ASTA Taking Annual Global Convention Virtual

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) will host its annual Global Convention virtually, President and CEO Zane Kerby announced during an online town hall on Thursday.

“Initially, we struggled with the idea we wouldn’t be able to see each other in person, but there will be dynamic, interactive content,” Kerby said, as we are “looking forward to engaging with our community in a one-of-a-kind virtual experience.”

Held Aug. 25-28, the digital program – renamed the ASTA Global Live – will broadcast 45-minute general sessions, a unique tradeshow with a 1:1 format, and 14 educational sessions focusing on rebuilding, business operations, and ASTA Verified Travel Advisor certification program.

August 27 and 28 will also be setup for the small business, independent advisors known as ASTA Small Business Network Live.

Kerby also announced this year’s keynote speaker will be Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. Other speakers include Rick Steves, travel writer and television personality; Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises; and Captain Kate McCue, captain of Celebrity Edge.

ASTA will offer several pre-event instructional sessions to familiarize advisors with the setup, in addition to putting together a customer service team to help attendees navigate any technical difficulties and questions.

For travel professionals who have not yet registered, our new event page – http://www.ASTAGlobalLive.org – has been updated and will continue to evolve outlining our newly formatted education sessions and a variety of entertainment and virtual engagement. Travel professionals who register for AGL by July 11 can receive $30 off, using the code “ASTALive30” at checkout.

Kerby also said the annual advocacy dinner has been rescheduled to October in Washington D.C.

Advocacy on the hill
Kerby took some time to address new advocacy steps the association is advocating.

“In the wake of COVID, we have worked feverishly to get relief for our members, and we have advocated on your behalf,” both on Capitol Hill and with suppliers,” he said. ASTA secured advisors in the major relief bill passed by Congress, allowing advisors to access Personal Protection Program loans.

ASTA has now written to Vice President Pence and the Centers for Disease Control, “urging them to establish new safety standards that will restore confidence to travel,” Kerby said.

There are also several bills that would prevent companies from being held liable for people who get COVID-19, which is an important step in getting business travel back.

Marc Casto, senior vice president of FCM Travel Solutions USA and ASTA’s vice chair and secretary, called for broad based liability reform, adding it will “hinder people traveling for business purposes,” and that is essential for not only corporate travel but ICs as well.

Managing a fluid situation
During the online Town Hall, the ASTA Board of Directors all noted the pent up demand they were seeing in their own business.

Casto said the expressions of interest have been increasing incrementally week over week. “Any kind of positive trend off of the floor is still a positive step.”

David Hershberger, president of Prestige Travel/Travel Leaders and ASTA vice chair, has also seen pent up demand in interest in travel. “I think as soon as we get some help from the CDC we are going to see a real burst of travel again.”

In the meantime, Hershberger suggested taking the time to focus on training and reevaluating business.

“This has given us a chance to think through our processes. In February we didn’t have time to do anything, but now, we have more time to look into our operations and be more creative,” he said. “We are also reaching out to existing and best customers; we’re not to sell anything, just seeing how they are doing and let them know we’ll be there at the end of this.”

“The unknown is the problem,” said Denise Jackson, president and CEO of Balboa Travel and ASTA’s corporate advisory council chair, so while that is unfolding, reach out to clients.

“Customers that are willing to give you time, it’s gold,” Jackson said. “It’s amazing the intel that you’re getting and you can bring that back to your business. It’s enabled us to make a plan going forward.”