ACTA 2024 Western Canada Travel Industry Summit
The City of Vancouver is a coastal, seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia and where ACTA will be hosting their ACTA Vancouver Conference. Join us on September 19th as we reconnect industry for a day of professional development and networking. Join ACTA as we connect you with Canada’s most popular tourism destinations and the amazing brands that serve them. Top motivational speakers, entrepreneur panels, and leading figures from a variety of sectors will be there to meet with you and share new ideas, opportunities and experiences.
This event promises to be a thrilling blend of industry insights, networking, and well-deserved celebration. Get ready to be captivated, inspired, and ready to take your travel business to new heights. The stage is set, and the excitement is building. See you there!
Hourly Schedule
8:00 AM | Registration
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | General Session
- Canadian Travel Agency and Travel Advisor Priorities and Business Trends
- Join ACTA President, Wendy Paradis, as she shares the most up to date Canadian travel industry trends looking into 2025 and beyond, along with priorities ACTA is currently actioning on behalf of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors across Canada.
- Keynote - Enhancing Accessibility in Travel
- Join us for an enlightening session with Kerianne Wilson, Air Canada’s Director of Customer Accessibility, where she will delve into the importance and enhancement of accessibility in air travel. This session will provide valuable insights into the current landscape of accessible travel, an update on the latest innovative strategies and dedicated efforts, and you’ll learn about the broader context of accessibility in Canada. Attendees can look forward to an engaging and informative experience, we hope that this important topic will spark meaningful questions and provide a valuable learning opportunity. Advisors will gain insights and knowledge that are not only surprising but also crucial for enhancing their ability to support clients with disabilities. Don't miss this chance to learn and grow in your capacity to support and advocate for accessible travel.
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Speakers:
Kerianne Wilson
- Keynote - Artificial Intelligence in Travel: Navigating the Future - Current Landscape, Opportunities, Risks, and Challenges for Travel Advisors
- Step into the future of travel with our keynote speaker, Mike Drever, as he explores the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence in the travel industry. Discover the current landscape, uncover opportunities, understand risks, and embrace the challenges that lie ahead for travel advisors. Gain insights that will equip you to navigate this evolving landscape and harness AI to propel your travel advisory business into the future. Join us for an inspirational journey into the possibilities of AI in travel and prepare to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.
11:30 AM -12:20 PM | Educational Breakout Sessions:
- Emerging Patterns in Luxury Travel: Exploring Trends & Dynamic Demands of the Luxury Market
- Luxury Travel is a dynamic and thriving sector of our industry. Engage with experts and uncover innovative strategies to stay ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving landscape. We’ll discuss trends and demands, personalized experiences to sustainable tourism initiatives.
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Speakers:
McKenzie McMillan
- Sailing Beyond Horizons: Navigating the Future of Cruise Travel
- Dive into the dynamic world of cruising and its impact on global tourism with engaging insights and anecdotes. Explore the latest trends, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives while contemplating the future of travel on the high seas.
- AI Journeys: Unveiling Practical Strategies for Seamless Integration into Your Business
- Embark on a journey into the transformative realm of artificial intelligence, uncovering practical tips and real-world demonstrations to seamlessly integrate AI into your business operations. Gain invaluable insights to propel your business forward, leveraging the power of intelligent technology.
12:30 PM | Networking Lunch
- Enjoy a fabulous seated lunch, presented by our Premiere Sponsors.
2:10 PM | Grand Tradeshow
- Engage with over 75+ suppliers.
4:10 PM | General Session
- Panel Discussion - Navigating Success: Strategies for Thriving Travel Advisors
- Step into a world where passion meets opportunity, and discover the keys to transforming your travel advising career from good to extraordinary. Immerse yourself in dynamic discussions on essential strategies to elevate your travel business. Master the art of transparent service fees, enhancing trust and client satisfaction. Unlock the power of group travel, leveraging collective opportunities to significantly expand your business reach. This session is more than just a learning opportunity; it’s a chance to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and build a supportive network that will propel you forward. Get ready to transform your travel advisory career with actionable insights and proven strategies and embark on a journey to unparalleled success.
5:15 PM | Networking Cocktail Reception
- Join us for an elegant evening of connection and conversation at our Networking Cocktail Reception.
Speakers
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Valerie StygerSenior Country Manager - Canada | Expedia TAAPVoted ‘deal-maker’ by Expedia TAAP in 2023, sales and leadership expert Valerie Styger is a keen business strategist. With a rich background in B2B sales across various sectors such as hotels, tour operators, and technology, Valerie has climbed the corporate ladder from an entry-level position to a prominent role at Expedia Group.
Her journey to success was forged in the fires of competition, drawing from her early years as an award-winning martial artist, which instilled in her a keen understanding of conflict psychology and a relentless drive to excel.
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Roxy Rae CTMTravel Manager | EnvoyageI’ve been a travel agent for 17 years, and I love my job and the company I work for, Envoyage. My journey began with a fascination for travel and logistics, which I turned into a rewarding career. Over the years, I’ve navigated the challenges of travel management, sharpening my skills and expanding my knowledge. I’m proud of my ability to manage travel efficiently, focusing on details to ensure smooth experiences for my clients. Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and industry partners has been key to my success, for which I am very grateful.
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Claire BanmanOwner, Senior Travel Consultant | South East TravelClaire Banman is the Co-owner of South East Travel, which operates offices in both Manitoba and BC. She began her career as a Travel Consultant in 2010, both in office and home-based, specializing in groups, luxury and adventure. In addition to her role in the travel industry, Claire has been an Office Manager and Commissioner of Oaths for a busy Real Estate Law firm. In 2021, Claire, with her business partner Deborah Schroeder, began the process of licensing their Travel Agency in BC, opening a second brick and mortar in 2024 growing their business significantly to meet the growing demand.
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Anita Gibeau CTCOwner | Kaleidoscope Travel & CruiseWith 23 years experience in the travel industry, Anita Gibeau is a seasoned travel advisor and founder of Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise. Living on the family farm established in 1909 near Cluny, Alberta, Anita began her career in 2001. Her home-based agency evolved into a thriving storefront with 3 agents. Supported by 2 client care managers, 1 creative designer, 1 finance coordinator, and 12 independent contractors, the team offers specialized travel experiences. Anita’s passion for cruising has taken her on 53 cruises. These experiences have deepened her expertise and enthusiasm.
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Ashley Hanneman CTCOwner & Founder | MONARCH TRAVEL PROSAshley Hanneman is the Owner of Monarch Travel Pros located in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Over the course of many years, she has proudly built her business solely based on referrals and repeat clientele. Monarch Travel is honored to have received the Community Votes Platinum Award for Top Travel Agency in both 2022 & 2023. Ashley’s clients have become like family to her, and this achievement is the result of her longstanding reputation within her community. She can truly relate to the saying that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
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Monica Marchi CTCTravel Advisor | Expedia CruisesI entered the travel industry in 1999 and managed a store-front agency for several years, then stepped away for over a decade while raising a family. After returning to Travel in 2019, I mainly arrange cruises, but also land vacations, flights, bus tours, and train journeys for clients. Group business is a large part of my success.
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