CruiseWorld Conference Program Features New Sessions

Written By: Mary Pat Sullivan, Content Director, Travel Weekly Events 

 

 

 

Over 800 travel advisors from all over the country are expected to attend CruiseWorld, November 15-17, 2017 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. With the announcement of this year’s conference program, excitement levels are rising. As the event approaches, our team is hard at work creating a diverse and highly educational program lineup, featuring industry leadership from every segment as well as a roster of successful travel professional peers. 

 

The conference kicks off Wednesday with industry training and certification options including two CLIA training sessions for a combined total of 25 credits, followed by Hawaii Destination Specialist Training, Travel Institute training, VAX Training, and the Special Needs Group Certification course. These valuable training programs are an excellent and convenient opportunity for travel advisors to bolster their industry credentials. 

 

New to CruiseWorld this fall are Destination Roundtables. Travel advisors can choose to attend sessions focusing on one of four locations—The Caribbean, Mexico/Latin America, Europe, or the USA. These roundtables will be led by a variety of industry suppliers and offer a unique look into some of the most popular travel spots all over the world, with opportunity for advisors to be a part of the discussion. 

 

Each year, the industry’s leaders take the stage to share the latest updates on their companies, perspectives on the industry and forecasts for the coming year. The Mastermind Sales & Marketing Panel will feature eight cruise line executives sharing their tips and tricks for succeeding in the difficult fields of sales and marketing. The Presidents’ Panel has confirmed four cruise line presidents in a lively conversation with Travel Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief Arnie Weissmann.  

 

Another new programming feature is the addition of TW Talks, modeled after TED Talks. These rapid-fire educational sessions will be jam-packed with thought leadership covering a variety of topics. Speakers range from host agency leaders to innovative travel advisor peers. These new program features will bring an extra dose of fun to the stage. 

 

Also back by popular demand is the Think Tank—sponsored by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours— an innovative, high-energy, open-discussion forum where attendees will be able to ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain new insight into the popular world of river cruising. 

 

A variety of suppliers will also be hosting educational workshops where travel advisors will be able to learn and ask questions about specific destinations, products and services. Confirmed presenters include Avalon Waterways, Carnival Cruise Line, CCRA, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Holland America Line, and Visit Anchorage. 

 

Another valued aspect of the CruiseWorld programming is the ability for travel advisors to hear from their peers about how they’ve achieved success in various areas. There will be four different tracks for attendees to choose from: Growth Market, Business Boost, Marketing & Sales, and Customer Acquisition. Each workshop session will focus on a specific topic within each track, such as: Selling to Millennials, Staffing Up (Adding ICs & more), Leaping into Luxury Travel, and Taking Your Business Out of the Basement. 

 

Capping off this schedule is, of course, CruiseWorld’s signature one-day Exhibitor Showcase. Featuring a wealth of suppliers from all facets of the travel industry, including cruise lines, hotels and resorts, destinations, tour operators, airlines, business tools, professional services, and more. 

 

Regular registration is open along with applications for our Selected Travel Advisor Recognition (STAR) Program. Selected STAR participants receive complimentary two nights’ hotel and registration fees in addition to one-on-one appointments with suppliers and exclusive activities. Those interested can learn more at www.cruiseworldshow.com/star. Be sure to register now to take advantage of all these incredible educational opportunities. Use code HBTA for $25 off the current registration rate.