ASTA has announced networking opportunities at its Travel Retailing & Destination Expo, which takes place in Los Angeles, Sept. 7 to 9. Events include ASTA’s annual black-tie Advocacy Dinner, sponsored by Sabre Travel Network; the Premium Business Session, sponsored by Best Western, CCRA, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Travel Insured and the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites; and an opening night on the rooftop of the ICON-LA ultra-lounge.

The Premium Session brings together the travel industry’s most successful agencies for networking and the opportunity to share best practices and develop strategic solutions for dealing with some of the industry’s most critical issues. This year’s invitation-only session will take place at the Westin Bonaventure on Sept. 6 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and include a dinner at LA Prime, sponsored by Starwood Hotels and Resorts and the Westin Bonaventure. To reserve a spot, contact Ashley Mochal at amochal@asta.org.

The Advocacy Dinner will take place at Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom of the Millennium Biltmore. Now in its ninth year, the Advocacy Dinner is an exclusive, black-tie event bringing together elite travel agents, suppliers and industry players in recognition of ASTA lobbying efforts and legislative successes at the state and federal level. During the dinner, the winner of the Barbara O'Hara Advocacy Award will be announced. The award is presented each year by the Interactive Travel Services Association to the ASTA member who has made the most significant contribution in advocating for the interests of the travel agency community before federal, state and/or local governmental authorities. Individual tickets are available for purchase while registering for ASTA-LA. To sponsor a table (10 seats), acquire President's Club tickets, or for further assistance please, contact Courtney Beddia at cbeddia@asta.org.

The opening night event on Sept. 7 at ICON-LA ultra-lounge will offer an opportunity to make industry connections and network with peers while taking in the nighttime panorama of Los Angeles. Attendees will enjoy cuisine and sip specialty cocktails while they watch the sun set, before heading downstairs to the dance floor, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the city.