Travel Planners International (TPI), one of the industry's oldest and largest host agencies with more than 2,000 independent travel agents nationwide, today announced details of its annual TPI Extravaganza set for Oct. 8-12, 2014 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Among the conference highlights: an extensive line-up of industry leaders - including five senior executives: Vicki Freed of Royal Caribbean International, Dondra Ritzenhaler of Celebrity Cruises, Camille Olivere of Norwegian Cruise Line, Mike Julius of Carnival Cruise Lines, and Barbie Groves of Funjet; six TPI management, member, and supplier panel discussions; 75 hands-on training classes; and two first-ever pre-conference ship inspections (Enchantment of the Seas and Norwegian Breakaway) in addition to five post-conference ship inspections.
"Based on the unprecedented registration levels to-date, we're expecting a record attendance at this year's TPI Extravaganza with an estimated turnout of more than 400 TPI members, suppliers, and guests," said Ken Gagliano, TPI president. "That's up by about 100 agents from last year, which tells us we're spot on with the right mix of content, delivered by respected industry leaders, and presented in venues that promote professional development, networking, and relaxation over the four-day period."
TPI Co-founders Ken Gagliano and Tony Gagliano, vice president, will officially kick off the conference on Wednesday morning, Oct. 8, followed by keynote speaker Joanie Ogg of Joanie Ogg Marketing Group. From there, participants can choose from the extensive lineup of training classes on such topics as "Tips to Start and Grow Your Social Media Channels" and "Making Customer Relationships ROCK." The next two days offer a similar format and schedule. In addition, TPI agents will have access to as many as 25 vendors at a special afternoon roundtable event on Oct. 9, as well as to more than 80 suppliers at a morning trade show on Oct. 10.
The lineup of evening events has already created quite a buzz, especially with additions like the I-Fly simulated sky diving experience with Royal Caribbean on Oct. 9 and the surprise-filled farewell party at Disney's famed Hollywood Studio on Oct. 10.
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