Agenda

Pier 6 (Quayside)

Pier 2 (Outside)

Breakfast is included at our host hotels.

This is free time to explore as many of the six river cruise ships at the piers as you would like. Each ship will have staff available to walk you through a ship inspection in groups of ten. Today's open house includes:

• AmaVerde - Pier 1 (Quayside)
• Emerald Sun - Pier 1 (Outside)
• Viking - Pier 2
• Avalon Envision - Pier 4
• Amadeus Silver III - Pier 5 (Quayside)
• Uniworld River Beatrice - Pier 5 (Outside)

During this time, buses will be available and running on a loop between the piers and the hotels if you foresee a need to return to your hotel.

This is free time to explore as many of the six river cruise ships at the piers as you would like. Each ship will have staff available to walk you through a ship inspection in groups of ten. Today's open house includes:

• AmaVerde - Pier 1
• Scenic Amber - Pier 2
• Avalon Envision - Pier 4 (Quayside)
• Viking - Pier 4 (Outside)
• Uniworld - River Beatrice - Pier 5 (Quayside)
• Amadeus Silver III - Pier 5 (Outside)

During this time, buses will be available and running on a loop between the piers and the hotels if you foresee a need to return to your hotel.

The River World of Viking

Destination-focused and culturally enriching. Discover what makes Viking the world’s leading small ship cruise line.

Presenting this session will be the Viking's Director of National Accounts, Matthew Zion. 
 

Meeting Rm #7-8

Please be in the lobby of the Marriott by12:00 PM to meet your group. You will be grouped by the number on the back of your badge.

For information about this tour, visit the sightseeing tours page.

Piers to Marriott and Kempinski

Building Excitement & Confidence Together

There is so much to talk about, but it is important to talk about and highlight our financial strength and commitment to our travel advisors.  We will also talk about our partnership with ASTA and the importance to work with suppliers and partners that you can trust and know that they will be by your side ALWAYS. We will also highlight our core product in Europe, as well our exotics, and we will share all the new and exciting products and great earning potential for our travel advisors, including our 3 seven river journeys in 2023, our new 5 night itineraries, our new music cruises and all the custom services that we can create for your clients to create those lasting memories resulting in clients for life that will keep coming back to you FOREVER.

Please join Alex Pinelo, Vice President of Sales & Jon Burrows, Vice President of Operations for this informative session.

Meeting Rm #6

Marriott - Foyer M (only)

Post Cruise Participants: Each cruise line will have an information desk at the Marriott Budapest Hotel during this time for onsite questions regarding your post-cruise.

Pier 5 (Outside)

Pier 4 (Quayside)

Please be in the lobby of the Marriott by12:00 PM to meet your group. You will be grouped by the number on the back of your badge.

For information about this tour, visit the sightseeing tours page.

Pier 4

Pier 5 (Outside)

Kempinski - Foyer A & B

Celebrity’s Ultimate Galapagos and Beyond!

Join us in an insider’s view of Celebrity’s Galapagos fleet, the latest on our newest Celebrity Beyond, and a chance to win a prize. 

Taking you on your Galapagos adventure will be Jennifer Suarez, AVP, National Accounts, the Americas, and Susana Romero, Director of Galapagos Sales & Communication.

Meeting Rm #6

Marriott and Kempinski to Piers.

Please be in the lobby of the Marriott by12:00 PM to meet your group. You will be grouped by the number on the back of your badge.

For information about this tour, visit the sightseeing tours page.

Marriott - Grand Budapest Ballroom & Liz Ballroom

Marriott and Kempinski to Piers. 

Your Guide to Going Live from Budapest and on the river

Join on camera expert Sandra McLemore as she guides you through the 10 best practices for going live while you are in Budapest and on the river. She will share her best tips for positioning your camera, getting your setup and lighting right, as well as two scripts that you can use to go live with confidence and intention. Whether you choose to follow her Quick Q&A or 3 Tips format, your audience will be impressed and inspired to learn more about the type of travel that you want to share and share.

Join the social media superstar, Sandra McLemore, so you can maximize your social media posts while at ASTA River Cruise Expo.
 

Ballroom #3

Your Guide to Going Live from Budapest and on the river

Join on camera expert Sandra McLemore as she guides you through the 10 best practices for going live while you are in Budapest and on the river. She will share her best tips for positioning your camera, getting your setup and lighting right, as well as two scripts that you can use to go live with confidence and intention. Whether you choose to follow her Quick Q&A or 3 Tips format, your audience will be impressed and inspired to learn more about the type of travel that you want to share and share.
 

Ballroom #3

Join the social media superstar, Sandra McLemore, so you can maximize your social media posts while at ASTA River Cruise Expo.

Pier 2 (Quayside)

Heritage Travel in Hungary

Learn about Hungary’s history and heritage through our amazing castles and palaces. There are 103 castles in Hungary alone, most of which are still open to tourists and visitors. Our castles were built in different styles and at different times, but the view from all of them is unrivaled and is paired with the exciting history that lies within their walls. They are calling to us to take a journey back in time.

The Baroque palace and former royal residence of Elisabeth, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, is just 30 minutes from Budapest. The building complex was built in the early 18th century by Count Antal I. Grassalkovich. The palace’s heyday began in 1867 after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise when it was received as a coronation gift to Joseph Francis and Queen Elizabeth. After a few stormy centuries, it reopened to visitors in 25 years ago in 1996. Today, as a prominent tourist destination and event venue, it has become briskly ingrained in the public consciousness. We have a number of package offers for our visitors to make their visit a real experience! Explore the lavish lifestyle of the Habsburg Emperors and walk in the extensive palace grounds and gardens. In Elizabeth's former ground-floor suite, which is now a café, drink a cup of coffee or tea, taste one or two tasteful cookies, close your eyes, and feel the whispers of the walls.
 

Ballroom #1-2

Pier 6 (Outside)

Pier 5 (Quayside)

Bus Transfers from Welcome Event to Marriott and Kempinski. 

Pier 5 (Quayside)

Pier 5 (Outside)

Pier 5 (Outside)

Explore Hungary’s Wine Regions

Every glass of wine bears the mark of the region which gave birth to it and the hard work of the person who made it. This is why wine is best experienced in the place where it was born. Whether the wine is tasted in the cellar or on the hillside, the winemaker speaks to his worries and joys, the ins and outs of viticulture, and long winter evenings spent in the cellar. And the tourist who devotes time to Hungary’s wines will find treasure hidden in every row of vines in every handshake, and in every winery and glass enjoyed. When you get to know the people and the region behind the wine, you help keep traditions alive, which ultimately make us who we are. Wine is not just a drink, but also part of our culture!
 

Discover the attractions of Hungary’s 6 wine regions and immerse more deeply into the offerings of Tokaj and Villány!
 

TOKAJ WINE REGION: VINEYARDS, WINES, HERITAGE and YOU

The Tokaj region’s potential is tremendous. Its unparalleled natural environment, rich traditions, incomparable grape varieties, and ambitious professionals give the entire region a continuous impetus. In past years, producers of the region have discovered that dry Furmint wines reflect the volcanic soils in the best and purest way. Today, Tokaj is not only home to the best sweet wines but is also a constantly developing wine tourism destination.
 

PANNON WINE REGION – VILLáNY: VALLEYS, WINES, SUNSHINE, and YOU

Located in southern Hungary, Villány produces the most structured and full-bodied Hungarian wines. Numerous wineries have acquired the modern style of southern-type winemaking, which is characterized by full-bodied spicy flavor. Cabernet Franc has played a leading role since 2014; this variety grows fabulously in the subregion. Villány is never dull: on the one hand, it is the sunniest settlement in the country, and on the other hand, the wine region buzzes from spring to autumn all the time: several festivals, cellar tours, and gastronomic programs await wine lovers.
 

Ballroom #1-2

Pier 4

Rolling Bus Transfers from Gala to Marriott and Kempinski.

Pier 2

Pier 5 (Quayside)

Please sign up for pre-departure testing under the Service Center. *These are for attendees not going on a post-cruise.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

Please sign up for pre-departure testing under the Service Center. *These are for attendees not going on a post-cruise.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

Pier 5 (Quayside)

Learn how to increase your bookings and your bottom line with AMADEUS River Cruises

Discover the hidden secret of AMADEUS River Cruises; a premium product at a great price. Find out about our newest vessels, theme cruises, and group opportunities and learn about our amazing 40-year history cruising on European rivers. We will give away a prize at the end of the session. 

This informative session will be presented by Marcus Leskovar, Executive Vice President, Amadeus River Cruises

Meeting Rm #7-8

Kick off ASTA Global River Cruise Expo 2022 with an entertaining and eye-catching start at our General Session. You’ll hear inspirational words and a welcome from ASTA President & CEO, Zane Kerby. Additionally, our emcee, Business Growth Strategist, Online Marketing & Media Expert, and Travel TV Host, Sandra McLemore will lead us through the General Session which also includes senior river cruise line leaders who will share their insights especially important given the increased complexities of travel today. Also, hear insights from the Hungarian Tourism Agency as they welcome all to Hungary. Rounding out the program, ASTA Chair and President Leisure Americas with the Flight Centre Travel Group, Marc Casto, will provide all with motivating thoughts as River Cruise Expo begins.

Let us introduce you to the Equestrian Park established in the very heart of the Gödöllo Hills by the world champion Lázár brothers. Check out a sneak peek of the venue here.

You'll be welcomed to the Park with Pogacsa (Traditional Hungarian Biscuits) and Pálinka (a traditional fruit spirit made in Hungary). You'll then go on to experience a traditional equestrian demonstration, tour the carriage competition museum, enjoy a traditional Hungarian buffet with local wines and beers, and local entertainment!

The Park is situated 35 km from the capital of Hungary, Budapest, in the picturesque Domonyvölgy. Since the opening, numerous well-known companies, thousands of tourists, and several dozens of couples have come to hold their events in the Park.

• Transfers depart from hotel: 3:30 PM
• Return transfers depart from reception: 6:45 PM

(Transfers will take approximately 40 minutes from the hotels to Lazar - we promise, it's worth the drive!)

Pier 6 (Quayside)

Your badge will be located at the hotel your room reservation is at.

• Kempinski - Reception 2
• Marriott - Foyer M

Post Cruise Participants: Each cruise line will have an information desk at the Marriott Budapest Hotel during this time for onsite questions regarding your post-cruise.

Piers to Marriott and Kempinski

Breakfast is included at both of our host hotels. 

Buses from the Marriott and Kempinski to Welcome Event. 

Pier 6 (Quayside)

Registration for travel advisor attendees will be available at the Kempinski starting at 8:30 AM. Room: Kempinski - Reception 2 (second floor)

• Marriott - Foyer M (Exhibitor only today)

Post Cruise Participants: Each cruise line will have an information desk at the Marriott Budapest Hotel during this time for onsite questions regarding your post-cruise.

Pier 2

Pier 5

Pier 6 (Quayside)

Please be in the lobby of the Marriott by12:00 PM to meet your group. You will be grouped by the number on the back of your badge.

For information about this tour, visit the sightseeing tours page.

Buses will loop from Marriott, Kempinski, and Piers.

Marriott and Kempinski to Closing Event.

Please be in the lobby of the Marriott by12:00 PM to meet your group. You will be grouped by the number on the back of your badge.

For information about this tour, visit the sightseeing tours page.

Please be in the lobby of the Marriott by12:00 PM to meet your group. You will be grouped by the number on the back of your badge.

For information about this tour, visit the sightseeing tours page.

Pier 4 (Quayside)

Pier 2

Attract NEW to River Cruise with Avalon Waterways

While Avalon Waterways will always be a top choice for seasoned river cruisers, did you know there is a huge population of cruisers yet to try sailing on the rivers? Want to learn the secrets of how to attract those potential new to river cruisers? Want to entice your experiential cruisers to finally try a river cruise? Then join Pam Hoffee, Managing Director of Avalon Waterways as she showcases Avalon’s industry leading lineup of short cruises (get in there for a taste) and completely unique Active & Discovery cruises that will introduce your clients to the people and places of Europe in the most engaging and fun ways imaginable. From hiking into a cave to do wine tasting, to canoeing on the Danube to learning to paint like Van Gogh – Avalon has the experiences your clients crave. Plus, learn about our new expanded relationship with ASTA. No other river cruise or tour operator (did you know Avalon is part of the Globus family?) wants to help travelers say YES to working with a travel advisor more than we do. Join us as we say YES to travel, YES to partnering like never before, and YES to growing your business beyond what you ever thought possible.

Meeting Rm #9-10

Enjoy local cuisine and entertainment at Bálna! Bálna is a commercial, cultural, entertainment and leisure center. Bálna connects downtown and inner Ferencváros, the tourist zone, and the gastro-zone. The venus has a unique way of creating intimate contact with the Danube. The building itself is an attraction and offers beautiful views of the city. The building alone combines the architectural traits of different eras. The historical brick building and the concrete structures typical of the last century are embraced in a computer-designed metal-glass shell. The architect who designed the building, Kas Oosterhuis, is one of the most well-known representatives of today’s non-standard architecture. The feature of this style is that buildings also function as sculptures. The air of Danube, the sunshine on the terraces, the unique panorama, the special stores, the fresh food, and the joy of arts: a place for unlimited experiences.

• Transfers depart from hotel: 6:30 PM
• Return transfers depart from reception: 9:00 PM

(Transfers will take approximately 10 minutes from the hotels to Bálna)

Marriott and Kempinksi to Piers.

Marriott - Foyer M (only)

Post Cruise Participants: Each cruise line will have an information desk at the Marriott Budapest Hotel during this time for onsite questions regarding your post-cruise.

Learn how the Allianz Advantage helps your agency!

In this session, you will learn about Allianz’s NEW

• Training courses
• Microsite designed for travel advisors
• Travel advisor handbook
• Complimentary marketing campaigns

Join industry expert, Suzanne Lustig, Allianz’s Director National Accounts, USA, for this informative session.
 

Meeting Rm #9-10

Pier 4

Piers to Marriott and Kempinski.

Buses will loop from Marriott, Kempinski, and Piers. 

Pier 2 (Outside)

Pier 6 (Outside)

Pier 2 (Quayside)