The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) announced today that its annual Global Convention, set to take place in Washington, DC on Aug. 25-28, 2020, is being transitioned into an online virtual experience with a robust and diverse digital program. The dates will remain the same (August 25 –28) and the event has been renamed ASTA Global Live (AGL).
During an online Town Hall earlier today, ASTA’s executive committee announced the association’s decision with ASTA’s President & CEO, Zane Kerby.
“The health and safety of our members, community and staff is our highest priority. Given the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, ASTA leadership determined that transitioning our in-person annual convention to a digital experience is a step we must take to protect the vulnerable, while also doing our part to stop the spread of the virus,” said ASTA president & CEO Zane Kerby. “We’re confident that our team will provide travel advisors with the unique content and expert advice that the thousands of travel industry professionals who gather with us each year have come to expect and enjoy.”
ASTA’s annual Global Convention (AGC) is always filled packed with education and supplier connections, plus entertainment. In the new virtual format, ASTA will also include content relevant to recovery as an industry, and provide attendees with the information needed to move their business forward.
To help advisors prepare for the upcoming live event, ASTA created a FAQs page for all attendees and exhibitors to reference for important next-step actions. On this page, attendees who have already registered will find instructions for transferring their registration. For travel professionals who have not yet registered, the new event page—ASTAGlobalLive.org—has been updated and will continue to evolve outlining our newly formatted education sessions and a variety of entertainment and virtual engagement offerings.
This year’s virtual experience will include over 14 educational sessions focusing on sales, business operations, and ASTA Verified Travel Advisor certification program. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet with over 100 travel suppliers through an online tradeshow and 1:1 appointments, plus enjoy virtual fitness classes to start their day. August 27th and 28th will also be setup for the small business, independent advisors known as ASTA Small Business Network Live.
This virtual conference will be set up to help you get encouraged and ready to set big goals for your personal and professional growth.
Speakers include:
- Rick Steves, Public Television Host and Guidebook Author
- ASTA is looking forward to welcoming back Tom Krieglstein – founder, Lead Facilitator, Swift Kick – as the emcee for ASTA Global Live.
- Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president & CEO of Celebrity Cruises
- Captain Kate McCue, Captain of Celebrity Edge from the Celebrity Cruises fleet
- More to come!
ASTA says they understand that the transition to a digital program will require some extra familiarization for attendees. That’s why they’ll be offering several pre-event instructional sessions, in addition to putting together a customer service team to help attendees navigate any technical difficulties and questions.
“We look forward to welcoming travel professionals from across the globe to ASTA Global Live. While we’re disappointed not to be able to see our members in person, we’re looking forward to engaging with our community in a one-of-a-kind virtual experience. During this difficult time, with so many transitions in our daily lives, we want to assure members that our commitment to fighting on their behalf and supporting their businesses is unwavering. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be announcing additional speakers, education sessions and unique features that ASTA’s annual meeting is known for,” said Kerby.
Travel professionals are encouraged to register for AGL by July 11 to receive $30 off, using the code ASTALive30 at checkout. For more information, visit ASTAGlobalLive.org.
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