Who We Are
ASTA, short for the American Society of Travel Agents, is the world's largest association of travel professionals. Our members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. We are the leading advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.
ASTA's Corporate Reports |
ASTA won two Magellan Awards in 2009 |
ASTA.org — Winner Travel Weekly Magellan Award
ASTA Manages the Largest Travel Agent Trade Show in the U.S.
In 2009, thousands of travel professionals gathered in Las Vegas, Sept. 11-13 to attend the fourth annual THETRADESHOW.
The show was a resounding success and provided further evidence that this event has become the premier retail travel business event for travel industry in North America. Be sure to check below for the summaries of the various networking and educational events that took place over the course of the three-day event, including attendee comments and event photos.
Join THETRADESHOW Group on LinkedIn
Event Summaries
| ASTA Annual Meeting ASTA’s Annual Meeting, which features speeches from key ASTA officials and staff, provides members the opportunity to learn about the many things the Society has been doing throughout the year on their behalf. | |
| NACTA Annual Meeting NACTA members gathered for an update on the many new programs available to members and to hear announcements about new plans for 2010 | |
| International Travel Agent Summit ASTA's International Travel Agent Summit brings together travel sellers from around the world, providing them with a preview of educational seminars, as well as the opportunity to network and develop business relationships. | |
| International Chapter Presidents Council Meeting ASTA’s International Chapter Presidents Council met to discuss ideas to enhance ASTA’s support of its international membership. | |
| Retail Travel Leadership Summit (RTLS) The Retail Travel Leadership Summit is an open forum for senior-level executives to discuss important industry topics with each other and hear high-level debate and discussion on pressing travel industry issues. |  |
| National Tourist Offices (NTO) Summit Open to all destinations, the NTO Summit provides a venue for officials from the world’s leading National Tourist Offices to meet and discuss issues relevant to their specific industry niche. | |
| ASTA Advocacy Dinner ASTA’s Advocacy Dinner celebrates ASTA's influence in shaping the policies affecting the retail travel business. It is a chance for ASTA to spotlight its role in the legislative process and for attendees to socialize and network with like-minded travel professionals |  |
| Leadership Reception Executives from top travel agencies, franchise and consortia groups met with top suppliers for a special invitation-only reception, hosted by Starwood exclusively for ASTA Premium Members and ASTA Proud Partners. | |
| Exhibitor Reception The Exhibitor Reception provides THETRADESHOW exhibitors the opportunity to meet one another and network in an informal setting. | |
| Premium Business Session Executives from top travel agencies, franchise and consortia groups met in Las Vegas for a special Premium Member-only interactive business session. | |
| Agent Education In just three education packed days, THETRADESHOW provided 50+ educational sessions to help agents enhance their areas of expertise and capture more sales opportunities | |
| Supplier Education Suppliers attending THETRADESHOW had for the first time their own education track, with a series of seminars geared especially to them. | |
| Hosted Buyer Program The Hosted Buyers program is a wonderful opportunity for suppliers to interact and host their top clients, as well as meet new clients and introduce them to their product(s). | |
| Young Professionals (YPS) Seminar The Young Professional Seminar is geared to teaching the industry’s younger members how to enhance their professionalism and business acumen. | |
| Presentation Pavilion Seminars presented by ASTA: ASTA’s Presentation Pavilion Seminars briefed the audience on a range of issues including protecting and growing their businesses through ASTA membership, ASTA’s Tour Operator Program and the benefits of being “green.” | |
