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Venue: Concorde B clear filter
Tuesday, May 12
 

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
avatar for Sharon Little

Sharon Little

Romance Guru, Bespoke Travel Group

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

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
avatar for Scott Koepf CTC, MCC

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

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
avatar for Anita Pagliasso

Anita Pagliasso

Vice President, Industry Relations, KHM Travel Group

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

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
avatar for Jeffrey Ment

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
 
Wednesday, May 13
 

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
avatar for Jackie Friedman

Jackie Friedman

President, Nexion Travel Group

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

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
avatar for Jenn Lee

Jenn Lee

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

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

1:00pm PDT

Discover Product Series: Discover CroisiEurope - 50 Years of River Cruising
Wednesday May 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
CroisiEurope pioneered river cruising on the most beautiful waterways in France, Europe and beyond.  Cruising the canals of France and Belgium, European rivers, the Med, Adriatic and Atlantic.  The Mekong, a  luxury Safari-Cruise along the Zambezi, and coming in 2027, the Brazilian Amazon and Rio Negro. 50 ships. 170 itineraries. 39 waterways in 37 countries.






Speakers
avatar for Sandrah Gurash

Sandrah Gurash

General Manager, North America, CroisiEurope Cruises

Wednesday May 13, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Concorde B

2:00pm PDT

Discover Destination Session: Unlock Australia: Routes, Products & Specialist Opportunities
Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Join our Australia & Air New Zealand presentation and discover how to sell Australia like a true expert! Learn the latest updates on destinations, insider tips and how becoming an Aussie Specialist can boost your business and client bookings.You’ll also hear about Air New Zealand’s newest routes and products connecting the U.S. to key Aussie cities — from Sydney and Melbourne to Brisbane, Perth, and beyond — helping you create seamless, unforgettable itineraries.

Plus, discover how you can experience Australia firsthand through the Aussie Specialist Program, with immersive familiarization trips that bring the destination to life. Don’t miss this opportunity to get inspired, build your expertise, and take your Australia sales to the next level. Bring your smart device to join an interactive activity for a chance to win—sign up now and start your adventure!
Speakers
avatar for Melanie Schinkel

Melanie Schinkel

Aussie Specialist Program Manager - The Americas, Tourism Australia
Melanie Schinkel serves as Tourism Australia’s Aussie Specialist Program Manager for North America. Based in Las Vegas, she leads the charge in delivering Australia-focused training to travel advisors across the United States and Canada. Hailing from the stunning Gold Coast in Queensland... Read More →
avatar for Mason Spencer

Mason Spencer

Account Executive, Air New Zealand
Let's speak about all things South Pacific! Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands are closer than you might think. See you in Vegas!

Wednesday May 13, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Concorde B

3:00pm PDT

Discover Destination Session: Sardinia, an Island of Unique Hospitality For Heartful Experiences In The Beauty Of The Mediterranean Sea
Wednesday May 13, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Sardinia, Italy, one of the Mediterranean’s most ancient and captivating islands, offers a rich varietyof experiences for travelers who love culture, the sea, sailing, sports, food, wine, artisan traditions,and warm hospitality. Luxury and leisure are available year-round, welcoming guests seeking activetourism, hiking and biking, exceptional golf, stunning beaches, privacy, security, and internationalevents. Sardinia’s fashion, music, performing arts, cultural heritage, UNESCO sites, and thousandsof unique stone towers known as Nuraghi bring its traditions to life through historic carnivals,religious festivals, and vibrant local celebrations. A true treasure island, Sardinia invites you to enjoyoriginal, enriching experiences inspired by happiness, longevity, and a healthy lifestyle.

Sponsored by:


Speakers
avatar for Raimondo Mandis

Raimondo Mandis

Advisor to the Regional Minister for Tourism, Crafts, and Commerce, Autonomous Region of Sardinia
A 61-year-old native of Cagliari, he holds a degree in Export Marketing and a Master’s in Food Culture and Culinary Traditions. He has worked in Scotland and Italy as a marketing consultant and spent 25 years at Sardegna Ricerche as a Project Manager for innovative initiatives in... Read More →
Wednesday May 13, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Concorde B
 
Thursday, May 14
 

2:00pm PDT

Discover Product Series: The NEW Downtown Travel and Sister Tour Company, AvantGarde Vacations
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Learn how to increase your bottom-line with the New Downtown Travel and sister tour company, Avantgarde Vacations”! This expanded portfolio offers the leading-edge B2B booking engine for air, hotel, tours and more!

Speakers
avatar for Bill Gardiner

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 →
Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Concorde B

3:00pm PDT

Discover Product Series - Rental Escapes: Marketing and Selling Villas & Earning Top Commissions
Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Join Willie Fernandez – Rental Escapes CSMO for an in depth look at the fastest growing and most in demand segment of travel. Get answers to how to successfully sell luxury villas, earn high commissions, Bespoke concierge services, and learn about the many villas offered by Rental Escapes throughout the globe. 

Speakers
avatar for Willie Fernandez

Willie Fernandez

CMO, Rental Escapes

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Concorde B
 
Friday, May 15
 

8:30am PDT

Innovation Lab Powered by Travefy
Friday May 15, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Join us for an interactive session where we build a real Hawaii trip from start to finish, showing how key partners support advisors throughout the planning and booking process. Also we will have some key suppliers including: The Hawaiian Islands, Viator, VAX VacationAccess/ALGV, Worldia.

We’ll create the trip live inside Travefy, starting in the CRM and building the itinerary step by step. As each partner presents, their piece will be added to the trip, giving you a clear view of how everything comes together in a real workflow.
  • See how a real trip comes together step by step
  • Understand how to use partner tools within your workflow
  • Learn where to find resources that save you time
  • Walk away with practical ideas you can apply immediately
Session Giveaway for Attendees: If you attend, you'll be entered to win Airpods!
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Gries

Stephanie Gries

Senior Education Manager, Travefy

avatar for Becky DaCosta

Becky DaCosta

Partnerships & Events Coordinator, Travefy

avatar for Kim Hall

Kim Hall

Account Implementation Advisor, VAX VacationAccess
Kim Hall is a training and implementation specialist who enjoys helping travel professionals feel confident using the tools that support their business. She’s known for breaking down complex processes in a way that feels approachable and easy to understand, and she brings a relaxed... Read More →
JB

Jonathan Boiria

Head of International Development, Worldia

RM

Ryan McElroy

Strategic Advisor, Worldia

avatar for Michelle Bartholomew

Michelle Bartholomew

Sales Manager (Travel Agent Program), Viator

avatar for Bryan Kalarchik

Bryan Kalarchik

Account Manager, Viator

avatar for Robyn Basso

Robyn Basso

Senior Director, Travel Industry Partnerships, Hawai'i Visitors & Convention Bureau

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