MEDIA RELEASEAmerican Society of Travel Advisors Announces ASTA Global LiveTo protect the health and safety of the community, ASTA transitions programming to a robust digital format, packed with the unique education and expertise only ASTA can provide.
Alexandria, VA, June 11, 2020 – Today, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) announced that its annual Global Convention, set to take place in Washington, DC on August 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.” As anyone who has attended past events will tell you, ASTA’s annual Global Convention (AGC) is packed with inspiration, education, important supplier connections and fabulous entertainment guaranteed to leave attendees ready to grow their businesses. In our new virtual format, we’ll also include content relevant to recovery as an industry and arm every attendee with the information needed to propel business forward. To help advisors prepare for our 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, our new event page –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 offerings – uniquely designed with you in mind. 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 and 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. Travel is a transformational force for good. From our diverse lineup of speakers and topics, we'll fan the flames of your wanderlust. You'll walk away encouraged and ready to set big goals for your personal and professional growth. Speakers include:
We understand that the transition to a digital program will require some extra familiarization for our attendees. That’s why we’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 is and supporting their businesses 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 11th to receive $30 off, using the code “ASTALive30” at checkout. For more information, visit www.ASTAGlobalLive.org. ### ABOUT ASTA GLOBAL LIVE Known as the “Essential Industry Event for Travel Agency Professionals,” ASTA Global Live is where the best of the best in the travel agency industry convene for inspiration, education, and entertainment – guaranteed to leave attendees ready to boost their businesses. ASTA Global Live is home for over 1,000 travel professionals playing a key role in improving their businesses and the travel industry. Attendees can expect to grow relationships with suppliers from cruise lines, destinations, hotels and more. For more information, visit www.ASTAGlobalLive.org. ABOUT ASTA Rebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit ASTA.org. Consumers can connect with an ASTA travel advisor at TravelSense.org. |
