Travel agents interested in expanding their knowledge of the industry can attend the American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) Global Convention taking place Sept. 16-19 in Miami. The 5-day convention will feature peer-to-peer networking opportunities, half-day complimentary tours, sightseeing excursions and educational programs and speakers, with Hillary Rodham Clinton as the keynote speaker.
Hillary Rodham Clinton will lead a session moderated by Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly, on Sept. 19 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. In addition, agents can attend a variety of seminars, such as “How to Make $ on Your Website,” led by Mark McMullen, the executive v.p. or Ansira, to learn how to monetize a website.
At the “How to Make Money with the Airlines” panel led by John Edward Jackson of Korean Air, guests take part in an interactive session with airline representatives learning how to make money via ancillary fees, overrides, add-on fees and commissions. Meanwhile, at the Cruise CEO Panel, agents can hear what’s going on in the cruise industry from cruise line CEOs, including Richard Fain of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Kevin Sheehan of Norwegian Cruise Line, and Torstein Hagen of Viking Cruises. Other session highlights include 21st Century Niche Travel Markets, where attendees can learn which markets are sustainable and profitable, and Social Media Beyond the Basics.
A limited number of agents (at an additional fee) will also be able to take a tour of the Norwegian Sky with lunch on the ship, or go on a ship inspection of the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas.
During the convention, guests will have the opportunity to explore Miami with complimentary half-day sightseeing tours, such as the Island Queen Sightseeing Ship around Biscayne Bay; the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour around Miami Beach or through Coconut Grove and Coral Gables; and activities such as kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats and power boats at the Shake-A-Leg Water Front Center.
Guests who stay on Friday, Sept. 20, can take part in full-day sightseeing tours such as Art, Culture and Paella in Little Havana or the Redland Tropical Trail Soft Adventure exploring the Southernmost Winery in the U.S. and sailing over the Everglades.
For more information and to register, visit astaglobalconvention.org/registration.html or astaglobalconvention.org.
 Global Convention taking place Sept. 16-19 in Miami.){kind=link}