CHICAGO -- Richard Eastman, one of travel's technology pioneers and
a well-known observer of the industry, will lead a seminar during
the Travel Weekly annual conference, set here for May 3 to 5, on
the evolution of the travel agent's role.
For a session meant to emulate university classroom
deliberations, Eastman is preparing to guide a discussion that will
focus on the industry's current state and look at how agents will
survive in the new millennium.
Eastman, president of a software development firm, the Eastman
Group in Newport Beach, Calif., said he will open by discussing
"what agents really do, [and] it may not be what you think."
Eastman said he plans to share his views on how agents will
evolve with the changing travel distribution system and what the
trade will do to earn their living in the coming years.
He expects the session -- Redesigning the Role of Agents in
Travel Distribution: Why and How -- to also cover, among other
things, technology tools for tomorrow's agent; skills tomorrow's
agents will need, and up-and-coming travel products that will
require agent knowledge.
The Travel Weekly Conference 2000 will be staged at the Sheraton
here. The meeting registration fee is $550. However, the rate for
Travel Weekly Crossroads Web site members is $500. The early-bird
rate, which expires March, is $425.
Also, for all delegates, the fee for a second registrant from
the same firm is $275, and a $200 single-day rate applies.
For details on registration, call (800) 889-5254 or fax (201)
902-7282. Delegates also can register at the Travel Weekly
Crossroads Web site (www.twcrossroads.com).
Rooms are reserved at the Sheraton Chicago at $195, single, and
$215, double, and must be booked by April 10 by calling (800)
233-4100.