Ensemble Travel Group’s 2012 International Conference, set for Oct.17-21 at the Red Rock Resort Las Vegas, is built around the theme “Come Together,” a message that reflects the unity of the organization’s North American membership and network of worldwide preferred partners.

 “Our primary goal at conference is to bring these two groups together and help them become more profitable in the business of travel, while we, as an organization, continue to grow stronger and more powerful,” said Lindsay Pearlman, co-president of Ensemble. “How do we do that in Las Vegas? Through a series of business-centric, solution-based discussions, targeted learning opportunities, and non-stop networking, attendees will re-charge their business models in ways they never thought possible.”

According to Ensemble executives, the conference program is based on member feedback received through several sources, including conference surveys and LinkedIn. Many of the topics and guest educators are new this year and are sure to make for a meaningful experience for all attendees.

 “Regardless if you’re a $3 million or $30 million dollar agency, if you’re an IC, retail, or home-based agent, this year’s program respects the various business models and offers members an extensive collection of new tools, applications, and strategies to help them think and operate differently and more profitably in the future,” said Libbie Rice, co-president of Ensemble. “This conference will give them the confidence and skills they need to really stand out from their competition.”

Highlights of the 2012 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference include: An enhanced social media track on Wednesday (Oct. 17), including newcomers like Pinterest, will offer breakouts focused on the business application of tools like Facebook and blogging, as well as a session on the how-tos of these various client engagement techniques.

A series of short virtual fams, featuring off-the-beaten track destinations, will be offered Wednesday to give members fast facts and ideas of where to go for a more comprehensive look at countries such as Israel and South Africa. Two Frontline Agent Tracks will be held on Thursday (Oct. 18) and Saturday (Oct. 20) and feature an expert known for helping agents think out of the box (sales skills track) and veteran Ensemble staff trainers (Ensemble certified track).

The Circle of Excellence gala on Friday night (Oct. 19) kicks off with a performance by the soulful Sister Act and continues the Broadway theme with show tunes during dinner. Ensemble’s top producers and suppliers are honored that evening. The gala will also feature a raffle and live auction to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. Last year’s inaugural effort raised more than $60,000 for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Among the donated prizes to-date: a $26,000 cruise from Orion Expedition Cruises.

Other evening functions and entertainment will include Thursday night’s (Oct. 18) “party on your own” at home (including restaurant discounts at Red Rock) or on the strip and Saturday night’s (Oct. 20) farewell celebration featuring games, entertainment, prizes, food, and plenty of fun. In addition, Cirque du Soleil is offering attendees a discount of 35 percent off certain shows Thursday night, and a 15 percent savings off popular Cirque de Soleil show “Love.”

The trade show (air, car, cruise, insurance, and land/tour preferred suppliers) will be held Friday (Oct. 19) in two ballrooms separated by the popular SmartBar activities. The roundtable exchange (hotelier, On Location, and specialty partners) is set for Thursday (Oct. 18) and Saturday (Oct. 20) to accommodate suppliers who come from all corners of the globe to meet with members. 

The North American owner/manager meeting will be held Thursday morning (Oct. 18) and centered around a non-travel business case study. This session is designed to provide plenty of opportunity for in-depth discussion both early on and throughout the four-day conference. Details of the conference keynote speaker, guest educators, and breakout sessions will be announced in the next few weeks.