SEMINAR DESCRIPTIONS
Coffee Talk
Sunday, Nov. 17 | 8 a.m.
“How can I get more involved with NTA?” “What does NTA do related to advocacy?” “What does the NTA staff do when they’re not at Travel Exchange?” “How can I share my ideas for what I think NTA needs to do?” You’ve got questions … now get answers! When the sun rises on Travel Exchange ’24, grab a cup of coffee and come together with your NTA colleagues to chat about the year-round life of the association. Sharing details, answering your questions, and maybe asking a few themselves will be NTA Chair Fraser Neave and NTA President Catherine Prather.
General Session: From My Perspective
Speaker: Kristy Durso
Sunday, Nov. 17 | 9 a.m.
Kristy Durso’s keynote speech on accessible travel is a powerful exploration of inclusivity that challenges conventional perceptions of disabilities. Through personal stories and real-life examples, Kristy illuminates the transformative experiences that accessible travel can provide—not just for those with disabilities, but for everyone. Her insights reshape our understanding of accessibility, emphasizing that it’s not merely about removing barriers, but about creating enriching experiences for all. Prepare to be inspired as she shares compelling narratives that highlight the joy, adventure, and connection that come from embracing inclusive practices in travel. This speech is a call to action, encouraging us to rethink our assumptions and advocate for a world where travel is truly accessible to everyone.
The Voices of Route 66
Speaker: Evan Stern
Sunday, Nov. 17 | 10:15 a.m.
Sponsored by Sports Leisure Vacations
In the fall of 2021, Evan Stern grabbed a microphone and took two months to drive Route 66 from Oklahoma to the Santa Monica Pier. Along the way, he logged 6,845 miles on his odometer and spoke with over 100 people for his podcast Vanishing Postcards. In “The Voices of Route 66,” Evan combines personal reflections with select footage from a few folks he met along this journey. The resulting presentation provides a look at the Mother Road as it exists today, explores how Route 66 remains The Main Street of America, and explains why sharing its full story is essential for its future endurance.
Generation ‘Them’: Navigating a Multi-Generational Workforce
Speaker: Kristin Scroggin
Sunday, Nov. 17 | 10:15 a.m.
Embark on a journey with Generation “Them,” a captivating exploration into the why behind each generation’s unique perspectives. Discover the key to fostering understanding, strengthening teamwork, and ensuring workplace cohesion. This presentation provides a solid grasp of generational norms and emphasizes the critical need to attract and retain top young talent for long-term sustainability, all while offering a light-hearted look at the quirks that make us uniquely human.
What We’re Looking For
Panelists: Frances Manzitto, Ted Nelson, Kaitlyn Flikkema
Moderator: Anjuli King
Sunday, Nov. 17 | 11:30 a.m.
If you’re a DMO, tour supplier, associate, or receptive operator, you’re looking to connect with buyers at Travel Exchange. But what are those buyers looking for? In this session, you’ll hear from three NTA tour operators and learn what they want to find at Travel Exchange and beyond. You’ll also have the chance to ask them questions and gain their perspective on many facets of packaged travel.
Using Humor to Overcome Failure
Speaker: Greg Warren
Monday, Nov. 18 | 8:45 a.m.
Before he was a nationally known stand-up comedian, famous for his appearances on “Late Night with Seth Myers” and Comedy Central; his multiple comedy specials; and his new podcast, “The Consumers;” Greg Warren spent 10 years in sales with Procter and Gamble. Drawing from that experience, Greg, who recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut, will share with us the lessons he learned from his success and failure, and how he used humor to overcome the not-so-good moments in his career. Get your Monday morning off to a fun start as you learn how to laugh at your own mistakes and draw wisdom from Greg’s hilarious anecdotes.
Sense of Adventure: Crafting Inclusive Travel Experiences for Sensory-sensitive Travelers and Why it Matters!
Speaker: Leslie Walker
Monday, Nov. 18 | 10 a.m.
As the travel industry evolves, the need for inclusive experiences has never been more critical. Sensory-sensitive travelers—those with autism, ADHD, PTSD, or other sensory-processing challenges—are seeking destinations that cater to their unique needs. This session will explore the importance of offering sensory-friendly tourism options and practical ways to create immersive yet comfortable experiences for all. Key takeaways will include actionable strategies, marketing tips, and real-life examples from sensory sensitivity-focused tourism destinations. Using insights from North Alabama’s unique sensory tourism initiative, Tourism ALL-a-Bama, we’ll highlight how sensory-friendly options can enhance accessibility and open new markets for tourism destinations.
How to Make Fams Fabulous
Panelists: Amy Larsen, Kaitlyn Gallegos, Elaine Moulder, Jim Warren
Moderator: Reed Warner
Monday, Nov. 18 | 11:15 a.m.
Familiarization trips, or “Fam trips,” have long been a valuable way for destinations (and tour suppliers) to provide tour operators with an in-depth, first-hand experience of what they have to offer. A good Fam trip can lead to repeat tours from operators, but a poorly-designed or ill-executed Fam can cause a destination or supplier to miss out on a golden opportunity for group business growth. Join moderator Reed Warner of Branson/Lakes Area CVB and a panel of DMOs and operators for a discussion of what makes for a great Fam—and what mistakes to avoid.
Building the Blueprint: A Hands-on Workshop for Strategic Planning Success
Speaker: Dawnielle Tehama
Monday, Nov. 18 | 1:30 p.m.
This interactive workshop empowers attendees with practical tools and strategies to kickstart effective strategic planning in their communities and organizations. Participants will work through a comprehensive planning worksheet that provides the foundational steps for building a strategic plan, including tailored language for the RFP process and actionable insights on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. By the end of the session, each attendee will have completed a personalized worksheet, equipping them to return to their communities with a clear roadmap and the necessary groundwork to begin the strategic planning journey.
Legal Updates in the Travel World
Speaker: Kyle Zelazny
Monday, Nov. 18 | 1:30 p.m.
Join Kyle Zelazny of The Ment Law Group as he explains how operators and suppliers can fairly contract with one another, how you can properly staff your business in light of post-election changes in the travel industry, and what terms you should make sure to include in your terms and conditions.
Cultivating Connection: Exploring Mindful Communication Techniques
Speaker: Christopher Smith
Monday, Nov. 18 | 2:45 p.m.
Leaders often face the challenge of initiating and facilitating discussions on interpersonal and intergroup conflicts within their organizations. This session focuses on enhancing participants’ communication skills through interactive exercises. Attendees will learn to foster environments where colleagues feel validated and supported, regardless of the complexities of the issues or conflicts being addressed.
Making the Case: Helping Your Decision-makers See the “Ka-Ching” of the Group Market
Speakers: Vernon Briggs, Julie Payne, Eddie Lutz
Moderator: Debra Asberry
Monday, Nov. 18 | 2:45 p.m.
NTA tour suppliers understand the value of the group travel market—after all, you’re part of NTA. But revenue managers and other decision-makers at your company might not see things the way you do. Vernon Briggs of Giri Hotel Management, Eddie Lutz of Ark Encounter, and Julie Payne of Hershey’s Chocolate World are three tour suppliers who have successfully advocated inside their organizations for connecting with the group market, and they’ll share their experiences with you. In a discussion moderated by Debra Asberry, CTP, of Women Traveling Together, these three suppliers will provide pointers not only on how to sell your tour product to groups and grow your packaged travel business, but also how to convince your decision-makers of the importance of the group segment.
The Six Human Needs
Speaker: Christopher Smith
Monday, Nov. 18 | 4 p.m.
It’s really very simple—we all have needs. Yet the fulfillment of these needs can be anything but simple. In this session, we will explore the six human needs necessary to live a fulfilling life: certainty, variety, significance, connection/love, growth, and contribution. Attendees will examine how awareness of these needs can lead to success and increased contribution in the workplace.
Tour Supplier Network Forum (for NTA Tour Supplier members only)
Moderator: Janet Young
Monday, Nov. 18 | 4 p.m.
No segment of the NTA membership is as varied as the tour supplier category, which includes hotels, attractions, passenger vessels, restaurants, and casinos, among other types of businesses. And yet, there are principles that hold true for all tour suppliers with marketing, staffing, reaching tour operators, and handling the everyday issues. Come ready to share what has or hasn’t worked for you, and you’ll hear from your peers the strategies they’re using. (This session is open to NTA tour supplier members only).
The Power of AI to Revolutionize Tours, Activities, and Bookings
Speaker: Dan Flores
Tuesday. Nov. 19 | 8:45 a.m.
Join Dan Flores of Satisfi Labs to learn how artificial intelligence can transform the way you handle inquiries for tours, activities, and hotel bookings. In this session, Dan will show you how AI can ensure that potential customers can receive immediate, accurate information 24/7. He’ll also demonstrate how this technology can reduce operational burdens, boost conversions, and improve the overall customer experience.
Overcoming the Fear of Mixed-ability Travel Groups
Speaker: Kristy Durso
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 8:45 a.m.
This session will highlight that inclusivity isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a continuous dialogue that evolves with creativity and innovation. Participants will engage in a dynamic discussion about accessibility in travel. We’ll also explore how thinking outside the box can lead to practical solutions that enhance the travel experience for everyone, regardless of ability. Through collaborative activities and shared experiences, we’ll tackle common fears and misconceptions about mixed-ability groups, showcasing how diversity enriches travel experiences. Join us to discover that with a little imagination, every journey can be made accessible, enjoyable, and unforgettable for all.
The Art of Prioritization: Honoring Boundaries with Priorities that Stick
Speaker: Dana Stone
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.
Master the skill of prioritization to ensure that your most critical tasks receive the attention they deserve. This session will provide frameworks and tools to help you identify high-impact activities, set and maintain boundaries, and manage your time effectively, ensuring your goals align with your actions.
How Tour Suppliers Can Market Multicultural Travel More Effectively
Speaker: Danny Guerrero
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 10 a.m.
The “Future of Travel” project is a tech-enabled thought leadership and human insights project that cuts through the “noise” of travel and tourism research to measure perceptions, emotions, and personality traits of diverse and underrepresented travelers. Join Danny Guerrero, CEO & founder of The Culturist Group, a leading multicultural & inclusive visionary in travel and one of the presenting partners of the study, for a dynamic workshop and group conversation that reveals multicultural consumer truths and provides attendees with the tools and insights to become more effective multicultural travel operators and marketers.
Partnership Panel: Suppliers and Operators
Moderator: John Fernandes
Panelists: Jeremy Hundt, Taunya Wolfe Finn, Leslie Womack, Ashley Jenkins
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 11:15 a.m.
The entire group travel industry is based on partnerships, and that’s more true today than ever before. Tour operators are looking for tour supplier partners they can trust, and suppliers are looking for operator partners that will help them grow their business. But what does that partnership actually look like? And how can suppliers and operators work together in a way that benefits them both? In this session, a panel of suppliers and operators will discuss the specific ways in which they work together to create great experiences for travelers. You’ll have the chance to hear their insights on issues specific to these partnerships (contracts, ticketing, etc.) and to ask them questions to help you strengthen your own partnerships.
Planning for Your Next of Kin
Speakers: Bill Caldwell and Lisa Curtin
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 11:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.
No one likes to think about the phases of life and how, in a time of uncertainty, your next of kin will handle urgent matters. This seminar, designed for everyone, makes the process of organizing your entire life, both physical and digital, simple. We will cover topics ranging from organizing financial documents to the care of your pets! You’ll sleep better knowing your next of kin are prepared for life’s inevitable transitions.
Sustainable Travel: Your Questions Answered
Speaker: John Sutherland
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 1:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Discover Carbon County Wyoming
Join us for an interactive session designed to address the real questions you have about sustainable travel, meaningful tourism, and regenerative practices. Whether you’re an operator, a DMO, or a supplier, you’ll walk away with actionable insights tailored to your needs. We’ll tackle your pre-submitted questions, explore common concerns across different segments of the travel industry, and open the floor to live inquiries. Let’s work together to pave the way for a more sustainable and impactful future in travel.
Route 66: Building Your Itinerary for the Mother Road
Speaker: Mark Hoffmann
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 1:45 p.m.
Sponsored by Sports Leisure Vacations
For years, many NTA tour operators have loved taking groups along Route 66 … none more than long-time NTA tour operator Mark Hoffmann of Sports Leisure Vacations. Join Mark for an informative and engaging session, where he’ll share his tips from years of experience touring the “Mother Road” and give you ideas for your future itineraries, especially those celebrating Route 66’s upcoming centennial. Mark will be joined by other NTA members who are located along the route, and they’ll share their insights as well, so that your upcoming Route 66 tours will be experiences to remember.
Inbox Zero: Mastering Email Management for Maximum Productivity
Speaker: Dana Stone
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 3 p.m.
Sponsored by Explore Louisiana
Tired of drowning in emails? Learn the secrets to achieving and maintaining Inbox Zero. This session will equip you with practical techniques for efficient email management, from filtering and organizing to prioritizing and automating responses, helping you reclaim your time and boost productivity.
Understanding & Engaging Diverse Travelers: Lessons for DMOs
Speaker: Danny Guerrero
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 3 p.m.
The “Future of Travel” study, for the first time in travel and tourism research, focuses on a wide intersection of diverse travelers and identities to deliver valuable lessons for travel professionals on the needs of multicultural travelers by capturing stories and narratives that reveal preferences, perceptions, attitudes, and emotions. Join Danny Guerrero, CEO & founder of The Culturist Group, for a dynamic workshop and group conversation that reveals multicultural consumer truths and provides attendees with the tools and insights to become more effective multicultural travel marketers.
Flawless Delivery: Helping Your Local Suppliers Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
Speaker: Craig Johnston
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 4:15 p.m.
This session will be a fun, engaging, and unexpected perspective into hospitality and great customer service. Flawless Delivery is a customer service training program that incorporates a strong foundation of empathy, communication, and engagement that’s necessary for retaining guests in today’s competitive environment. The main goal of the program is to equip frontline workers with skills needed to communicate and engage with guests (and with coworkers) in order to deliver the quality of service the traveling public has come to expect. This session will be an exciting, interactive introduction to the training program, which consists of 20 hours over the course of two days and one evening and uses gamification, small group projects, role play, team building exercises, and lecture to engage participants.
Authentic Indigenous Tourism: Key Protocols for Respectful Visitation
Speaker: Sherry Rupert
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 8:30 a.m.
Discover the richness of Indigenous tourism and the significance of responsible visitation to Native Nations. AIANTA will share “15 Cultural Protocols” for visiting Indigenous communities, offering insights to enhance your travel experiences and partnerships. Learn how to create authentic, respectful, and culturally sensitive itineraries while supporting the preservation of Native cultures and traditions.
DMO Network Forum
Moderator: Pam Williams
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 8:30 a.m.
You love the destination you represent, and you want others to love it, too. As you promote the place you love, you’ll find it helpful to hear what works for your DMO peers. Whether you’re attending Travel Exchange on behalf of a small city, a large metropolitan area, a state, a province, or an entire country, this forum is a chance for you to get ideas from others who are doing the same thing you’re doing … only in a different place. (This session is open to NTA DMO members only.)
How DMOs Can Use AI to Enhance Group Sales
Speaker: Dan Flores
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 9:45 a.m.
In this session, join Dan Flores of Satisfi Labs as he demonstrates how DMOs can harness the power of artificial intelligence to enhance their group sales strategies. Learn how AI can streamline customer interactions, boost engagement, and drive conversions by serving as a virtual concierge. You’ll also hear how AI can automate inquiries about group bookings, events, and travel logistics while still giving personalized recommendations based on traveler preferences.
Refreshing Your Travel Experience Brand for 2025 and Beyond
Speaker: Michelle Stark, Red Sage
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 9:45 a.m.
Is your brand story connecting with today’s travelers, or has it become outdated? Join us for an engaging, hands-on session with one of the Southeast’s most innovative agencies specializing in travel and experience branding. Discover how evolving traveler interests, emerging digital trends, and demographic shifts can signal that it’s time for a brand refresh. Gain actionable insights to audit and revitalize your brand, keeping it appealing and competitive as trends change. Walk away ready to reinvigorate your brand story and keep your experiences relevant in 2025 and beyond!
Rural Tourism: Placemaking, Programming, and the Power of 10
Speaker: Candace Johnson
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 11 a.m.
This session will make the case for rural tourism. We will discuss case studies on how to develop it, how to market it and how to make the case to your clients for why they should book their next tour in a rural destination. Authenticity and immersive experiences are at the heart of every rural tourism destination, giving your guests and clients a customized tour—and meaningful experience—every time.
DMO Itinerary Planning Workshop
Moderator: Todd Stallbaumer
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 11 a.m.
During the pandemic, a small group of NTA DMO members, representing a variety of destinations, began meeting regularly online for support, encouragement, and idea-sharing. From these conversations, the “Dynamic Destinations” group was formed. Not only did these DMOs continue to talk shop, they also began collaborating on itineraries. In doing so, they discovered the power of destinations working together to craft itineraries that operators might not have considered. During this session, DMOs will have the opportunity to begin that same process. In an informal setting, you’ll have the chance to dream big by connecting with other DMOs, even those from outside of your own state or province, to craft original itinerary ideas. Come ready to create!
From Diversity to Unity: Inclusive Tourism Practices
Speaker: Roni Weiss
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 1:30 p.m.
Join Roni Weiss from Travel Unity and knowledgeable NTA members for an engaging seminar about innovative practices in inclusive tourism. This session is designed for DMOs and tour operators looking to bring in a diverse array of visitors and create meaningful experiences for all travelers. In this seminar, attendees will do the following:
- Discover practical strategies to attract travelers from new demographics.
- Explore how to create enriching travel experiences that resonate with all guests, fostering connection and understanding.
- Understand the importance of hiring diverse teams to better serve varied customer bases and enhance company culture.
- Gain insights into retaining talent from underrepresented groups, ensuring a supportive and inclusive workplace.
Living Your Brand: Turning Every Tour and Touchpoint Into an Experience
Speaker: Michelle Stark, Red Sage
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 1:30 p.m.
Your brand goes beyond visuals—it’s the full experience felt by travelers at every interaction. In this interactive session with Michelle Stark of Red Sage, a top destination and travel marketing agency, explore how to make your brand come alive across touchpoints like social media, digital ads, and on-the-ground experiences. We’ll dive into methods for ensuring message consistency, aligning platforms, and creating memorable tour moments that reflect your brand’s essence. Whether online or in-person, every touchpoint matters—make sure each one builds your brand!
Overlooked People, Overlooked Spaces
Speakers: Denise Swain and Stacey Toussaint
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 2:45 p.m.
Even before they arrive, travelers are probably already familiar with the best-known sights a destination has to offer. But what makes a tour really special are the hidden gems and unknown stories that bring a place to life. Join NTA members Denise Swain of Scenethat Tours and Stacey Toussaint of Inside Out Tours as they engage in a conversation about ways that destinations can highlight the lesser-known people and spaces that take visits to another level, and how operators should look to incorporate these experiences into their own tours.
Using NTTO Research to Understand the International Visitor Traveling to Your Destination
Speaker: David Huether
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 2:45 p.m.
Learn about the National Travel and Tourism Office’s research program, the state of international travel to the United States, and the variety of information that NTTO publishes. You’ll learn how to take specific characteristics of international visitors and apply them to your destination. The information tracked by NTTO includes trip planning, travel party size, purpose of trip, U.S. states and cities visited, spending patterns, and leisure activities engaged in.
Partnership Panel: DMOs and Operators
Moderator: Juan Suarez
Panelists: Rich Gilbert, Brent Dalrymple, Christina Werner, Tara Walton
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 4 p.m.
One NTA tour operator member has said that the most important days of the year for their business are the ones at Travel Exchange when they meet with DMOs. Why? Because those connections are where future tours are born. Of course, the partnership between a DMO and an operator doesn’t stop once an itinerary is shared. It continues all the way up to and through the tour and beyond. What makes a fruitful partnership between a destination and a tour operator? Come hear from a panel of DMOs and tour operators to find out how they work together to create memories for travelers and to build a connection that lasts. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists to help you learn how to strengthen your own partnerships with operators.
Building Your Brand Through Authentic Storytelling
Speakers: Michelle Stark and Sarah Macaluso, Red Sage
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 4 p.m.
Travelers seek authenticity, and storytelling is your secret to capturing it! Join Emmy Award-winning journalist and destination marketing executive Michelle Stark, and broadcaster turned award-winning travel marketer Sarah Macaluso, for this interactive session. Learn how to shape your story into a cohesive, compelling narrative. Gain insights on crafting a brand story that captures the essence of your tours and experiences while highlighting local culture, history, and activities. And walk away with strategies to elevate diverse perspectives, incorporate influencers, and create a unified story that resonates deeply with today’s travelers. Ready to elevate your travel brand’s impact? Don’t miss this engaging workshop!