At ASTA’s 75th and final World Congress, the phrase most often
heard was
joie de’ vivre. It was undoubtedly a side effect
of having the congress in Montreal, the second largest
French-speaking city in the world, and a city known for its passion
for life. ASTA members, travel suppliers and industry leaders
experienced that joy firsthand from Nov. 6-11 as they came together
for the final time to talk travel. Beginning next year, ASTA will
premiere two new events designed to take the place of the World
Congress there will be a destination- and education-focused event
called the International Destination Expo and a major industry
event called THETRADESHOW.
The Flavor of the City
From the outset, it was clear the congress would take advantage
of Montreal’s unique personality. Attendees were treated to a
number of sightseeing tours and events sponsored by Tourisme
Montreal, and the opening address took place in Old Town Montreal’s
gothic Notre Dame Basilica. As ASTA members and industry figures
filled the immense church on a rainy night, ASTA officers and
others addressed the crowd.
ASTA president Kathy Sudeikis gave the most notable address of
the evening. She called for industry-wide cooperation to root out
“card mills,” urged members to work together to “restore dignity to
our profession” and declared that ASTA will seek out new
cutting-edge ways of doing business.
“Too often in the past, out of a sense of fairness, we have let
the lowest common denominator set the agenda,” she said. “Let’s
change that focus and look to the best and brightest, those agents
that are ahead of the herd and not running with it.”
Throughout the congress, Sudeikis and Deb Mangas, Congress
Chair, were warmly received every time they took the stage, which
was often. Mangas in particular had some memorable exchanges with
Charles Lapointe, president and CEO of Tourisme Montreal.
Most congress events, as well as the trade show, were held in
the city’s modern and centrally located Palais des Congres. Daily
events included the trade show, seminars on a variety of issues, as
well as “roundtables” and one-on-one “business appointments” with
suppliers. Most agents gave the daily events favorable reviews,
although suppliers’ opinions were mixed on the success of the
roundtables and appointments. Apparently, most agents preferred to
meet with suppliers casually on the trade-show floor.
The show featured over 270 suppliers from destinations all over
the world. The most elaborate displays included live music and free
pilsner beer at the Czech booth, a full-size “fun bus” from
Branson, Mo., a convertible Mustang (along with magicians, chefs
and a cappuccino server at the Hertz booth) and a full replica of
the new Marriott guestroom.
Guest Speakers and Entertainment
Each day at the Congress saw an action-packed General Session
featuring speeches by industry leaders and guest speakers, as well
as a variety of awards.
Guest speakers included Canadian world explorer Bruce Kirby, who
related for the crowd his many exotic expeditions around the world
including trekking across the Sahara by camel. Kirby won over the
crowd right off the bat when he said that the first number he
programmed into his new cell phone belonged to his travel
agent.
Another favorite was Hollywood legend Ed McMahon, who delighted
the crowd with clips, anecdotes and jokes from his many years on
the “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. Like Kirby, McMahon said he
enjoyed a close relationship with his travel agent. McMahon, a dog
lover, said he even gave her a puppy.
“I’ve known her for 15 years,” he said of the agent. “When
something goes wrong I know she will be there to help me.”
In addition to Kirby and McMahon, a slew of industry leaders
spoke to the crowd during the general sessions. One of the most
exciting of the industry-related events was a panel on the final
day of the Congress called “GDS and the New Entrants: Changes,
Myths and Realities.” A panel discussion moderated by ASTA’s Paul
Ruden brought together representatives from Cendent, Sabre, ITA
Software and G2 SwitchWorks. Despite the technological complexity
of the subject, the animosity between the panelists spoke volumes,
as Ruden could barely keep the speakers from lashing out at each
other.
The atmosphere was much more congenial for the presentation of
the numerous awards presented during the congress. Two, in
particular, were especially exciting to us at TravelAge West.
First, Alan Fredericks, former Editorial Director for Northstar
Travel Media (TAW’s parent company) and longtime editor of Travel
Weekly, was posthumously inducted into the Travel Hall of Fame.
Second, agent Susan Tanzman, of Martin’s Travel and Tours in Los
Angeles, a leading figure in Southern California’s agent community
and a member of TAW’s Advisory Board, was named Travel Agent of the
Year.
In addition, another Western agent, Susan Parr, of Susan Parr
Travel in Port Angeles, Wash., was presented with ASTA’s Extra Mile
Award. The award is given to an agent who “goes above and beyond
the call of duty to help their customers.” Parr demonstrated that
dedication when she traveled to Ethiopia herself in order to bring
back her clients’ newly adopted baby.
“Her selfless efforts make her extremely deserving of this
honor,” ASTA president Sudeikis said of Parr. “Knowing her and how
wonderful she is, we are so pleased to present her with this
award.”
Time to Party
Awards, motivational speakers, educational opportunities and
supplier interaction are all well and good, but congress-goers also
know how to party. Beginning with individual chapter dinners at
restaurants and bistros around town, Montreal lived up to its
reputation for having a thriving nightlife.
The highlight of the congress dinners was presented by the
Casino de Montreal and other partners. Along with a gourmet dinner,
there was a musical performance by the group From Rock to Opera.
After dinner, shuttles took attendees to the casino for a night of
gaming.
The next night saw the advocacy dinner. This black-tie event
designed to show support for ASTA’s lobbying work in Washington,
D.C., was held in the elegant Windsor Ballrooms. The highlight of
the evening was a performance by members of the troupe that is
doing a stage adaptation of the “Lord of the Rings” in Toronto.
The final dinner of the congress was hosted by the Czech
Republic. Prague will be the site of the first International
Destination Expo, March 21-26. The evening was the culmination of
the congress and represented the handing over of the torch from one
destination to the next.
At this year’s World Congress, ASTA members said goodbye to the
long, rich history of the congress just as the organization itself
is facing a number of major changes, both in its membership
structure and in its industry events. In light of these
developments, there is little doubt that history will see the
Montreal Congress as a watershed moment in the organization’s
history.
| BY THE NUMBERS
ASTA’s World Congress saw:
- Over 2,200 attendees
- Over 270 exhibiting companies, with 40 countries represented
- Over 75 domestic and international tourist organizations
- Over 45 hotel brands and properties
- Over 25 cruise lines
- Over 40 travel and tour companies
- Over 15 technology firms
- Over 15 publications
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