Education Sessions
Education sessions are open to all operator and supplier delegates. These sessions have been selected based on requested topics from our memberships.
Wednesday, March 28
10 - 11:15 a.m.
"Take Back the Market" Education Seminar
Speaker: John Kennedy
Join international strategist John Kennedy as he facilitates and open and candid discussion about the state of our industry and the big steps that are needed to gain back traction and attraction to our market. Come prepared to interact and engage with a group of peers with only one objective in mind...Taking Back Our Market!!"
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
"Basic Negotiating" Education Seminar
Speaker: Kevin Catlin
Click Here for Presentation
Prepare to Negotiate
She who negotiates well gets a better deal! We all know this to be true but still we are uncomfortable with the concept… In this hour we will explore some basic, foundational truths to the art of negotiating. Core concepts of integrating differing interests (win/win), distributive (fixed sum), first offers, BATNA (alternatives to a negotiated agreement). We will learn to listen for what is meant and not just what is said.
Simple, tied and true basics that will make you better at this much needed skill. We will provide a safe environment to negotiate a couple of deals and have some fun as well.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
"Creating the Customer Experience" Education Seminar
Speaker: John Kennedy
Sponsored by: New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism
The biggest competitor in our industry is not the destination around the corner…it’s the pocket book or wallet of the world!
Join international speaker, author and strategist John Kennedy as he unfolds the difference between delivering customer service and creating the customer experience.
We compete in a “wants-based” economy…and our clients’ expectations are higher than they have ever been before…so do we offer a service or an experience?
One is more of a reactionary offering and one is an anticipated offering. One offers good opportunity and possible repeat business, the other offers client loyalty and galvanizing partnerships.
One is what you might be …and one is what we all should become!
You won’t want to miss this session that takes John’s international experiences of excellence and delivers them in a powerful and insightful workshop!
3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
"You Can’t Manage Time. You Can Manage the Use of It" Education Seminar
Speaker: Kevin Catlin
Click Here for Presentation
7 Step Process for Achieving Goals
Smart Goals
Our time is such a precious commodity that we absolutely must use it wisely. But if working harder, smarter and faster won’t help, what will? The question is borrowed from Steven Covey’s book “First Things First,” Answering this question will be the core matter we confront in our time together.
Why do you waste time?
How can we keep our focus on what is important vs. simply what is urgent?
Goal setting / Goal keeping
Not simply being efficient but effective with time
Our time will be short (ironic), but when we are done you will look at time differently and have concrete tools for getting the more of the right things done.
I promise.
Thursday, March 29
8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
Industry Roundtables
Join your colleagues for an engaging dialogue on the state of our industry. The roundtables will help you pinpoint the most pressing issues, challenge you to be open and honest in your discussion, and collectively produce relevant strategies that you can take back to the office.
10 - 11 a.m.
"Crisis Communications" Education Seminar
Speaker: Dan Ronan
As a motorcoach owner, operator or tourism professional are you prepared for that dreaded phone call there’s been some sort of incident and it will be only a matter of minutes before the media begins calling your business to ask “what happened?” and “what are you doing about this?” In this rapid fire, 24/7 news cycle with stories traveling around the world in minutes a terse “no comment” is no longer good enough.
This session will explain what you need to know in this highly charged media environment. He’ll talk with you about how to prepare to handle a crisis and what your company must be doing today to be ready if and when that phone call comes.
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
"Motorcoach Safety and Border Crossings Issues" Education Seminar
Speaker: Dave Carroll
Find out what Tour Operators both in Canada and the US need to know about driver hours of service rules to ensure tour itineraries are realistic and to avoid violations. Learn what’s happening with current motor coach safety initiatives including pre-trip passenger safety briefings and the industry’s transition to seat belts. Also at this session, find out how to make border crossings between the US and Canada a smoother, faster process for your group including a discussion of the voluntary use of advance passenger manifests and customs declaration forms.
