The Travel Weekly Latin America Virtual Tradeshow kicks off live on June 9th and continues through June 10th. This exciting event focusing on Mexico, South America and Central America features two days of education and networking. This is your opportunity to learn from the industry leaders and executives with our carefully selected educational topics; check out supplier pavilions; a chance for you to win amazing prizes; and chat with our award-winning editorial staff.
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Day 1, Tuesday, June 9
1:00 p.m. EST
One-on-One Discussion: Eduardo Chaillo, director for the U.S. at the Mexican Tourism Board
Eduardo Chaillo will join Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann for a live discussion about Mexico’s tourism industry exclusively for the Virtual Conference attendees. He will discuss the Mexico Tourism Board’s plans for an extensive promotional campaign, supported by a $1.3 billion economic stimulus package to help the country recover from what is estimated to be at least a $2 billion loss from the effects of the swine flu outbreak. Some $92 million will be set aside for promoting tourism, the country’s third-largest source of revenue. Chaillo will be speaking live from Puerto Vallarta and will be taking questions from the Travel Weekly audience as well.
2:30 p.m. EDT
Keynote: Best Selling Author Patricia Schultz
Patricia Schultz, best-selling author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, will create a new list – “Ten Places to See in Latin America Before You Die” – exclusively for those attending Travel Weekly Virtual Conference and Trade Show. She will be bringing some little-known treasures in Mexico, Central and South America to the attention of attendees. Those signing up will be able to ask questions to her during this live, interactive session.
4:00 p.m. EDT
Panel 1: The Perfect Itinerary -- Interactive!
The Perfect Itinerary, a popular feature found in the Agent Life section of Travel Weekly, will come to life during this session. Three travel agents featured in that section will share their ideas for perfect client itineraries in Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina and Chile. Confirmed presenters include: Juan Carlos Rivero, Managing Director South America, First in Service Tours, New York City; Tom Reaney, president of Mazatlan Connection; and Jim Augerinos of Perfect Honeymoons & Holidays in Vienna, Va. The three travel pros will take Virtual Conference attendees on a step-by-step visual and descriptive journey through their personally crafted “perfect itineraries” built and executed for their very satisfied customers. Attendees can ask questions – or share their ideas – during the session.
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Day 2, Wednesday, June 10
1:00 p.m. EDT
One-on-One Discussion: Keith Bellows, Vice President, National Geographic Society, Editor-in-Chief, National Geographic Traveler
Keith Bellows will walk conference attendees through his personal reporter’s notebook on his trip from the Amazon to the Andes during a one-on-one discussion with editor in chief Arnie Weissmann. He will give an inside-the-assignment account of two less-than-touristed spots: the deep Amazon and the lost city of Kuelap. The session will be interactive – those who sign up for it will be able to ask questions to Bellows.
2:30 p.m. EST
Keynote: Helen Nodland, President of Nodland Travel Enterprises and Director, Worldwide Member Sales & Service for Virtuoso
Helen Nodland will focus on the ‘The Power of Specialization.” The days of the generalist are in the “glorious past,” Nodland warns, but she will spell out the means to achieve “job satisfaction and financial rewards” through developing expertise. She will give details on how to add value for consumers in a crowded marketplace. During this interactive session, attendees can chat with Nodland directly.
4:00 p.m. EDT
Panel 2: Crisis and Opportunity Management
As 2009 has demonstrated, economic, health and security crises can arise quickly and impact a destination, your clients and your business. Travel agents have been put in the role of health expert, legal expert and geography expert for their customers in these challenging times. Can we as an industry learn from what we've experienced and better understand how to respond when crises arise, for our sake and our clients? During this panel discussion, Travel Weekly’s Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann will talk with legal expert Mark Pestronk, geography expert Marc Mancini and health official Dr David Freedman, the International Society of Travel Medicine’s expert on Health issues in Latin America s from the office of Dr. Brad Connor at Travelhealth.net about the role of the travel agent in these situations. Attendees can hear a forward-thinking discussion of what the situation is today for their customers and what advice they can and should be providing.
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Hosted Chat (In the Lounge)
Day 1
11:30 a.m. EDT - Michelle Baran will want to know: What are the magic words (or deeds) that drive tour sales this year?
2 p.m. EDT - Jeri Clausing will be trying to find out whether low rates alone are bringing people to resorts, or are there other drivers at play?
3:30 p.m. EDT - Mike Fabey will be asking whether, at this point in time, airfares are an impediment or incentive for summer bookings.
Day 2
11:30 a.m. EDT - Nadine Godwin will be asking attendees to share the smartest thing they’ve done to drive business to their agency.
2 p.m. EDT - Let managing editor Rebecca Tobin – and your peers – know what’s the most effective way to drive cruise sales in a recession.
3:30 p.m. EDT - Tell Caribbean editor Gay Nagle Myers what’s pulling travelers bored with rum punch and yellow birds back to the islands.