Agenda - ASTA Global Convention

A Lifetime of Travel, One Family of Brands
Offer your clients a lifetime of wonderful travel experiences and achieve a lucrative income stream for your business.

Location: Meeting Room 202

Join us at the Caribe Hilton for a memorable evening during ASTA Global Convention to celebrate ASTA's influence in shaping the policies affecting the retail travel business today. 

The ASTA Advocacy Dinner is an invitation only, annual black-tie event brings together exclusive industry leaders and travel professionals for an inspiring evening in an elegant setting. Featuring entertainment from tribute rock band DSB, this is an event you won't forget! 

Located in the San Geronimo Ballroom at the Caribe Hilton



Sponsored by


 

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

Location: Hotel el Convento, Patio del Nispero Courtyard

Sponsored by

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

We'll kickstart ASTA Global Convention 2023 with energizing music and improvisation from freestyle+ who’ll combine Tony-award-winning performers with science-backed learning to inspire resilience, confidence, and creativity – you won’t want to miss our General Session opening! And back by popular demand, Travel Marketing and Media’s Sandra McLemore emcees today’s general session featuring ASTA CEO & President, Zane Kerby who welcomes all to beautiful San Juan followed by a special greeting from Discover Puerto Rico’s Chief Sales Officer, Ed Carey. Hear important words from Flight Centre’s Executive Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications and ASTA Chair Marc Casto followed by multiple prestigious awards provided to important players in our industry. And by popular demand, Sandals Unique Vacation’s Executive Vice President, Gary Sadler has a few inspiring words for all. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Ballroom A

Sponsored by

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

Day 2 of ASTA Global Convention 2023’s general session with Sandra McLemore as our emcee, brings back the ever-popular and inspiring ASTA Entrepreneur of the Year competition. Sponsored by the Dan and Gloria Bohan Foundation, you’ll hear from three of your peers - our finalists - as they aim to impress you with their innovations and seek your vote to walk away with this prestigious annual award. You, the audience, will decide! In addition, we’ll have multiple other awards during this session, including the ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year. You’ll also hear from AmaWaterways Owner & Executive Vice President, Kristin Karst. A key highlight of this session includes Celebrity Cruise Line’s President, Laura Hodges Bethge, interviewed by Global Escapes’ President & Chief Executive Officer and ASTA Board Member, Tiffany Hines where they look back on her career and her impressive journey to the top at Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Ballroom A

Sponsored by

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will conduct in-person enrollment interviews for CBP’s Global Entry program. Learn more.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 210

Your business is growing and you can’t handle any more business. You want to expand your team but don’t know when and how to do it. This session will cover some tried and true approaches that will help you take your business to the next level. Key learning objectives include:

• What considerations should you look at when expanding your business?
• How do you determine whether adding an employee, a virtual assistant or independent contractor is right for you?
• How do you attract and qualify the right candidate(s) for your business?
• How do you support and develop your team, especially if you are working in a virtual environment?

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 103

Sponsored by

All You Want Is Greece
Presentation by Greek National Tourism Organization

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 209

Communication is key. But what happens when the people communicating are speaking different languages? Learn what type of communicator you are and how to reach across the divide to influence others who communicate in a different way. You’ll walk away with new skills and understanding to make sure your message is heard, effective and productive. Whether between co-workers, team members, bosses or in front of an audience, this session will up your game and allow you to accomplish more with less misunderstanding and confusion.

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 204

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

We will party the night away at Popular Plaza at Distrito T-Mobile with all the best local food, drinks and entertainment San Juan has to offer. Featuring food and drink from Sazon, Arena Medalla, Lupe Reyes.  

Sponsored By



Location: Popular Plaza at Distrito T-Mobile
 

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

With the new year came a new Congress, new committee leadership and new priorities. ASTA is here to help you navigate these changes, in addition to a wide variety of regulations coming from the White House affecting your business. In this session, the ASTA advocacy team will provide an overview of ASTA’s priorities in 2023 and bring to light the power of collective action to ensure the travel agency community is well represented on Capitol Hill. You’ll also hear about the external forces that challenge an advisor’s and agency’s ability to work effectively, and ways you can get involved.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 103

During this presentation, advisors will be equipped with a wide range of online tools that can be utilized to improve the quality of their blog posts, website pages, and photos. In addition, will learn valuable tips on how to create engaging content by incorporating high-value keywords. One particularly helpful section of the presentation will be the introduction of research tools that can be used to identify such keywords. We will then discuss how to integrate them into blog topics and website content.  

Attendees will leave this session with an understanding on creating a niche market, identifying ideal clients, as well as discussing the best methods for reaching these clients to attract more business. 

This educational session caters to both newcomers and experienced professionals in the industry, providing comprehensive knowledge and information that can be applied to their businesses. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 102

Limitless Ways to Earn
How Travel Advisors can use the many promotions to help close any Sandals and Beaches bookings and earn the most commission.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 201

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

As travel advisors, it's our job to help our clients explore the world and experience new cultures. But what do we do when a destination is considered controversial or off-limits to some travelers?  

Selling a controversial destination requires tact, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of your clients' needs and interests. During this session, you’ll be able to walk away with  

• Successful strategies when promoting a controversial destination 

• The importance of transparency and how to communicate about the potential risks and challenges associated with a controversial destination 

• Tips and suggestions to find the right balance between respecting your clients' values and aspirations, and challenging them to step outside of their comfort zone and explore new horizons 

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Meeting Room 101

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will conduct in-person enrollment interviews for CBP’s Global Entry program from 10:30AM – 4:30PM in the exhibit hall, booths 335 & 337. Learn more.

Top trends, updates and tips for selling The Hawaiian Islands
From crystal blue waters to stunning green cliffs and black sand beaches, Hawai‘i’s wide open spaces are the breathtaking backdrop for unforgettable encounters with a vibrant culture that rewards travelers seeking to expand their horizons. And, for the most enriching experience of Hawai‘i, encourage clients to join efforts to malama (care for) this special place and unique culture.

It’s the perfect time to send clients to Hawai‘i. This session will provide a destination overview, island updates, top tips for selling Hawai‘i and the sales, marketing and training resources available for travel advisors.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 201

In this session, you will learn about the essential drivers behind decision-making and how to efficiently identify them in each person. By doing so, you will gain insight into how this may impact sales and service interactions. Additionally, you will acquire effective techniques for addressing a client or potential client's motivator quickly and efficiently. 

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Meeting Room 204

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

Enhancing the Traveler and Travel Professional Experience
Join Delta Business and Delta Vacations on a journey into the products and services that define best-in-class travel experiences and distribution that drives customer value.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 202

Join this session to learn more on the fixed vs. growth mindset. The travel industry is in a constant state of change and requires agility for a person to operate from a place of proactivity vs reactivity. When you’re grounded in a growth mindset you can find new ways to solve problems, stay grounded and source from a state of abundance vs. lack. This is important for growth, staying calm in the chaos, being open to new opportunities, and knowing when to ask for help. You’ll walk away with a sense of purpose and knowledge that if you’re feeling stuck there is hope for change.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 203

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

You'll have the opportunity to network with and pre-schedule appointments with over 180 industry partners. View the full list here

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

In today's fast-paced and constantly evolving travel industry, travel advisors face a multitude of challenges that can impede productivity and efficiency. However, by utilizing the right tools and techniques, advisors can enhance their workflow and ultimately achieve more significant results for their clients. Come and participate in this session where you can discover effective ways to maximize your productivity and minimize the risk of burnout in a business environment that is constantly evolving. 

Attendees will walk away from this session with practical tips for streamlining work processes and managing time more effectively.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 104

Sponsored by

Saxony - The Nutcracker Story

This is an entertaining, engaging, and eternal learning session that is replete with amazing stories of human determination, inventions, and a picture book journey through the most beautiful parts of Germany - Saxony. Britannica once described Dresden, the Capital of Saxony, as the world's most beautiful city until it was leveled to rubble and ashes at the end of the war. Today Dresden has been restored to her original glory and claimed its place among the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a State of the Arts and inventions Do you want your personal, original, authentic Nutcracker, accidentally invented, and made by the same family for 700 years? Then come and join our Lunch and Learn Presentation. You will leave with a smile except for your Nutcracker that never smiles! See you in Puerto Rico.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 208

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

Join ASTA President & CEO, Zane Kerby as he welcomes ASTA Premium Members to our annual Premium Business Meeting and Reception which includes several expert speakers on key and compelling issues relevant today. ASTA Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs & Education, Mark Meader moderates our meeting followed by a Premium Members only cocktail and appetizers reception. You won’t want to miss the discussion on these timely topics.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Will ChatGPT  revolutionize the way we work?
Fox World Travel’s Chief Information Officer, Sam Hilgendorf, and expert in this space, talks to advanced AI technology and how ChatGPT can streamline repetitive tasks, provide personalized assistance, and help your business create content. If used as a tool to empower your workforce, it could create an opportunity to focus employees on more interesting and creative work. We will explore how ChatGPT can enhance your productivity, improve efficiency, and drive overall success within your business. 

New Distribution Capability (NDC) – Friend or Foe?
American Express Global Business Travel’s (Amex GBT) Director of Distribution, Joseph O’Dwyer reviews the latest on NDC given its ongoing presence in the news over the last number of months. As airlines seek to take back the long-sought control of their products, we will look at what this may mean to air distribution in the travel agency space today in terms of readiness, impact, and the likely future of air distribution from an agency perspective. 

The Latest from ASTA Advocacy
 Join ASTA Executive Vice President, Advocacy, Eben Peck who will provide the latest on ASTA efforts to protect members' interests on issues ranging from airline refunds to ancillary fee transparency to consumer disclosures to independent contractor regulation, as well as a preview of ASTA Legislative Day 2023, June 20-21 in Washington, DC.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 209

Sponsored by

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

Travel marketing expert Sandra McLemore, founder of Travel Marketing & Media, will be hosting an exclusive marketing and conversion training in Puerto Rico right before ASTA Global Convention. The training is geared toward travel advisors specifically, and is designed with both new-to-the-industry and seasoned advisors in mind. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your sales and marketing skills before joining us at AGC for additional education sessions. Learn more and register below.



Location: OFFSITE

Travel marketing expert Sandra McLemore, founder of Travel Marketing & Media, will be hosting an exclusive marketing and conversion training in Puerto Rico right before ASTA Global Convention. The training is geared toward travel advisors specifically, and is designed with both new-to-the-industry and seasoned advisors in mind. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your sales and marketing skills before joining us at AGC for additional education sessions. Learn more and register below.



Location: OFFSITE

Travel professionals often have to deliver bad news to clients and if these conversations go badly, they can ruin a client relationship. But if handled carefully and effectively, relationships can be enriched. Message management is critical, it takes still to effectively avoid arguments, clarify misunderstandings, deal with disputes and repair relationships. This session will help you successfully have “bad news” conversations. You’ll develop strategies for changing the conversation from negative to positive, from disrespectful to appropriate. Learn how to turn bad news delivery into an opportunity to provoke learning and enrich relationships.

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 102
 

Why Go Online?
Join WeTravel's Jenn Myers as she discusses the importance of bringing travel businesses online and streamlining booking and payment processes through digital means.

Location: Meeting Room 104

Chapter connections will be open to SUPPLIERS ONLY from 2:00 PM -2:30 PM

Join us to meet your local chapter representation and learn how your chapter can support you!

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Ballroom B

Join us for a little exercise and fun to help support a great cause at the fifth annual ASTAPAC Fun Run! Proceeds support ASTA's advocacy efforts. Choose to participate in the 5K fun run or 1-mile walk, which both start and end at our host hotel. Registration is $50 and includes a fun run t-shirt.

To register, please log into the Attendee Service Center, click Registration Updates, and then Edit. If you haven't registered for ASTA Global Convention, you can add the Fun Run to your registration before you checkout. 

Pick up for the Fun Run & Walk will be located in the Sheraton Lobby.

Questions? Please contact Lou Altobelli at laltobelli@asta.org. 

Sponsored by

Registration Sponsored by


Global Convention Welcome Lounge sponsored by 



Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Level 3

Wellness tourism is the fastest-growing sector of the travel industry. Yet most advisors (and their clients) likely think solely of spa vacations when considering wellness getaways. But the category is so much broader now, and advisors who understand what’s available will have ample opportunities to grow their wellness tourism business. The aim of this session is to help you learn about the nuances of the wellness travel sector, the variety of vacation types available (including medical tourism in Europe) and more.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts.

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 203

Sponsored by


 

Registration Sponsored by


Global Convention Welcome Lounge sponsored by 



Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Level 3

One of the most important tools you must protect your business and your customers is your terms and conditions. These legal documents outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties and provide a framework for resolving disputes and other issues. Join ASTA’s Senior Vice President and general Counsel, Peter Lobasso, as you will learn about the critical role of terms and conditions in the travel industry and gain practical insights into how to create clear, comprehensive, and enforceable documents that protect your business interests and satisfy your customers. You will also learn about the legal considerations and best practices for drafting terms and conditions, including the importance of disclosure, consent, and transparency. 

This educational session caters to both newcomers and experienced professionals in the industry, providing comprehensive knowledge and information that can be applied to their businesses. 

Location: Meeting Room 103

Sponsored by Virgin Voyages, come enjoy a cocktail with your peers after Advocacy Dinner. This event is open invite to all ASTA Global Convention attendees. 

Rolling transportation from the Sheraton to the Caribe Hilton will be offered from 10PM to 12 AM. 

View My Invitation

Sponsored by



Location: Caribe Hilton, Caribar Terrace 

What’s New with Royal Caribbean?
What brand comes to mind when you think of the world's ultimate family vacation? Royal Caribbean can't wait to share the latest news, brand updates and more with you, so sign up NOW!

Location: Meeting Room 208

ASTA Young Professional Society (YPS) members are invited to gather to mix and mingle at this year's reception. Also, don't forget to say Hi to our Chief Fun Officer (CFO), Alle Pierce, who will be joining us!

Not an ASTA YPS member, but interested in joining? Come see what we’re all about.

RSVP now by clicking here! 

Location: Arena Medalla Lounge & Terrace

 

Pick up your badge and be prepared to be pulled into the Caribbean atmosphere as we celebrate the kickoff of our event! You’ll have the chance to stroll through our Artisan Avenue and meet local Puerto Rican artisans who are showcasing some amazing craftsmanship. Stop by the Riverside Welcome Lounge, with piña coladas sponsored by Discover Puerto Rico, then head out to the terrace to be serenaded by some incredible live musicians! It’ll be one heck of a party. Artisan Avenue is open from 9am-3pm and the live band is performing from 10am-2pm. 

Registration Sponsored by


Global Convention Welcome Lounge sponsored by 



Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Level 3

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

The perfect meet up for independent travel advisors and ASTA Small Business Network members to connect before the Convention over cocktails. Drink tickets will be provided for beer and wine.

Location: The Sheraton, Bellavista

Sponsored by

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will conduct in-person enrollment interviews for CBP’s Global Entry program from 10:30AM – 4:30PM in the exhibit hall, booths 335 & 337. Learn more.

You'll have the opportunity to network with and pre-schedule appointments with over 180 industry partners. View the full list here

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C

In an increasingly interconnected world, the travel industry has the power to bring people of different cultures and backgrounds together. But to truly embrace the benefits of travel, we must also prioritize diversity and inclusion. This session will explore why diversity matters in the travel industry, and how it can enhance the experiences of both travelers and locals. From highlighting the economic benefits of diverse tourism to examining the cultural and social impact of inclusive travel, we'll discuss the ways in which a more diverse industry can help build stronger connections between people from around the globe. You’ll walk away from this session with an understanding on how to incorporate diversity and inclusion to reach a more diverse customer base, enhance loyalty by better brand reputation and image, and discover opportunities to improve decision making, creativity, and innovation. Join us as we explore the power of travel to connect us all.

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 101

Sponsored by

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 204


Sponsored by

ChatGPT is here to revolutionize how we sell travel. It has the potential to be the ultimate planning companion for travel agents. It will even have the answer for the experience that is “exotic, but not too exotic.” We will explore how ChatGPT's advanced AI technology can automate repetitive tasks, provide tailored recommendations, create content, and elevate the overall customer experience. I promise you will never want to plan travel without your ChatGPT assistant again. 

This educational session aims to provide new and innovative ideas and concepts to industry veterans who are looking to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 204

During this session and orientation our panel of experts are going to discuss how best to use your ASTA Membership whether you are a brand-new travel advisor and new to ASTA or you just need a refresher, this session is for you. We will review the Verified Travel Advisor Program, our consumer awareness initiatives and how to make the most of our chapter network and how to navigate ASTA Global Convention and learn all that you can during the next few days.

As an added bonus and to highlight one of the many benefits available in our Member Advantage Program, moderated by Andrea Caulfield, Director of Membership we will have a 30 minute “Ask a Travel Lawyer Q & A” discussion with Tom Carpenter, VTA owner, Huckleberry Travel and attorney.

Please use this survey link to submit your questions for Tom Carpenter. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 208

Sponsored by

Level Up With Viking
Join us to learn why Viking is the best partner and the #1 River and Ocean line. We will provide you with updates on what's new, as well as tips to grow your business and more!

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 104

In today's digital age, protecting your business from credit card fraud, cybersecurity threats, and legal risks is essential. With so much at stake, it's critical to have a solid understanding of how to safeguard your business and your customers. 

This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to master the art of protection and safeguard your business against the many risks and challenges of today's business environment. In this informative and interactive session, you will learn about the latest trends and techniques used by fraudsters and cybercriminals, as well as the legal implications and risks associated with these activities. You will also gain practical insights and strategies for reducing the risk of credit card fraud, protecting your systems and data against cybersecurity threats, and staying compliant with relevant laws and regulations. Whether you are a business owner, manager, or professional, this session is a must-attend for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the game and protect their business from harm. 

The focus of this educational session will be on providing comprehensive information about strategies and concepts that can be implemented in businesses, specifically tailored for experienced travel advisors and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge. 

Location: Puerto Rico Convention Center, Meeting Room 101

Wellness Travel in Los Cabos: Resources and Tips to Create a Comprehensive Vacation Experience for Your Client.

Location: Meeting Room 209

Pre-Registration required. Registration is now closed. 

Meet for your tour in the Sheraton Lobby.

Today’s traveler is faced with a never-ending stream of information: social media, ads, email blasts, ads, articles, videos and commercials to name a few. How do you cut through the distractions and reach our audience of existing and potential clients? Get insider tips about how to create content that will get you noticed by using your passion for travel as well as a variety of tools and techniques to build excitement and boost your business. This session will help you tap into your own passion and expertise to create fresh content – both written and visual – to truly engage your target audience.

This educational session welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including newcomers to the industry, experienced professionals seeking detailed information, as well as seasoned veterans who are looking for fresh, innovative ideas and concepts. 

Location: Meeting Room 102