ACTA 2024 Eastern Canada Travel Industry Summit
Hosted in Ontario’s most vibrant urban centre, the ACTA Toronto Conference will reconnect industry for a day of professional development and networking. Join us on September 12 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.
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Speakers:
Wendy Paradis
- 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
- 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.
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Speakers:
Judith Coates, Lynda Tomilin CTC, Monica Johnstone CTC
11:50 AM -12:45 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.
- 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.
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Speakers:
Ryan McElroy, Valerie Styger
- Unlocking the Power of Social Media: Inspiring Strategies for Elevating Sales and acquiring new customers
- Social media continues to be a key element for building a successful Travel Advisor business in 2024. Discover dynamic strategies to elevate sales and foster meaningful connections. Join us in exploring the transformative impact of strategic social media usage, propelling your business forward in today’s digital landscape.
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Speakers:
Andrew Jenkins
12:45 PM | Networking Lunch
- Enjoy a fabulous seated lunch, presented by our Premiere Sponsors.
2:10 PM | Grand Tradeshow
- Engage with over 100+ suppliers.
4:20 PM | General Session
- Keynote - Discover the World of Expedition Cruises - Maximizing Sales and Profit
- Step aboard for a journey into the exhilarating realm of expedition cruises! As one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry, expedition cruises are captivating travelers like never before. This is your golden opportunity to elevate your expertise as a travel advisor, tap into a highly profitable market, and create unforgettable memories for your clients. Join industry expert David Tanguay for an in-depth exploration of how specializing in expedition cruises can transform your travel business while championing sustainable travel practices. Don't miss out on this chance to embark on a path filled with endless possibilities and new horizons.
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Speakers:
David Tanguay
4:50 PM | ACTA Awards
- Celebrate excellence and innovation at the annual ACTA Awards, where we honor outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions in the Canadian Travel Industry.
5:30 PM | Networking Cocktail Reception
- Join us for an elegant evening of connection and conversation at our Networking Cocktail Reception.
Speakers
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David TanguayHead of Global Sales | Aurora Expeditions
David was introduced to immersive experiences at a very young age and since has always had a passion for travel and learning from experience. After graduating from the University of Montreal’s business school, he moved to China for a year to gain experience in Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. After returning to Canada, he was introduced to Expedition Travel and has been in this space for 13 years promoting this unique type of travel to adventurous travellers and the trade community. David stepped foot on the 7 continent for the first time in 2013, and has since, participated in multiple expeditions in the polar regions, including: Svalbard, Greenland, the Northwest Passage and Antarctica. David has travelled the world introducing expedition cruising and inspiring people in different countries to join these once in a lifetime experiences. In 2022, David completed his Master of Business Administration at Canada’s Ivey Business School, and learnt the importance of implementing purpose into his career. Understanding the power of positive impact that tourism can promote, David is excited to be working for Aurora – a pioneer and global leader in sustainable expedition travel – as their Global Head of Sales.
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Wendy DavisOwner | Zebrano TravelWendy launched the first lifestyle concierge service in Canada 25 years ago. Her agency focuses exclusively on Ultra High-Networth clientele. Zebrano Travel has been Virtuoso since 2008. Wendy is the Chair of the Virtuoso Global Hotel Committee and she’s received the Virtuoso Ruby of Siam Award for her leadership. She’s the 2nd Canadian Member to win this honoured award. When Wendy isn’t working on an “epic” trip – she’s often mentoring Advisors on how to charge for their time.
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Diane Cook CTMFounder & Principal Travel Designer | 7Seas2See TravelDiane is a World Traveler; a Professional, Certified Travel Advisor with a 40 year Travel Career. She left her retail travel management position in 2015 to start her own travel company, set up intentionally to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Named again to the Elite Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist 2024 List and a Virtuoso Advisor. Diane is recognized as a Top Travel Specialist and a member of the world’s most prestigious by invitation only, alliance of luxury and experiential travel professionals and suppliers.
Specializing in Bucket List Travel -
Valerie StygerSenior Country Manager - Canada | Expedia TAAP
Voted ‘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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Ola Ulewicz CTCAgency Owner | Jet Lag Voyages (part of TTAND)I have worked in the travel industry for over 15 years and I started my career as an advisor in 2011 with Flight Centre and during the pandemic went out on my own to start Jet Lag Voyages, proudly using The Travel Agent Next Door as my host agency. I operate a brick and mortar location – so as many agency models have gone remote or homebased, we went the opposite direction. It has been greatly successful and our focus is on luxury travel, FIT, cruises and tours. Personally, I have travelled to 90 countries and can’t wait for my next adventure- Mongolia! (on Sept 13th! right after the summit!)
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Lynda Tomilin CTCAgency Owner | Envoyage
With over 32 years of Travel Industry experience, I can honestly say my life’s purpose is travel, and help others make their travel dreams into a reality. In 1992. I took my first step and obtained my Travel and Tourism Certification as well as my entry level CITC Certification. Over the years I have continued to upgrade my travel knowledge and attained my CTC.I am a Home Based Agency Owner for Envoyage. I hold several Specialist certifications and keep current with as many tour operators, cruise lines, hotel and tourist boards as possible.38 countries I have visited, and hoping to check off more
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Wendy ParadisPresident | ACTA
With over 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, Wendy Paradis brings her extensive knowledge, expertise and passion to her role as President of ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors) and Board Executive Member of the WTAAA (World Travel Agents Associations Alliance).
Throughout her career, Wendy has had the privilege of working with some of Canada’s leading Travel Agencies and has expertise in every facet of travel agency sales and operations in both corporate and leisure travel. She is passionate about professional development and advocacy for Canada and the Global Travel Industry. -
Ryan McElroyChief Executive Officer/Founder, Investor, and Keynote Speaker
Ryan has 20 years of travel industry experience. He has worked in every facet of the travel industry, from startups to international tour companies. Ryan’s role within his portfolio of companies is to collaborate on strategic direction, lead the sales and marketing functions and drive profitability through innovative technologies. Recently, Ryan was named to the Top 20 Under 40 by London Inc. Magazine and top 40 under 40 by Canadian Traveller Magazine. His passion and forte is driving growth through innovative solutions that help hospitality-focused entrepreneurs build their businesses.
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Monica Johnstone CTCChair | ACTA
Monica brings over 40 years’ experience in the travel industry. Starting as an entry level agent in 1977 and working her way up through various management positions until she eventually opened her own agency in 1988. During the years she has taught Travel & Tourism at community colleges to bring more youth into the
travel industry. Her experience in both corporate and leisure, including groups & incentive travel, has offered her the opportunity to explore the world and her passion. Always one to educate herself on all aspects of travel, that passion will continue for many years to come. As an active ACTA Board Member, Monica shared her leadership and strategic skills during the development of the 2022-2024 Strategic Plan, and she is eager to carry on her work seeing through the execution of ACTA’s strategic goals. Monica sits on the ACTA Ontario Regional Advisory Committee and previously served on the TICO Board of Directors.
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