2024 EVENT SCHEDULE
PRE-EVENT: MONDAY, AUGUST 19
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Virtual Orientation, sponsored by Alaska - Visit Anchorage
*Eastern Daylight Time
This orientation will bring together all Future Leaders attendees the week prior to the event. Hosted by Future Leaders team members and 2024 Guides, the webinar will cover what to expect, how to prepare, and how to get the most out of your Future Leaders experience. Plus, you’ll hear from our partner Alaska - Visit Anchorage about this incredible destination. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and the webinar will be recorded for those who cannot join live.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
ALL DAY Arrivals
3:00PM - 5:00PM Attendee Registration
Located in the Convention Center.
5:30PM - 6:30PM Guide-Hosted Happy Hour
Located in the Chinola Restaurant.
Have some time after registration? Kick off your time in the Dominican Republic by joining your Future Leaders Guides for an informal Happy Hour just prior to the Welcome Dinner. Stop by and make a toast to the week ahead!
6:30PM - 8:30PM Welcome Dinner, sponsored by Playa Hotels & Resorts and Hilton La Romana
Located in the Chinola Restaurant.
Casual attire, located on the beach. Attendees are encouraged to wear flat shoes due to the sand.
Dive into the vibrant and authentic flavors of the Latin American Roost at Chinola. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors and cultures as you dine in a lively outdoor ambiance from a menu inspired by pre-Columbian influences in Latin America gastronomy. Feel the warmth of the tribal cooking culture as flames and entertainment infuse every aspect of your dining experience.
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
7:30AM - 8:00AM Breakfast on own
8:00AM - 8:45AM Site Inspections (Travel Advisors)
9:00AM - 10:30AM Opening General Session
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
Welcome to Future Leaders!
Presented by Emma Weissmann, Executive Editor, TravelAge West
Welcome from our Hosts
Hotel Welcome - Hilton La Romana
Presented by David Barreiro Canda, General Manager, Hilton La Romana
Official Hotel Sponsor - Playa Hotels & Resorts
Presented by Luis Solis, Business Development Manager, Playa Hotels & Resorts
Official Destination Sponsor – Dominican Republic Tourism Board
Presented by Rebeca Fernandez del Pino, Director of the DO Travel Rewards Program
Official Transportation Provider – 4MICE-DMC
Presented by Francisco Lalondriz Jr. CEO, General Director, 4MICE-DMC
Pitch Perfect
In this Shark Tank-style session, suppliers will be challenged by three travel advisor “sharks” (our Future Leaders Guides) to win their business. Advisors will each deliver client scenarios, and the suppliers will “pitch” to win their business. The goal is for our suppliers to hear who their clients are, what kinds of products they are seeking. Audience members will walk away with a better understanding of how each supplier’s product can satisfy their customers’ desires.
Presented by Future Leaders Guides
Moderated by Eric Bowman, Executive Editor of TravelPulse
A Message from Visit Lauderdale
10:45AM - 12:45PM Appointments (All Suppliers, Travel Advisor Group A)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 2-3
10:45AM - 12:45PM Travel Advisor Workshops (Travel Advisor Group B)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
The Solution Room
In this favorite Future Leaders session, advisors work together to identify career opportunities and find solutions for business pain points. Advisors will get to join several small-group discussions on the hottest topics affecting entrepreneurial agents, from communicating a fee structure to best practices for working with suppliers and more.
Presented by Ensemble
12:45PM - 2:15PM Lunch on own
2:15PM - 2:45PM General Session: Afternoon Recharge
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
Mini Meditation and Refocusing
Led by Tory Sneden, 200HR RYT & Lululemon Ambassador
Spotlight, sponsored by Virgin Voyages
Presented by Julia Glick, Director of Sales - South, Virgin Voyages
Spotlight, sponsored by Travel Planners International
Presented by Jenn Lee, President, Vacation Planners
A Word from Tourism Cares
3:00PM - 5:00PM Appointments (All Suppliers, Travel Advisor Group B)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 2-3
3:00PM - 5:00PM Travel Advisor Workshops (Travel Advisor Group A)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
The Solution Room
In this favorite Future Leaders session, advisors work together to identify career opportunities and find solutions for business pain points. Advisors will get to join several small-group discussions on the hottest topics affecting entrepreneurial agents, from communicating a fee structure to best practices for working with suppliers and more.
Presented by Ensemble
6:00PM Dominican Night at Iberostar
At Iberostar, the best evenings are a harmonious blend of natural beauty, exceptional service, and unforgettable moments. And you’ll get to experience this first-hand. We’ll gather in the central gardens to begin our Dominican Night Party. Afterward, the group will take in the stunning sunset from the beach-side lighthouse, followed by indulging in a delicious international dinner that will leave a lasting impression. After this evening, you’ll know what true hospitality feels like.
Please meet in the Hotel Lobby, Family side.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
7:00AM - 7:45AM Yoga, sponsored by Aruba Tourism
Located in the Sunset Gardens
Start the day with a vinyasa style yoga flow where we’ll warm up the body, relax the mind, and nourish the soul. This 45-minute class is adaptable to all and no yoga experience is needed!
Yoga led by Tory Sneden, 200HR RYT & Lululemon Ambassador
8:00AM - 8:40AM Breakfast on own
9:00AM - 10:30AM General Session
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
Spotlight, sponsored by Globus family of brands & Avalon Waterways
Rose Schwartz, Business Development Manager - IL & IA, Globus family of brands & Avalon Waterways
Panel Discussion: Understanding the Modern Traveler: Insights and Opportunities
Following the pandemic, the industry saw a shift toward longer vacations, higher spending and far-flung destinations — but what are travelers looking for now, as business begins to normalize? In this panel, we’ll examine some of the new trends in traveler behavior and preferences and the factors affecting their choices, and you'll hear from your industry peers on how they are evolving their offerings to meet the needs of today’s consumers.
Spotlight, sponsored by Envoyage
Join Envoyage for an insightful session where we dive deep into the world of group travel. This session will showcase valuable insights from our recent survey, revealing trends in group revenue, commission averages, travel types & the most sought-after group destinations. Discover practical strategies from some of Envoyage’s top advisors on methods for sourcing speculative or affinity groups, advice for overcoming challenges faced when booking groups, plus expert tips on effectively marketing and managing group bookings. Whether new to booking group travel or looking to enhance your group sales approach, leave this session with actionable strategies to enhance your group travel business & the inside scoop on the group resources that fuel Envoyage’s network.
Alicia Onello, Director of Network Operations, Envoyage
A Message from Norse Atlantic Airlines
10:45AM - 12:45PM Appointments (All Suppliers, Travel Advisor Group B)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 2-3
10:45AM - 12:45PM Travel Advisor Workshops (Travel Advisor Group A)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
Legacy-Driven Professionalism: Your Visionary Role in Travel's Future
This dynamic workshop will challenge you to redefine your professional identity and industry impact, confront common assumptions, and unlock your visionary potential. Join Jenn Lee as she walks the group through a set of eye-opening interactive activities and candid thought-provoking discussions. Leave empowered with a clear action plan and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to elevate your agency and the entire industry.
Presented by Jenn Lee, President of Vacation Planners
12:45PM - 2:15PM Lunch on own
2:15PM - 2:45PM General Session: Afternoon Recharge
Spotlight, sponsored by Gifted Travel Network
Lybbi Hebel, PR & Social Media Specialist, Gifted Travel Network
A Message from Norse Atlantic Airways
3:00PM - 5:00PM Appointments (All Suppliers, Travel Advisor Group A)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 2-3
3:00PM - 5:00PM Travel Advisor Workshops (Travel Advisor Group B)
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
Legacy-Driven Professionalism: Your Visionary Role in Travel's Future
This dynamic workshop will challenge you to redefine your professional identity and industry impact, confront common assumptions, and unlock your visionary potential. Join Jenn Lee as she walks the group through a set of eye-opening interactive activities and candid thought-provoking discussions. Leave empowered with a clear action plan and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to elevate your agency and the entire industry.
Presented by Jenn Lee, President of Vacation Planners
6:00pm Attendee Dinner (dine around)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
7:15AM - 8:00AM Breakfast on own
8:00AM - 10:00AM General Session
Convention Center, Las Palmas Ballroom 1
Future Leaders Travel Industry Trivia, sponsored by Rental Escapes
Spotlight, sponsored by Visit Jordan
Omar Banihani, Marketing Director, Visit Jordan
The Annual Future Leaders “Think Tank”
Join us for a thought-provoking Think Tank discussion where you'll hear from two visionary leaders in the travel industry: Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations, and Joe Leon, Vice President of Sales for the Americas at Silversea. This session will delve deep into the critical aspects of building and sustaining successful travel businesses, focusing on how to identify the right clients, the vital role of mentorship and the boundaries that define professional relationships. Melissa and Joe will also share their insights on balancing personal and professional life, attracting quality customers and the essential tools and strategies that have driven their success.
Presented by Silversea and Classic Vacations
Morning Spotlight, sponsored by Alaska - Visit Anchorage
Join Visit Anchorage to learn about the unique aspects of fall in Anchorage. We'll explore the vibrant fall foliage, from golden birch forests to crimson tundra, and highlight seasonal activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and local festivals. Discover what makes this autumn season truly special in Alaska's largest city.
10:00AM - 4:00PM Group Activity
Catalina Island Snorkel Experience
Set sail and soak in the stunning views of Catalina Island’s pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Dive into adventure with a snorkeling excursion at Wall Reef, where you’ll encounter exotic marine life. After your underwater exploration, the bar opens, and the music starts! Treat yourself to a delicious buffet lunch while taking in breathtaking panoramic views. Our final destination promises excitement: a thrilling journey down the famous Chavón River, an iconic film location. Get ready for an unforgettable day of sun and fun!
Please come to the General Session ready for the activity and bring the following.
Camera/Water Camera
Sunscreen
Swimsuit
Cash
7:00PM Closing Reception - Soirée En Blanc, sponsored by Playa Hotels & Resorts
and Hilton La Romana
Join us for an upscale all-white affair to close out an incredible event. This elegant evening under the stars promises to be one to remember, just like your Future Leaders experience. Come dressed in an all-white ensemble ready to cheers to new friendships and new opportunities.
