The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) is offering a way for you to jumpstart your travel business.

NACTA’s 2018 Annual Conference will feature educational workshops and seminars designed to help agents improve all aspects of their travel business. It will give you face-to-face meetings with suppliers and the opportunity to network with fellow independent travel consultants.

“This event embodies the hard-to-reach vetted travel consultant having face-to-face time with suppliers,” said NACTA President Ann Chamberlin. “And in return, NACTA members can build relationships and showcase their expertise in one-on-one appointments with various NACTA travel supplier members who support the independent travel agent segment.”

The conference, which is called Room to Cruise—so named because it takes place on both land and sea—is scheduled for Aug. 23-25 at the Washington, D.C. Hilton, and Aug. 26-Sept. 2 on the Carnival Pride cruise ship out of Baltimore.

It kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 23, with sightseeing from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees can choose from the following sightseeing opportunities—the “National Mall Highlights Double-Decker Bus Tour,” which includes the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, and the White House; a faith-focused excursion that includes Saint John Paul II shrine and Museum of the Bible; and “A Capital Oasis: Washington D.C.’s Historic Homes and Gardens,” which visits Hillwood and Tudor Place.

A Chapter Director Meeting is set for 2 to 5 p.m., a New Member Reception from 5 to 6 p.m. and a Welcome Reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, Aug. 24, a general session will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. The keynote speaker is Chris Austin, senior vice president of global marketing and sales for Seabourn, who will talk about “The Affluent Guest Today, Earning Enduring Loyalty & Building Lifetime Connections and Lifetime Value.” He’ll share insights into how the luxury landscape has changed and what affluent consumers are seeking today. For suppliers and travel professionals alike, earning loyalty beyond reason is critical for success. Austin will provide a number of ideas that, if executed, will create lifelong clients.

Other events that day include educational hour-long sessions at 10:10 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 4 p.m., a presentation and lunch at 12:30 p.m. and the tradeshow from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m.

The NACTA Gala Awards Dinner will start at 7 p.m. at the Gaylord National Resort.

The events on Saturday, Aug. 25, begin with breakfast and a presentation at 9-10 a.m., followed by a product knowledge series at 10:30 a.m., educational session at noon, lunch and presentation at 12:30 p.m., engagement sessions from 1:30 to 5 p.m., and an evening event.

On Sunday, Aug. 26, attendees choosing to sail on the Carnival Pride will take included bus transfers to Baltimore. The experience on the Carnival Pride will include NACTA receptions, events, and fams throughout the cruise. The cruise will visit Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport.

The 2018 NACTA Conference Sponsors are Carey International, Carnival Cruise Line, and Luxury Retreats.

For more information or to register, visit nacta2018conference.com.