Complimentary Micro Learning Now to Include Alumni-Exclusive Sessions
FRAMINGHAM, MA, September 23, 2025 – The Travel Institute announces its Q4 2025 event calendar with a continued robust list of PEP Talks—complimentary, expert learning events held live and online, as led by members of its Professional Educators Program, or PEP.
“PEP Talks are timely, relevant, and actionable for all travel professionals at all levels who are serious about their success, regardless of specialty or experience,” asserted Carla Smith, CTA, director of alumni relations & continuing education for The Travel Institute. “Importantly, the development of each session is focused on ensuring attendees return to their desk with new ideas and tips that drive better, and even immediate, results at times,” Smith continued.
The Travel Institute’s PEP roster, with nearly 70 top trainers, thought leaders and subject matter experts from both inside and outside the travel industry, offers travel professionals the opportunity to gain valuable, actionable insight on timely topics year-round at no cost. Each year, thousands of travel professionals attend PEP Talks and other online lectures hosted by The Travel Institute regardless of experience level or credentials. The carefully curated content for Q4 2025 includes trending topics such as converting marketing strategies, AI considerations, travel agency business law basics, CRM and platform selection, and more.
New in Q4 this year, certain PEP Talks will be reserved exclusively for The Travel Institute’s certified alumni holding CTA, CTC and CTIE designations. “This ensures we continue to advance our credentialed professionals with complex, challenging content while also encouraging higher education for less experienced advisors throughout the industry,” Smith explained. The Q4 2025 PEP Talks schedule includes:
CERTIFIED (CTA, CTC and CTIE) ALUMNI EXCLUSIVE
- The Hidden Fraud Threats That Could Destroy Your Travel Agency November 13, Noon EST The travel industry loses billions to fraud each year. From stolen credit cards and fraudulent bookings to costly chargebacks and supplier repayment, agency fallout may also include frozen merchant accounts, reputation damage, and legal exposure. Join Sheila Folk, CEO and founder of Travel Industry Solutions, to safeguard your business by learning what to look for, what makes an agency vulnerable, and, ultimately, how to protect your business with detection before payment, secure payment collection, PCI compliance basics and more.
OPEN TO ALL PROFESSIONALS
- Boost Your Marketing Strategies to Attract, Connect, and Sell More Cruises October 2, Noon EDT Join industry expert Rita M. Perez, CTA, founder, Take the Helm, LLC, in this actionable session designed to help “level up” your cruise marketing efforts! Learn how to reach potential clients at every buying stage from sparking curiosity with engaging content to building trust to guiding toward booking and beyond. Discover messaging tactics, creative content ideas, and effective tools to connect with your target audience. Rita will also share how to personalize your approach for different niches and clients. Walk away with fresh strategies and easy-to-implement tips to boost sales and create loyalty!
- Turn Your Sales into a Paycheck — Not Just Numbers on a Spreadsheet October 16, 3 PM EDT Join industry expert Stephanie Cannon, CPA, founder of SC Travel Design in this foundational webinar designed for travel advisors who are making sales but feel like there’s never enough left for themselves. Learn why sales alone don’t guarantee “take-home” pay, uncover five core financial gaps that make it harder to keep more of your commissions, and leave with one simple strategy to set yourself up for the consistent paycheck you deserve.
- Choosing the Right CRM: What Matters Most for Owner/Managers and Advisors October 21, 1 PM EDT Join the TRES team’s Mark A. McCowan, CTIE, sales for North America along with colleagues Teresa Giacalone, director of sales and marketing and Bill Troock, senior sales manager to help you choose the right Customer Relationship Management tool for your business. Identify what your business truly needs now—and as it grows; compare all-in-one vs. customizable platforms for fit and flexibility; learn how integrations, consortium support, and demos impact success; and walk away with a personalized checklist to guide your CRM search.
- AI Foundations: Understanding the Tools, Trends, and Ethics November 4, 1 PM EST Discover how generative Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries and what it means for travel. Hosted by Angela Hughes, CTC, owner of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel, the session will explore AI fundamentals, highlight key tools and trends driving innovation, and examine real-world applications in travel planning, customer engagement, and operations. Angela will also address responsible use—balancing efficiency and creativity with ethical considerations. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or seeking practical strategies, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to integrate AI into your work.
- Powering Agency Growth: Features That Set the Best Platforms Apart October 21, 1 PM EDT Join the TRES team’s Mark A. McCowan, CTIE, sales for North America along with colleagues Teresa Giacalone, director of sales and marketing and Bill Troock, senior sales manager, in this session designed to help you discover how automation and other CRM features can save time and drive revenue. See how seamless integrations eliminate double entry and data silos, learn why advisor-focused tools improve service and team efficiency, and understand the value of expert-led onboarding and long-term support.
- Protecting Your Brand and Your Business: IP, Privacy & Risk Essentials for Travel Advisors November 18, 1 PM EST In this practical session, Chunnie Wright, founder of The Law Office of Chun T. Wright, PLCC, explains the key differences between copyrights, trademarks, and patents, how to choose and protect a strong business name, safeguard your client and pricing information, and navigate customer data privacy. She’ll also cover how cybersecurity and advertising insurance can help shield your travel business from costly legal claims.
- High Performance in a Hybrid World – Thriving in a Hybrid Workplace December 2, 1 PM EST This session, hosted by Paul Pelletier, LL.B., PMP, CAPS, offers a roadmap for travel professionals not only to adapt but also to excel in the era of hybrid work. Attendees will gain insight into the opportunities, challenges, and tools needed to build high-performing, inclusive, and engaged hybrid teams.
- Social Media and FAM Trips December 10, 1 PM EST In this session, Shannon Kittner, CEO, The Wander Network, helps travel advisors leverage social media to showcase FAM trip experiences in a way that builds credibility, sparks interest, and drives bookings. Learn practical strategies for capturing content, telling authentic stories, and maximizing the marketing impact of every FAM you take.
Live PEP Talk attendance is complimentary for all professionals and there are no prerequisites for attendees, unless noted as a certified alumni exclusive. PEP Talks are also archived and available on-demand 24/7 for subscribers of The Travel Institute’s Education Hub. Along with unlimited access to all content, Hub subscribers also benefit from additional “perks” from PEP members, including discounts and exclusive content.
Along with timely, actionable learning, certified graduates of The Travel Institute gain two continuing education units, or CEUs, for attendance toward the 10 required annually to keep certification current. As an independent, non-profit educational organization and with advisors “aging out” across all levels throughout the industry, The Travel Institute is focused on accessibility and affordability, including low- and no-tuition/free education resources, for all travel professionals, including front-line, entry-level agents, mid-level managers and senior industry leaders.
See the FULL event calendar for regular updates and to sign up. The calendar also includes a variety of additional complimentary webinars year-round to provide guidance for both new and experienced agents looking to advance through certification, specialization and other learning opportunities beyond PEP Talks.
The Travel Institute relies on individuals and organizations to support its work to create relevant, meaningful, rigorous and affordable coursework for agents at all career stages. Donate funding, share your expertise with students, or learn more about sponsorships in support of agent, traveler, and industry success.
ABOUT PEP
The Travel Institute’s Professional Educators Program roster includes trainers, educators and speakers from both inside and outside the travel industry. Established in 2011, PEP is a collection of thought leaders who share their expertise with travel professionals ongoing via PEP Talks—live online lectures that are also recorded, white papers, newsletters, blogs, and more. The Travel Institute’s certified graduates earn two continuing education units, or CEUs, toward annual ongoing education requirements for attending PEP Talks or other career-related programming. Space is limited and early sign-up is encouraged. Presented live, PEP Talks—along with nearly 200 already recorded lectures and other valuable content—are also available on-demand via The Travel Institute’s online content library member/subscription program.
ABOUT THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE
A collaborative industry effort created in 1964, The Travel Institute has continuously evolved to maintain its role as the global leader and industry’s recognized gold standard in travel industry education and certification. Dedicated solely to advancing the professionalism of both agents and industry leaders in support of individual and industry success, The Travel Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, independent organization operating exclusively for educational purposes to meet the ever-changing needs of travel agents. Working with leaders throughout the industry to create and deliver relevant and rigorous coursework and proctored, closed-book testing to ensure graduates demonstrate the highest standards of expertise and service, The Travel Institute has more than 31,000 Certified Travel Associate, CTA®; Certified Travel Counselor, CTC®; and Certified Travel Industry Executive, CTIE® graduates. It also administers the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP®, exam to confirm students new to the industry demonstrate a mastery of travel industry basics. Countless individuals, agency owners and managers, and educational institutions utilize The Travel Institute’s award-winning TRIPKITSM introductory program and CTA® as their learning tools of choice. A trusted partner to industry suppliers and educational institutions, The Travel Institute is also the approved provider of travel industry civilian occupation training for U.S. military and has trained hundreds of thousands through various courses, webinars, and other online content through its Education Hub. Throughout North America, many successful agents and high-profile leaders credit their success to The Travel Institute’s affordable and accessible educational resources. Learn more.