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2005 Summit Conference and Gala:
Moving Together Toward a Promising Future
Receptive tour operators and suppliers from around the country gathered in New York at the New York Hilton on January 18 and 19, 2005 for the Receptive Service Association of America's annual Summit Conference and Gala.
During the two-day conference, representatives from the leading destinations, attractions, hotels, restaurants, and travel service companies in the United States networked with the country's top inbound receptive tour operators.
Marketplace and Much More
The ever-popular Marketplace took place again with much success with two sessions of 15, seven-minute pre-scheduled appointments.
Inspiring everyone at the start of the Summit was Keynote Speaker, Ed Barlow, with his interactive presentation, “ Aligning Receptive Services with a Continuum of Change.” Barlow spoke skillfully about the direction of receptive services in the world and the heady growth of the industry, predominantly in the Asia/Pacific region and how to prepare for future growth.
In “The Next Wave of Sales and Marketing Tools,” Breakout Session Barlow alerted attendees to the importance of tools that will excite their customers, how priceless a manageable marketing tool is that helps gain a profitable advantage, and the value of great relationships and its byproducts (trust, kinship, etc.). Some examples of these valuable tools are: niche list development, and customized brochures, e-mails, and trips.
In “The Great Idea Exchange,” Breakout Session, attending DMO representatives shared successful ideas and strategies in selling destinations and products. During this session, participants discussed technology issues, specifically the Internet and email communications for updates and information to the international market and receptive operators. Attendees learned some of the best ways to get questionnaire responses.
In the Receptive 102 Breakout Session, Daniela Marino of the Catskill Region Tourism reviewed results of 2004 season from Europe , Japan , and Latin America . Her session provided suppliers with the most efficient ways to promote new tour products or destinations by making sales calls to receptive tour operators, promoting at international trade shows, and marketing regionally.
The annual Summit Conference continues to be the industry's must-attend event. It's the perfect opportunity for industry representatives and association members to come together, network, and learn about industry issues. RSAA extends its appreciation to the Education and Event Committees for all their hard work in providing a successful Summit Conference and Gala. |