Webinars & Webinar Archive
ABA is hosting periodic webinars in 2013. These webinars are designed to connect you with the news and tools that will help you grow your business.
ABA believes in the value of professional certification, continuing education and the creation of programs that are industry specific, relevant, and flexible. ABA’s webinars are one more educational avenue available to the industry and ABA members, particularly those enrolled in ABA’s CTIS certification program. To learn more about the CTIS program, please visit http://www.buses.org/ctis.
To receive credit for participating in one of ABA’s webinars, please download this CTIS credit form.
ABA Education Tracks
The 2013 ABA Webinar education program will continue to offer useful and timely topics along five tracks:
Professional Development – The "Professional Development" track has been developed to help individuals develop specialized and unique skills to assist them in their personal career growth.
Technology – The "Technology" track has been developed to help individuals improve their technical skills in this fast changing business environment. Training sessions will focus on software, emerging online tools such as social media and advanced uses for common computer based technologies.
Member Benefits and Return on Investment – The "Return on Investment" track has been developed to help showcase the benefits of ABA membership and how to take additional advantage of existing ABA programs as well as develop enhanced programs in the future. This track also seeks to bolster member to member communications and the circulation of great ideas to help companies benefit from the networking opportunities offered at ABA.
Operations – The "Operations" track is specially oriented for all ABA members and focuses on the “nuts and bolts” behind the operation of a business. The hope is that after a session in this track, any participant will be equipped with the tools to help them succeed with a specific aspect of their business.
Sales and Marketing – The "Sales and Marketing" track is peppered with unique and innovative approaches to the science of selling. Participants will be introduced to new niche markets, focus on successful cutting edge case studies, and how to take the next step in putting your business over the top.
Upcoming Webinars:
Check back for the rest of our lineup for 2013.
Previous Webinars:
If you missed a session, ABA has archived the presentations on this page. Click on any of the links below to watch an old webinar, ask a question or download a printable version of the webinar.
June 12, 2013
"Political Advocacy: How to Meet with a Politician"
Presented by ABA's Clyde Hart 
Brought to you by BUSPAC & Women in Buses
Have you ever been asked to speak to a Congressman or Senator, or State Assemblyman on behalf of the industry or your state association and wondered what you should say? This free webinar is geared towards motorcoach, group travel and tourism industry advocates who are unsure which industry positions to highlight, key buzzwords and procedural basics to note, and what resources are at your disposal to enhance your point during meetings.
ABA’s chief lobbyist and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy, Clyde Hart , will guide you through the process of meeting with a politician and will impart some special tips to ensure that your next meeting is a success. He will also cover potential talking points and how to access industry data to prepare to put your best foot forward.
Every member and company representative has the potential to be a grassroots advocate.
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May 15, 2013
"Crisis Communications: Are You Prepared For That Awful Phone Call, That There Has Been An Accident?"
Presented by ABA's Dan Ronan
The safety of your visitors, students, employees, and the traveling public should be the number one priority for every group travel and tourism company. But an accident, lost group member, act of crime/terrorism or a natural disaster can shutdown, impact or disrupt even the safest and best run operation. Are you prepared?
In this high paced, high energy world that we work in, when something newsworthy takes place reporters, victims’ family members and news editors will be calling you asking for an explanation or information about your business.
During this session Dan Ronan, ABA’s Senior Director of Communications and a former CNN correspondent and transportation safety expert, will explain a few “do’s” and “don’ts” in responding to the media during a crisis and how ABA’s free crisis communications service is a benefit you can’t ignore. ABA can support you before, during, and after a major incident. ABA has the only 24/7 in-house crisis communications assistance program in the industry to help navigate the difficult and sometimes dangerous media landscape.
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December 11, 2012
"Using Pinterest for Tourism"
Presented by Doug Motel
One of the newest, hottest things in social media is Pinterest. With its visually dynamic structure, it is quickly becoming a staple in travel marketing strategies. In this session Doug Motel, author of 101 Marketing Tips for Tourism will show you how to take advantage of the vast array of possibilities that are available through Pinterest, explain the Do’s and Don’ts and show you how to turn your Pinterest account into a massive web traffic referral engine.
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December 5, 2012
"Professional Etiquette"
Presented by Lynne Breil
Avoid common business etiquette mistakes and discover the importance of etiquette in all business relationships. Before you get to Charlotte for Marketplace or your next business interaction, revisit the “whys” and “why nots” of professional etiquette.
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November 21, 2012
"I Know I’m Supposed to be Wonder Woman, but I Don’t Have Any Bullet-Blocking Bracelets!" 
Presented by Brenda Clark Hamilton
Brought to you by ABA's Women in Buses
Remember Wonder Woman and her bracelets that could deflect any bullets aimed at her? As women, sometimes it seems like “bullets” are coming at us from all directions: multiple responsibilities, too-high expectations, difficult people, and daily aggravations. In this fun, interactive session, you will learn strategies to take you from burnt out and overwhelmed, to vibrant, passionate, and—dare I say—powerful!
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November 13, 2012
"Wash, Wax and Polish Your Speaking Skills"
Presented by Brian Blasko
If you fear public speaking and freeze up when put into certain speaking situations, then this is the session for you. This highly-informative and comforting program gives you strategies that are guaranteed to help reduce apprehension and engage your audiences. Come unleash the “ham” in you and enjoy polishing up your speaking skills.
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October 16, 2012
"Targeting a Dream Market: Getting a Share of the $70 Billion LGBT Travel Market"
Presented by Ed Salvato
In this dynamic, informative and fun session you'll learn about what makes this customer segment which spends over $70B domestically each year on travel, a dream market. In this session you'll learn key statistics and demographics about LGBT travel consumers and discuss how to gain a share of this lucrative segment. You'll get concrete examples of tactics that work as well as those that don't. We'll address the concern of "blowback" that may arise from your key stakeholders. You'll also receive an LGBT communications "rules of thumb" to help guide your outreach to this market.
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September 26, 2012
"Understanding the Benefits of Receiving Certification for Sustainable Transportation"
Presented by David Kestenbaum
Did you know that motorcoaches are the most efficient form of sustainable transportation? Do you have a way to tell your customers? This webinar will introduce motorcoach and tour operators to the Certification for Sustainable Transportation (CST).
The program helps operators and manufacturers reduce vehicle operation costs, save energy, and recognize their businesses as being environmentally responsible. This session will outline the program's eRating vehicle certification, available driver training courses, and marketing tools.
Getting your fleet evaluated by CST is an easy, economical way to promote environmentally friendly, energy efficient transportation options and education programs.
View the recorded webinar
Click here for an FAQ about the CST Program
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June 25-28, 2012
"2012 Mid-Year Membership Segment Meetings"
Each year, ABA holds open webinar/conference calls for each ABA membership segment to share pertinent information, discuss industry developments and gather feedback on member programs, services and events like Marketplace.
"DMOs" (June 28, 2012)
Presented by Sara Hamlin, CTIS, Rich Gilbert, CTIS, John Percy, Ross Summers
View the Recorded Webinar
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"Lodging" (June 27, 2012)
Presented by Stephanie Atkisson and Linda Spruill, CTIS
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"Attractions" (June 25, 2012)
Presented by Stephanie Lee
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June 7, 2012
"Working Together: Tour Operators & Motorcoach Operators, Dealing with Rising Variable Costs" 
Sponsored by Fleet One
Presented by: Doug Anderson, Rodney Gould, Brian Nowak and Jeff Stuck
With the prospect of record fuel prices looming on the horizon, tour operators and motorcoach operators need to work together to find ways to mitigate these anticipated increased costs and other new charges brought forward by tourist destinations such as trip permits, parking fees, and venue reservation fees, while working to meet the needs of their student and youth travelers.
In this session you will learn the legal requirements for implementing surcharges and how a tour operator and a motorcoach operator can manage them and effectively communicate with their clients.
You will also be given access to tools to help keep up with and mitigate some of these rapidly changing costs.
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May 16, 2012
"Behind the Scenes: Your Guide to Motorcoach Industry Grant Programs"
Presented by Ryan Kelly
Learn the tools of the trade from professional grant writer and transportation industry consultant, Ryan Kelly. As the President and founder of Terrapin Blue, the organization has successfully written, secured and managed grant funding for motorcoach companies totaling more than $35,500,000. Terrapin Blue is a company that gets results, with more than 90% of their client’s grant applications being funded.
During this webinar, bus industry grant writing experts will discuss exclusive bus industry grant funding opportunities such as the $8.8 million available under the ADA grant program, as well as how to navigate the often difficult online grant application process.
Get expert advice during this webinar from a noted professional in the grant writing world, presented by ABA’s exclusive partners at Terrapin Blue. Start the application process with a recognized grant writing expert today.
Completed ADA grant applications are due June 7, 2012.
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December 14, 2011
"Social Media Marketing on a Humanized Web"
Presented by: Jeff Korhan
Smart businesses today realize that social is not just a layer to add to their marketing, but an essential component that has to be baked into every aspect of the business. People are hard-wired to connect and engage with others, and anything that works against that is friction that inhibits your success.
This is why social media is dramatically influencing how you should market and operate your business today. In this webinar, learn why it is essential to understand how social media and related technologies are influencing the buying behaviors of customers in your markets, and how you can use it to humanize your business to make it more attractive to them.
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December 7, 2011
"Outlook and E-mail Quick Tips and Techniques"
Presented by: Randall Dean
In this webinar session, popular ABA presenter Randy Dean, MBA, will cover a few of his favorite e-mail and Outlook tricks and techniques. He'll show you how to quickly regain control of an out-of-control inbox, as well as some of his favorite time-saving tips within Microsoft Outlook (and even a Google tip or two.) Randy will share these and more strategies during several sessions at the upcoming ABA Marketplace in Grapevine, but will give you a little taste of some of his favorite tips in this brief webinar program.
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November 2, 2011
"Using Profile Sheets and Other Planning Tools for a Successful Marketplace Experience"
Presented by: Vicki Osman
Preparation is the most important first-step in moving towards having a successful Marketplace experience. This webinar will include a review of available resources and will show you how to access the tools and sample materials available to all Marketplace delegates to help make your week effective.
Featured topics will include:
* Planning your Marketplace week: A look at how to develop your personal Marketplace schedule as well as tips on navigating and surviving the week's events.
* A review of checklists: A simple look at recommended pre-show checklists of activities for Buyers, Attractions, DMOs, and Lodging attendees as well as how to take advantage of food options.
* Guidelines to developing your company's profile sheet: Your on-site Profile Sheet is your "calling card" at Marketplace. Profile sheets and business cards are the only collateral allowed on the Business Floor for distribution during appointments.
* Learn how to do appointment research and preparation: Strategies for setting targets for your pre-scheduled appointments. Also hear tips for making appointment requests online.
* How to make additional contacts during Marketplace: A few recommendations include attending State/Provincial caucuses, walking the Business Floor, alternative networking opportunities and creative ways to fill open appointments, and leveraging sponsorship opportunities.
* A review of a list of sample questions to use during your appointment.
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October 19, 2011
"Understanding The Importance Of Nonverbal Communication"
Presented by: Jan Hargrave
Mastering the art of nonverbal communication is an essential skill for anyone in business in this day and age. Whether you are making a presentation to colleagues, taking a perspective client out to lunch, or just shaking hands during a job interview your body is sending out a series of subtle nonverbal cues that tell your audience a lot more about you than the words coming out of your mouth.
The topics covered will include:
- The "Secret Language of Success", learn how to tell if someone is lying to you.
- Understand how to appear confident, when nervous.
- Recognize the hidden power of your handshake.
- Identify gender communication differences between men and women.
- Learn to develop articulate/positive body language during presentations.
- Understand acceptable and unacceptable cultural body language.
- Explore sensitivities in various cultures.
- Turn a job interview into a job by recognizing positive body language signals.
- Identify power plays for successful self-selling.
Jan is professional speaker, distinguished lecturer and author of five books. She has appeared on the Montel Williams Show, Fox News, The Learning Channel and E-Entertainment Television. She is a contributing author to: The New York Post, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, In Touch Weekly, US Weekly and Golf Magazine. She has given presentations to Fortune 500 companies like Lockheed Martin, Merrill Lynch, Starbucks and ESPN. Jan will also be speaking at the 2012 ABA Marketplace.
Catch a preview of Jan in action below.
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September 28, 2011
"Top 100 & GroupConnect: Making It Easy to Tour the Best of the Top Events in 2012"
Presented by: Tony Funderburg and Niki Yarbrough
ABA's Top 100 Events in North America is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Each spring, a committee of ABA-member motorcoach and tour operators selects the Top 100 Events for the subsequent year; the list is unveiled in September. Winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events, and more that have been nominated by ABA members. From among the winners, ABA names the Number One Event for both the United States and Canada.
GroupConnect.com makes it easy to plan your itinerary for the best of the Top 100 Events. From departure to return learn how you can build itineraries utilizing ABA and OMCA travel industry members for all your tour components in one place. Join the GroupConnect team as we show you how to research destinations, review company profiles, use the mapping and routing tools, and build your “shopping cart” to receive quotes.
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September 7, 2011
"Updating Your Company's Marketplace Profile "
Presented by ABA Staff Member: Vicki Osman
Is this your first year coming to ABA’s Marketplace or are you feeling a little rusty in introducing yourself to other appointment takers with the approaching appointment-scheduling dates? Then this is the webinar for you!
Once you are registered for Marketplace, you can use the Research Database to see who is coming to Marketplace and to research the companies that you want to target onsite. The Marketplace Research Database opens September 8th. So start the planning process today!
All registered companies have detailed profiles available in our database and a bus or tour operator company’s (Buyers) profile includes information like top five cities most visited, types of properties used and customer base percentages. Travel destination and supplier (Sellers) profiles have contact information and venue descriptions listed.
The first step for successful research is making sure your company’s profile is updated and complete. This webinar will walk you through the process of updating your company’s Marketplace profile and will help get you set up for your Marketplace research before appointment requests begin on September 15th.
Ask a Question about updating your profile or using the Research Database
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September 1, 2011
"Your Guide to Visiting Lower Manhattan (NYC), the new National September 11 Memorial & Museum"
Presented by: Kim Wright, Luis Sanchez, Joshua Kraus
This ABA hosted webinar will provide bus and tour operators with a first look as to what they can expect on their next trip to New York and Lower Manhattan for the opening of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
The New York City Department of Transportation’s Commissioner for Lower Manhattan, Luis Sanchez, and his colleague Joshua Kraus will brief operators on routing guidelines for accessing attractions in Lower Manhattan, motorcoach pick-up/drop-off spots and revised bus parking locations and regulations.
Many operators and group travel leaders will be interested to hear about the regulatory changes affecting motorcoach access to attractions such as Battery Park, the South Street Seaport, the Financial District, and the World Trade Center site.
Also during this webinar Kim Wright, the Director of Marketing and Reservations with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, will share recommendations on how to plan a successful visit to the Memorial. She will also explain their Transportation Partners Program, which gives motorcoach operators new park-and-ride options to access Lower Manhattan.
Download Webinar Video Source File
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Ask Kim a Question About Booking Your Group Trip to the Memorial
Ask Joshua a Question About NYC Regulations & Bus Parking in Lower Manhattan
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August 10, 2011
"Operator Trip Planning: Washington, DC"
Sponsored by Destination DC
Presented by: Theresa Belpulsi, Morgan Maravich, Eulois Cleckley
Get a preview as to what you can expect on your next motorcoach trip to Washington, DC from the people who know it best. Destination DC has partnered with ABA and the DC Department of Transportation to deliver an interactive and informative briefing on the latest motorcoach regulations in the District as well as upcoming tourism events such as the opening of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, the Cherry Blossom Centennial, the Girl Scout Sing-Along, the National Christmas Tree Lighting and other important events in Washington, DC.
Destination DC's Vice President of Tourism and Visitor Services, Theresa Belpulsi, and Tourism Services Manager, Morgan Maravich, will update you on the unique offers, special trends, and innovative campaigns that the District is utilizing to bring more groups to visit Washington, DC.
Also, Manager of Statewide and Regional Planning Eulois Cleckley from the DC Department of Transportation will provide bus and tour operators with an opportunity to learn more about the motorcoach operating and regulatory environment in Washington, DC. He will answer questions regarding permitting requirements, available motorcoach parking locations, street routing, pick-up/drop-off points and other critical information important to tourism and group travel to Washington, DC.
Ask Morgan a Question About Upcoming DC Tourism Events
Ask Eulois a Question About DC Regulations & Bus Parking
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June 2, 2011
"The ABC’s of Grant Writing"
Presented by: Ryan Kelly
Learn the tools of the trade from professional grant writer and transportation industry consultant, Ryan Kelly. As the CEO and founder of Terrapin Blue, the organization has successfully written, secured and managed grant funding for motorcoach companies totalling more than $10,000,000. Terrapin Blue is a company that gets results, with more than 95% of their client’s grant applications being funded.
During this webinar, bus industry grant writing experts will discuss exclusive bus industry grant funding opportunities such as the ADA grant program and the $5 million available to the private motorcoach industry through the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program as well as how to navigate the often difficult grant application process.
Get expert advice during this webinar from a professional in the grant writing world, hosted by ABA’s exclusive partners at Terrapin Blue. Start the application process with a recognized security grant writing expert today. Security grant applications are due June 20, 2011.
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March 7, 2011
"Motorcoaches and Risk, What Tour Operators Need to Know"
Presented by: Joe Osterman
Mr. Osterman spoke at Marketplace 2011 in January and will be leading a seminar at the OMCA/ABA Tour Operator Summit March 30-31 at Turning Stone Resort near Syracuse, New York.
The Bus Industry Safety Council is working hard to help you, the tour operator, provide a safe trip for your clients. You will understand the keys to facilitating an effective interaction between bus companies and tour operators; learn to recognize the roles and rules governing the bus companies; and realize how those rules impact itineraries, driver schedules, and customer service. This is vital information to ensure your customers have the most enjoyable and safest trip possible.
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February 16, 2011
"Learn To Navigate a New Federal Safety Rating System"
Presented by: Tom Bray
Has your safety profile changed? A company that you work with? The FMCSA has recently rolled out a new safety audit and rating system. An ABA webinar sponsored by JJ Keller will deliver a general understanding of the new responsibilities/requirements, best practices and potential consequences under the new regulatory and rating standard.
Join JJ Keller's transportation expert Thomas Bray and learn how to navigate this new rating system and start preparing for your next safety audit today!
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December 6, 2010
"TAMING THE E-MAIL BEAST: QUICK TIPS"
Presented by: Randall Dean
ABA's popular education consultant and Marketplace seminar leader, Randy Dean, author of a recent Amazon.com bestseller will share some of his best e-mail management techniques. Learn a few handy tips to keep your e-mail account accessible and organized.
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November 10, 2010
"ELECTIONS AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS WEBINAR"
Presented by ABA's Chief Lobbyist: Clyde Hart
Join ABA's lobbyists to learn how the 2010 Congressional elections will impact industry priorities. Get briefed on ABA's legislative strategy to help prepare for changes that could impact your business. To continue to receive information on ABA's government affairs activities and to sign up for our quarterly updates, members are encouraged to sign and return BUSPAC solicitation approvals.
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October 13, 2010
"HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE"
Presented by: Jeff Korhan
Keep hearing how YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook will get you more business? Get a head start from Marketplace 2011 speaker Jeff Korhan and learn how to use social media to improve your bottom line.
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September 15, 2010
"NEW SEATBELT RULE FOR MOTORCOACHES"
Presented by ABA's General Counsel: Rick Schweitzer
Seatbelts will be required for all NEW motorcoaches in the near future! in this session ABA experts explained the elements of the proposed seatbelt rule as well as anticipated next steps in the regulatory process.
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