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Dear [CmpPrimContactFirstName]:
It is my pleasure to be your representative for the Attractions / Local Receptives / and Other segment of the ABA Suppliers. I am in the first year of my two year term and I can tell you being part of the Marketplace Advisory Committee is a rewarding experience, both personally and professionally.
Our first meeting in Charlotte, NC was very productive. Part of the job for both ABA Staff and the MAC members is to read all of the evaluations and comments sent in by the membership concerning the 2008 ABA Marketplace in Virginia Beach. Marketplace 2008 brought MORE business to the Beach, but this year, Charlotte will put money in the bank.
Registration material will be mailed to you on July 11th. It will also be available on-line July 16th. On-line registration will open on different dates for each travel industry category to shorten the on-line time to submit one's registration and to prevent server overload that was experienced in the past. The staggered registration dates will not negatively impact your company because all appointment-takers within a specific appointment session, or travel industry category, will have the same registration start date.
- There are 7 host hotel properties, all with similar housing blocks. Housing reservations may be made starting July 14th.
- Our category (Attractions/LRO/Other) will be on the Marketplace Floor on Sunday morning, Monday morning, and Monday afternoon. Your appointments with Bus & Tour Operator's will be in two of these three sessions, but you may be on the floor for all 3 sessions.
- Our "Mating & Networking Session" will be on Sunday, Jan. 11, starting at 9:10 a.m. - there is only one Mating session for the 3 Attractions/LRO/Other Appointment sessions. This 20 minute session is for you to say a quick hello or quickly set up a meeting with a customer or prospect. Bring plenty of profile sheets & business cards!
- Caucus is on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 7:30 am - 9:00 am. Get the "feeling of the floor" and leads from your State or Province DMO's. State Caucus room assignments will be made available at convention in the convention program.
- NEW! Your Attraction Representative, which is me, will have a special meeting on Sunday, Jan. 11 from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm to discuss any suggestions, opportunities or ideas that our category has for ABA. Local Receptive Operators will have a special meeting on Sunday, Jan. 11 from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm.
- Professional education is another way to put money in the bank, check out the education seminar listing online.
- Volunteer some time & take advantage of the seminars. You'll be surprised on how many operators you'll meet along the way! Volunteer sign up will begin in September.
You can find other important information on the ABA web site.
I look forward to seeing you in Charlotte. Get ready for another great show! If I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Chris Shepler
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
2009 Marketplace Advisory Committee Attraction / LRO / Other Representative
Tel: (906) 643-9440
E-mail: chris@sheplersferry.com