2006 Summit Conference & Gala: United We Stand
Warm and sunny Miami was the site of the Receptive Services Association of America 2006 Summit Conference and Gala, United We Stand. The annual event was held at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Coconut Grove, January 12-13.
The two-day conference provided an excellent opportunity for representatives from the leading destinations, attractions, hotels, restaurants and travel service companies in the United States and the country's top inbound receptive tour operators to learn, network and build relationships.
The conference kicked off with a keynote address by Brian Parsley. Brian is a Certified Professional Behavior Analyst. With his expertise, he helps companies improve customer loyalty and employee retention. Brian's interactive presentations provided attendees with real-world examples of how to create memorable experiences for your customers.
Following the Thursday morning keynote address attendees networked over lunch. There were several lunch time presentations by member sponsors of the conference. Attendees learned about the new ways companies are learning to market themselves in the ever-changing inbound industry. Sponsor presentations were followed by updates from the Katrina-ravaged regions of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Presenters were Connie Campbell of the New Orleans CVB and Kristen McCaskill of the Mississippi Division of Tourism.
The breakout sessions encompassed a wide variety of topics. This year, the ever-popular "Receptive 102" focused on international trade shows. Participants learned about which shows provide the best return on investment and how to prepare to attend. "How Travel Companies Keep Up with the Digital Times."
Ryan Bifulco of Travel Spike presented an enlightening breakout session. He spoke about "How Travel Companies and (Destinations) Can Keep Up With the Digital Times." Ryan shared valuable insights about where online travel has been and where we are now. Everyone learned about the importance of new media like blogs, podcasts, and other user generated content. Ryan also presented a few tactics for travel companies to get more involved with email marketing, co-op marketing, and online travel advertising. The session also offered new ideas about travel search engine optimization and how all travel organizations can get more traffic to their sites.
Ryan demonstrated the new trends in online travel. He challenged the audience to make their travel organizations more efficient by creating an internal electronic or interactive task force involving multiple departments. Ryan developed a road map for travel companies to be successful online and to "keep up" with the online travel marketplace.
A panel of leading receptive tour operators and representatives from hotels and the Orlando CVB discussed "Hotel Blackout and Sellout Dates." Attendees learned how hotels and receptives can work cooperatively to ensure a beneficial outcome for all.
Officials from the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security delivered important and timely information on visa and passport issues during the "Department of Homeland Security Update." The audience had the opportunity to have specific questions answered during a Q& A session.
The most important issues for receptives were debated during the "Receptive-Only Cracker Barrel" session. Those in attendance indicated that the session was very beneficial.
The Friday schedule included the ever-popular Marketplace, where nearly thirty receptive tour operator members met one-on-one with supplier members. At the Marketplace there are two sessions of 15, seven-minute pre-scheduled appointments.
The Summit Conference included the sixth annual Silent Auction. Supplier venues provided an array of prizes including premium get-away packages to city and resort sites.
The Summit concluded with the 2006 Stanley Awards Gala - "Havana Nights." at the brand-new Miami Conrad Hilton. Along with the presentation of the Stanley Awards, this black tie affair provided attendees with an evening of networking, fine dining, and dancing.
The Stanley Awards honor those associate members that do an outstanding job in working with RSAA receptive tour operators. The awards are presented biannually. The 2006 winners were:
- Excellence in Sales and Marketing Hotel Category, Chicago's Essex Inn
- Excellence in Sales and Marketing Non-Hotel Category, New Orleans CVB
- Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Operations Hotel Category, Choice Hotels
- Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Operations Non-Hotel Category, Planet Hollywood
- President's Award for Cooperating with RSA Receptive Tour Operators Hotel Category, New York Marriott Marquis
- President's Award for Cooperating with RSA Receptive Tour Operators Non-Hotel Category, Tourisme Quebec
- Stanley Fisher Award for Outstanding Travel Professional of the Year, Lucille Yokell, Wellington Hotel
This year, Markly Wilson accepted an award on behalf of the New York State Division of Tourism for their efforts in creative marketing with RSAA on the New York State & RSAA Partnership.
Many of the 2006 awards were presented to the 2006 winners by the 2004 winners. The 2004 winners were:
- Excellence in Sales and Marketing Hotel Category, The Intercontinental Barclay New York
- Excellence in Sales and Marketing Non-Hotel Category, Corning Museum of Glass Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Operations Hotel Category, Empire Hotel Group Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Operations Non-Hotel Category, City Pass President's Award for Cooperating with RSA Receptive Tour Operators Hotel Category, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group
- President's Award for Cooperating with RSA Receptive Tour Operators Non-Hotel Category, San Francisco CVB
- Stanley Fisher Award for Outstanding Travel Professional of the Year Robert Chafey, Cendant Corporation
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. First time attendee Sandy Lucania of the Daytona Beach Area CVB expressed her excitement at having attended the Summit: "I was impressed with (the Summit) - so glad I was able to be part of it. Looking forward to January 2006 in New York!"
RSAA extends sincere appreciation to the Education and Event Committees for all their hard work in providing a successful Summit conference & Gala.