The Association of Black Travel Professionals (ABTP) held its second annual summit at Meet Las Vegas from Dec. 2-3. The two-day event provided attendees — more than 75 travel professionals — opportunities for networking, business development and continuing education.
ABTP was founded to be the premier organization focused on the development, growth and certification of Black travel professionals, and aims to support them through professional development, networking and educational opportunities and more, according to a press release.
Members of ABTP include both individuals and companies who provide services to the travel industry; this includes travel advisors, hotel and resorts, transportation companies, event planners and more.
This year’s summit aimed to bring travel industry members together to deepen their supplier knowledge and relationships with their peers. In addition to educational workshops, the agenda included supplier-led discussions, peer-to-peer discovery sessions and meet-and-greets with suppliers. Attending suppliers included AmaWaterways, American Airlines Vacations, Louisville Tourism, Renny Travel International (a destination management company in the Dominican Republic), Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, the American Society of Travel Advisors and Northstar Travel Group (the parent company of TravelAge West), among others.
“I had the honor of meeting, connecting and reconnecting with amazing travel advisors and representatives from around the country over the past few days,” said attendee Edouard Jean, owner of Massive Travels, Inc. in New York and a board member for ABTP. “The lineup of speakers was great, [and I] can’t wait for next year’s summit.”
The event wrapped up with a farewell celebratory Sneaker Gala (where attendees wore formal wear and sneakers).
In addition to the annual summit, ABTP members have access to seminars and workshops. An ABTP Professional membership begins at $109 per year, and supplier memberships vary, but range from $795 per year (for an Acting Partner membership) to $3,500 per year (for a Spotlight Partner membership).
