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NTA Convention ‘09 Reno, Nevada November 14-18 National Tour Association Presentation for tour operators by NTA Convention Chairman Suzanne Slavitter, CTP; and NTA Meetings & Events Committee Chair Scott Hartcorn NTA Convention ‘09 Background: How we got here • Have discussed the need for change • Introduced proposed format in Pittsburgh (Convention ’08) • Gathered member feedback • Committee used feedback to develop new format • NTA Board approved format—to be introduced in Reno NTA Convention ‘09 NTA Meetings & Events Committee • Scott Hartcorn, chair, Shilo Inns Suites Hotels • Anne Davis, CTP; board liaison, Cruises and Tours Worldwide • Allen Glander, Main Street Tours • Lisa Itel, Travel Oregon • Dawn Rueckl, CTP; Wells Gray Tours • James Scoon, Wyoming Travel & Tourism • Keith Somers, Norman Allen Group Travel • Ex-officio: Suzanne Slavitter, CTP; 2009 Convention Chairman NTA Convention ‘09 Key Considerations • Operators needed format for easy product development • Increase length of appointments for more meaningful business • Provide both quality and quantity related to appointments • Individual workstations for appointments • Affordable Convention • Less time out of the office NTA Convention ‘09 NTA Convention ‘09 Destination Pavilion NTA Convention ‘09 NTA Convention ‘09 How to get the best value • Tour operators come in for Saturday Buyer-to-Buyer Exchange, education and sightseeing tours • Sunday and Monday are prescheduled appointments with DMOs and the unscheduled shopping time in the Pavilion • If you only need to meet with DMOs and need to minimize time out of the office, you can depart the Convention • To maximize your Convention experience, meet with suppliers and earn your rebate, stay for the Fast Pitch and supplier prescheduled appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday • There will be opportunities to connect with WRTA buyers NTA Convention ‘09 Affordability • Tour operators have the early-bird registration fee of $220 (same as 2008) • Hotel rates as low as $54 • You can customize your Convention schedule to spend less time out of the office • Tour operators can earn up to a $650 rebate for expenses NTA Convention ‘09 Key dates to remember • Registration will open May 28 at noon ET • The tour operator early-bird deadline is July 9 • Appointment request system opens July 16 at noon ET • Deadline to finalize request lists is October 9 • Customized appointment schedules will be available October 26 • Direct Request Appointment Scheduling system will open October 26