Room to Cruise

The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) will hold its 2018 annual conference on land and sea, giving attendees a taste of a major city destination and hotel, as well as a popular cruise line.

Called ‘Room to Cruise,’ the event will take place Aug. 23-25 at the Washington D.C. Hilton and Aug. 26-Sept. 2 on Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Pride cruise ship out of Baltimore.

“NACTA represents the interests of the independent travel consultant and the greater travel consultant community,” said NACTA President Ann Chamberlin. “The association’s role is to focus on the development of the travel consultant through its educational programs designed for our valued members. In addition, NACTA offers many member benefits such as up to 20 percent off virtual administrative services, discounts on office supplies and more through our affiliate program. Our overall objective is to enhance and secure the success of the professional travel consultant.”

The conference starts on Thursday, Aug. 23, with sightseeing from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees can choose from several tours, including one that visits the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery and the White House; a faith-focused excursion that includes visits to Saint John Paul II shrine and Museum of the Bible; and one that explores historic homes and gardens, such as Hillwood and Tudor Place.

A NACTA chapter director meeting, a new-member reception, and a welcome reception also are scheduled for Aug. 23.

On Friday, Aug. 24, a general session will feature a keynote speech by Chris Austin, senior vice president-global marketing and sales for Seabourn. He’ll talk about “The Affluent Guest Today, Earning Enduring Loyalty Building Lifetime Connections and Lifetime Value.”

Ron Gulaskey, Celebrity Cruises’ associate vice president of national/ strategic accounts and trade relations-North America, will make a presentation on “Why and How to Sell Corporate Meeting/Incentive Groups and All Types of Charters.”

Kim Sherrett, manager of membership and chapter development for NACTA and ASTA, will present “Project Management and Project Planning for Travel Advisors.” This ASTA Verified Travel Advisor Workshop is at no extra cost for attendees at the NACTA conference.

Also speaking is Scott Koepf, vice president of strategic development at Cruise Planners. Other events that day include educational sessions, a presentation and lunch, and a tradeshow. The NACTA Gala Awards Dinner will be held that night at the Gaylord National Resort.

The events on Saturday, Aug. 25, begin with breakfast and a presentation followed by a product knowledge series, educational and engagement sessions, and lunch and a presentation. An evening event is also planned.

On Sunday, Aug. 26, attendees choosing to sail on Carnival Pride will take included bus transfers to Baltimore. The cruise will visit Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport.

The 2018 NACTA Conference Sponsors are Carey International, Carnival Cruise Line, and Luxury Retreats. For more information or to register, visit nacta2018conference.com.