel - A Virtuoso agency
With over a decade at the helm of WayneTraveler and a longstanding affiliation with McCabe World Travel, our team has mastered the art of tailor-making luxury leisure and adventure travel experiences. We’ve transformed the travel landscape, ensuring our clients are recognized not by their credit status but by their names, as esteemed guests with privileged access and bespoke services. Leadership in orchestrating travel dreams into reality is not just our profession; it's our passion.

Scott McCartney
Co-host of Airlines Confidential podcast and former travel editor and Middle Seat columnist - The Wall Street Journal
Scott McCartney was the author and creator of the weekly Middle Seat column on airlines and travel in The Wall Street Journal, as well as the Middle Seat Terminal blog. Scott has been on the airline and aviation beat for more than 18 years and makes numerous radio and television appearances. He was part of the Wall Street Journal’s team that won the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news reporting for coverage of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. His transportation coverage in 2000 won a George Polk award and the Deadline Club award from the New York City Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2003, The Middle Seat was named the best online column by the Online News Association. He is the author of four books, the most recent of which was "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel: How To Arrive With Your Dignity, Sanity and Wallet Intact." A native of Boston and graduate of Duke University, Scott spent 11 years with The Associated Press before joining the Journal.