CHICAGO -- The Internet and its many applications in the travel
business will have a significant place on the program at Travel
Weekly's annual conference, set for May 3 to 5 here.
Among the several sessions covering the topic will be a seminar
called the Web Business Case for Travel Agents, to be presented by
Eric Hosek, director of advertising for TravelFile-Orbit Network
Inc. in Whitefish, Mont.
Hosek said he will provide details on consumer buying patterns
on line and how that activity relates to travel sites.
He will itemize several ways agents might incorporate the Web
into their businesses, such as by working with new
partners/services in the technology field; aligning with old
partners, such as suppliers and consortia, or going it alone.
Hosek said he will focus on helping agents combine their
high-touch service orientation with the evolving world of
technology.
He also said he plans to "read the writing on the wall," by
looking at trends for the coming two to five years in marketing,
technology and consumer patterns.
The Travel Weekly Conference 2000 will be staged at the Sheraton
here. The registration fee for the meeting is $550. However, the
rate for members of the Travel Weekly Crossroads Web site is $500,
and for all delegates, the early-bird rate is $425.
The early-bird registration deadline is March 3, 2000. Also, for
all delegates, the registration for a second registrant from the
same company is $275, and a single-day rate of $200 applies.
For information on registration, call (800) 889-5254 or fax
(201) 902-7282.
Rooms are reserved at the Sheraton Chicago for delegates at
$195, single, $215, double, and must be booked by April 10 by
calling (800) 233-4100.