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Las Vegas Travel Agent Forum

12:30pm PDT

Cultivating Your Brand and Personal Niche

Tuesday May 12, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT

Transform your passion into a niche and brand that not only reflects your identity but also sets you apart from the competition. This session will reveal the significance of specialization; guide you in developing your niche and personal brand; assist in identifying your target audience; and help you formulate an engaging strategy for sustained success.

Speakers

Sharon Little

Romance Guru, Bespoke Travel Group

Tuesday May 12, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

1:45pm PDT

It All Starts With ...

Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

As Travel Advisors you wear many hats and need to develop multiple skills from product knowledge to sales techniques to operations. However, none of those skills will lead to success without a well-developed plan for…Marketing!
After 40 years in travel sales and marketing, Scott will provide a blueprint for marketing success. This may be the one session you need to put everything you learn at this conference to work, so don’t miss it!

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 →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

3:00pm PDT

Confidence is a Sales Skill: How You Show Up Matters More Than What You Sell

Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned advisor, one skill consistently separates those who convert with ease from those who struggle: confidence. In today’s information-heavy travel environment, clients aren’t looking for more options—they’re looking for reassurance (and someone who sounds like they’ve got this). This engaging session explores confidence as a skill that can be developed, practiced, and refined at any stage of your career. Through real-life advisor examples and a bit of humor, attendees will learn how confidence shows up in everyday conversations—from making recommendations to discussing pricing—helping clients say “yes” while advisors lead with clarity, credibility, and ease.

Speakers

Anita Pagliasso

Vice President, Industry Relations, KHM Travel Group

Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

3:00pm PDT

Partnering for Success: How to Create a Win Win Advisor/BDM Partnership

Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

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

Lindsay Foerster May

President/CEO, Foerster Travel, Inc.

Speakers

Deborah Tortoriello

Director of Sales, 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 →

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 and wholesale travel partners, specifically travel agents, tour operators/wholesalers and airlines, to position Brand Jamaica favorably in the marketplace. Her specific responsibility for trade and consumer promotions in the Western USA ensures increases... Read More →

Nicole Williamson

Director of Leisure Sales, Central West, Melia Hotels International

Nicole Williamson joined the worldwide hotel brand Meliá Hotels International in 2025, a global hospitality company with more than 360 hotels across 41 countries. Prior to joining Meliá, Nicole served as the Tourism Sales Manager for Experience Scottsdale for over six years, where... Read More →

Paige Morelock

Sales Manager, Virgin Voyages

I was born and raised in Ohio and have lived out west in Denver, Colorado for the past four years. I’ve been in the travel industry since 2020 and will celebrate my two year anniversary as a Business Development Manager with Virgin Voyages this July!

I’m passionate about building strong personal and professional relationships with my First Mates (Travel Advisors) the fun and cheeky Virgin Voyages way aka Making Ship Happen. I work closely with and support my accounts across Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Me

... Read More →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Concorde C

Educational Session

4:15pm PDT

From Likes to Bookings: Social Media the Ultimate Storytelling Tool

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

In an increasingly digital world, social media has become today’s travel sellers’ most powerful storytelling tool. Learn how to use this powerful tool and elevate your online presence. We will look at the different platforms, strategies to grow your audience, ways to boost engagement and how to use real world travel experiences as content that resonates and increases bookings!

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 →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Concorde C

Educational Session

4:15pm PDT

Legalities for Your Travel Business

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

Join us for an informative presentation focused on the legal side of your travel business. This all-encompassing session will cover a wide-range of topics to give your agency a 360-degree approach to minimizing risks! Topics will include: client contracts/liability waivers and other legal documents; E&O Insurance; IC/employee terms and conditions; client crisis management and more!

Moderators

Jeffrey Ment

Managing Director/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. Ment graduated from the University of Connecticut (1989) and the University of Miami School of Law (1992). He is admitted in New York, Connecticut, the United States District Courts of New York (SDNY and EDNY) and Connecticut as well as the United States Circuit Court of Appeals... Read More →

Tuesday May 12, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

9:15am PDT

Building a More Intentional and Profitable Travel Business

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Busy doesn’t always mean productive. In this session, travel advisors will explore how a simple but powerful mindset shift — from doing it all to doing what matters — can transform both profitability and quality of life.

Learn how to move from being a reactive, busy advisor to a focused, intentional business owner. This workshop delivers practical strategies to help you prioritize high-impact activities, streamline your workload, and build a more balanced, profitable travel business without burning out.

Speakers

Jackie Friedman

President, Nexion Travel Group

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

9:15am PDT

The Repeat & Referral Engine: How to Build Sustainable Revenue Without Chasing New Leads

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

This session focuses on turning great client experiences into consistent repeat business and referrals, without awkward asks or complicated marketing. Advisors will walk away with a clear framework they can apply immediately, regardless of business size or niche.Key takeaways:
• Where repeat and referral business really comes from
• Simple systems that support consistency and follow-up
• How to grow revenue without adding more hours

Speakers

Roslyn Ranse

Travel Agent Achievers

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Concorde C

Educational Session

9:15am PDT

Unlocking Success with Group Travel: Strategies for Success (Part 1)

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Discover the strategies of group travel and the potential this profitable niche can represent for your business. In Part 1 of this session, we’ll explore what constitutes a group, finding and servicing these important clients; tips and tools to property manage groups regardless of size or special interests; how to standout as a group specialist and client retention to increase your share of this lucrative niche.

Moderators

Anita Pagliasso

Vice President, Industry Relations, KHM Travel Group

Speakers

Drew Santiago

Director of Business Development, Carnival Cruise Line

Drew M. Santiago is an esteemed figure in the cruise industry, boasting an impressive 28-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 →

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 →

Luke Majewski

Associate Vice President of Meetings, Incentives, & Corporate Travel Programs, AIC Hotel Group

Ten year veteran of the travel industry specializing in all inclusive luxury hotels and weddings. Working with AIC for over 10 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 →

Bill Gardiner

Senior Director of National and Key Accounts, Downtown Travel / The Best Agent.Pro/ Avant Garde Vacations

Bill Gardiner is a Forty-five -year veteran of the travel industry. He has worked in all aspects of the industry during his career. He is the Director of Business Development for Downtown Travel and The Best Agent. Pro (Downtowns new B2B booking engine) . He has been employed by a... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Concorde A

Educational Session

10:30am PDT

Leveraging AI to Elevate Your Travel Business

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

Spotlight on the future of travel planning NOW by embracing AI for your travel business. Join us for this powerful session focused on integrating AI into your current day-to-day tools to streamline your approach, support your professional knowledge all while delivering exceptional service and experiences. You will leave this session feeling empowered with stronger insights on the future of AI and ready to create an actionable plan to grow your business with.

Speakers

Suzette Holmes

Owner Agent, Sophisticated Travel

Suzette W. Holmes helps travel agencies tap into AI to work smarter, communicate better, and grow. As founder of Sophisticated Travel LLC and a practicing travel advisor, she brings real-world industry experience alongside serious business credentials including Certified Trainer... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Concorde C

Educational Session

10:30am PDT

Unlocking Success with Group Travel: The Legal Side (Part 2)

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

Building upon speaking points in Part 1, this session will help you gain legal clarity related to group travel and your business. We will discuss essentials including group contracts, managing terms and conditions tied into payments and cancelations, supplier partnerships and more. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to group travel, you will walk away important information to apply and safeguard your group travel business.

Speakers

Kyle Zelazny

Partner, Ment Law Group, PC

Kyle is an experienced attorney specializing in contracts, business transactions, corporate law, and all aspects of travel law, including IC agreements and IC dispute/separation resolution, terms and conditions, planning fee, group and client agreements, seller of travel and other... Read More →

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Concorde A

Educational Session

10:30am PDT

When News Hijacks Your Sales: Keep Clients Booking Despite the Fear

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

Every time breaking news hits, you watch potential bookings vanish into thin air while the media cashes in on clicks and your clients spiral into "maybe we should wait" mode. In this session Jenn Lee President of Travel Planners International and Franchise division Vacation Planners will share the exact scripts, strategies, and mindset shifts you need to position yourself as the calm, confident expert who keeps clients booking even when the headlines are screaming chaos. If you're tired of losing sales to fear-mongering and want to build a business that's bulletproof against the next media-manufactured crisis, you need to be in this session.

Speakers

Jenn Lee

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

Wednesday May 13, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Concorde B

Educational Session

8:30am PDT

Boundaries Before Burnout: Redefining Success in the Travel Industry

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

To inspire travel advisors to reflect on their own pace, patterns, and purpose—while offering practical tools to prevent burnout, reclaim boundaries, and build a business that’s both sustainable and soul-aligned.

Speakers

Keli Washburn, CTIE

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 →

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Versailles

Educational Session

8:30am PDT

Curating Authentic Holiday Experiences with DMC Partners

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT

Destination Management Companies (DMCs) are the masterminds to creating immersive and authentic experiences. Combining intimate in-destination knowledge with operational success, DMCs bring destinations to life helping you transform trips into unforgettable immersive experiences. Join us and learn how to curate authentic holiday experiences with preferred DMC partners and the authentic elements.

Moderators

Amy Leon

Agency Owner, 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

David Black

Head of Global Sales, Island Routes

David Black is a seasoned leader in travel, tourism, and hospitality, with over 30 years of experience driving revenue growth, forging strategic partnerships, and creating innovative solutions. Known for blending creativity with data-driven strategies, David consistently delivers... Read More →

Kumar Swaminathan

Founder/GM, XperieNZ Limited

Kumar Swaminathan is the founder of XperieNZ, a New Zealand–based destination management company specializing in immersive, privately hosted journeys for discerning travelers. With more than a decade designing and operating high-touch travel across New Zealand, Kumar works closely... Read More →

Rossy Rodriguez

Senior Manager, North America Sales & Business Development, Amstar

With over 30 years of experience in Sales and Marketing,including 20 years in the Travel Industry with Amstar DMC, sheleads strategic growth initiatives and key partnerships acrossMexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii, supporting traveladvisors through collaboration, innovation, and deepdestination... Read More →

Maria Downarowicz

AlpExcursion Switzerland

Maria is a Travel Advisor at AlpExcursion Switzerland, a premium DMC which specializes in designing and delivering unforgettable and seamless private journeys across Switzerland and to neighboring countries. She works closely with international travel designers to craft seamless... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Concorde A

Educational Session

9:45am PDT

Succession Planning for Travel Agency Success: Preparing for the “What If”

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Leadership transitions can be challenging for any business — and in the travel industry, they can impact client trust, operations, and growth. That’s why it’s essential for agency owners to have a clear “if this, then what” roadmap in place. This session will highlight the critical role of succession planning in ensuring readiness, stability, and long-term agency longevity. We will explore the philosophies that guide effective planning, the tangible benefits it brings, and the key legal considerations every owner should know. You’ll leave with the insights and tools to create a sustainable plan that protects your agency’s future and keeps your business thriving for years to come.

Speakers

Kyle Zelazny

Partner, Ment Law Group, PC

Kyle is an experienced attorney specializing in contracts, business transactions, corporate law, and all aspects of travel law, including IC agreements and IC dispute/separation resolution, terms and conditions, planning fee, group and client agreements, seller of travel and other... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Versailles

Educational Session

9:45am PDT

The Luxury Edge: Winning Strategies for High-End Travel Sales

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Discover how to attract, inspire and curate travel experiences for affluent clientele. We will explore what constitutes luxury travel; refining your approach and techniques in capturing this important market; proven sales strategies that elevate your brand; current trends and emerging destinations; and how to position your brand as a trusted authority in luxury travel.

Moderators

Josef Shomperlen

Founder & Principle Consultant, Blue Pearl Consulting, LLC

Josef Shomperlen is the founder of Blue Pearl Consulting. A passionate advocate for everything travel, Joe helps travel distribution businesses transform their strategy and technology to maximize their growth potential. In his previous role, Joe served as Vice President of VAX VacationAccess... Read More →

Speakers

David Ridge

Regional Director of Sales, Sandals & Beaches Resorts

Micky Dixon, CTC, LTS, MCC, VTA

Founder, Travel Planning For You

Travel Planning for you celebrates it's 14th anniversary this month! After being in Germany for 20+ years, where I resided, studied, worked, and traveled like a local, it was only natural that I originally chose European travels and River Cruising as my niche market. I've since expanded... Read More →

Susie Albin-Najera

Director of Leisure Travel & Strategic Partnerships, U.S. Market, Los Cabos Tourism Board

Susie Albin-Najera is Manager, North America Leisure Travel of Los Cabos Tourism Board and operates the Los Angeles office of Los Cabos, one of the top destinations in the world. Her primary role includes innovative destination marketing, new business development, curated travel advisor... Read More →

Steve Miller

Director of Sales (South Central US), Kensington Tours

Steve has more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, having held Sales Manager roles with leading companies including American Airlines, Sabre, and Carlson Wagonlit. Over the course of his career, he has developed extensive expertise in building strong partnerships and... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Concorde A

Educational Session

11:00am PDT

Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World: Using AI and Automation Without Losing Connection

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

This session complements the technology conversation by focusing on what advisors can do that technology can’t. It’s about maintaining trust, relationships, and differentiation while still working smarter. Key takeaways, include: Where technology adds value and where it doesn’t; How to protect the human experience clients value most; Practical ways to blend efficiency with personal service.

Speakers

Roslyn Ranse

Travel Agent Achievers

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Versailles

Educational Session

11:00am PDT

Stop Dating One Supplier: Diversify Your Portfolio Before Your Clients Outgrow You

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

In today’s evolving travel landscape, relying too heavily on one supplier or one product category puts your revenue and client retention at risk. As clients move through different life stages, their travel preferences shift and if your portfolio doesn’t evolve with them, they will outgrow you.

This session explores how smart advisors build diversified supplier relationships that stabilize income, increase average booking value, and protect long-term client loyalty. Learn how to strategically expand into adjacent categories, invest in the products you want to sell, and partner with specialized operators to elevate your expertise and differentiate your business.

Walk away with a clear framework for auditing your current supplier mix and actionable steps to future-proof your revenue while growing alongside your clients.

Speakers

Shayla Northcutt

Owner, Northcutt Travel Agency

Brad Lennox

Founder & CEO, Dekel Tours

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Concorde A

Educational Session

8:30am PDT

How to Make Influencer Friends (And Turn Followers into Travelers)

Friday May 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT

Plot twist: That local influencer posting sunset pics from Santorini? They could be your new best business buddy.Join Jenn Lee, President of TPI and Vacation Planners Franchise, for a session that will prove partnering with influencers isn't nearly as intimidating as it sounds. Spoiler alert: most influencers are lovely humans who'd LOVE to collaborate on group travel—they just don't know you exist yet!Whether you're eyeing the yoga instructor with a devoted following or the family travel blogger who makes Disney look like a spiritual experience, this session will show you how to turn "internet strangers" into genuine partners. You'll discover the surprisingly simple way to reach out (no marketing degree required), why influencers actually want to partner with travel advisors like you, how to create group travel collaborations that practically sell themselves, and real partnership models that work for local and online influencers alike.Ready to expand your circle beyond your immediate network? Let's turn those scroll sessions into business connections. Because the only thing better than liking their content? Booking their followers on your group trips!

Speakers

Jenn Lee

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

Friday May 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Concorde A

Educational Session