LAS VEGAS -- Hands-on computer classes, destination workshops and
product seminars are at the forefront of this year's ASTA congress
initiative -- increasing education for agents.
According to Cheryl Hudak, ASTA World Travel Congress chair, the
Society has dramatically enhanced the educational component for
2000 with more than 60 workshops, more than any other year.
Hudak said the greater emphasis on education is due in part to
feedback received after last years congress in Strasbourg, France.
Hudak of Travel Dimensions in Youngstown, Ohio, also is the
Society's Mid-America chapter president.
This focus on education includes training classes for agents on
developing a Web site and using PowerPoint for presentations. Web
access for delegates will be available free this year.
Also new this year are product seminars designed for smaller
agencies, Hudak said.
Conducting these seminars will be Universal Orlando, Silversea
Cruises, Air Jamaica Vacations, Amtrak and others.
"They are great for front-line agents, and most are about an
hour and 15 minutes," she said.
Hudak has been to Las Vegas about five times since last spring
and urges agents to go, especially if they haven't been there in
the last five years.
ASTA will show off what the city has to offer in terms of
accommodations with hotel site inspections on Sept. 27 and 28.
Agents who didn't preregister for the hotel inspections can sign up
at ASTA, on a space-available basis.
Something that is in great demand, she said, are the sightseeing
tours on Sept. 29.
The Society is offering half-day and full-day tours, including
trips to Hoover Dam and the city of Laughlin, Nev., and a shopping
excursion.
ASTA also is touting its two-day program for agents who could
not attend for the full week or for agencies that want to send one
or two people to the congress.
She said agents opting for the shorter program can pick the days
they want to come, and they can go to the trade show and to the
workshops -- giving them more flexibility.
The cost of the two-day program is $99.