ASTA has announced the program for its Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (ASTA-LA) in Los Angeles, Sept. 7 to 9. Among the show’s highlights are exclusive Microsoft education, where Microsoft-certified experts will teach attendees how to secure and maintain their computer, data and online management systems.

In addition, ASTA is featuring Los Angeles destination training, which will show agents how to turn existing demand into profits by selling Los Angeles; Thought Leader speakers, including James Shillinglaw, editorial director of Travalliance; and CLIA session tracks, where agents will learn to create a sustainable profit line while earning up to 10 hours of CLIA credits.

ASTA also will hold sessions called Hollywood insiders, which will deliver proven marketing techniques; Travel Institute testing, which will provide testing for any of the Travel Institute's designations at no additional charge; an advocacy dinner, a black-tie event that brings together elite travel agents, suppliers and industry players in recognition of ASTA's lobbying efforts and legislative successes at the state and federal level; a Business Travel Coalition Meeting, where corporate travel managers, travel agents and travel management company reps can voice their perspective on the future of travel and how to best protect their interests as a travel professional; and the opening event at ICON LA. Registration costs $79 and includes the full education line-up, as well as networking events and a tradeshow, featuring the industry’s top suppliers.