Note: If budget or schedules limit you, consider partnering with a destination, property or attraction in your region. Share costs by jointly sending a representative who can share about your area in proven marketing opportunity.

Group Tour events with delegates present from Minnesota:

National Tour Association (NTA) – Las Vegas, NV
Annual Convention:  December 5-9, 2011
Approx cost: $2,500 – includes annual membership, event registration, flights, accommodations and meals. Membership keeps one current on tour trends, new industry regulations, and tracking for ROI opportunities. Read testimonials shared by operators and sellers on attending NTA.

American Bus Association (ABA) - Grapevine, TX (DFW)
Marketplace 2012: January 6-10, 2012
Approx cost: $2600, includes annual membership, Marketplace registration, flights, accommodations and meals. This leading business event in the group travel industry brings North American tour and motorcoach operator buyers and travel industry sellers  together for one-on-one tour itinerary planning appointments. The event also features many professional development seminars and networking opportunities.
EMT and 15-20 Minnesota partners annually join ranks with a dedicated space on the trade show floor. See separate page with Minnesota’s participation at ABA Marketplace.

Bank Travel – Memphis, TN
Annual Conference: February 7-9, 2012
EMT won’t be attending this particular event in 2012

Heartland Travel Showcase – Toledo, OH
Showcase: February 15-17, 2012

Heritage Clubs – Rogers, AR
Peer Group Conference: March 21-25, 2011
Membership: $250 - $350.
Conference costs: approx. $1300, includes exhibitor fee, meetings, and overnights. Minnesota industry is encouraged to partner on transportation to this nearby destination, however booth space cannot be shared.
HCI includes 200 member banks, 80% from the Midwest, with more than 400,000 deposit customers. They represent 1,000 annual regional and day trips coordinated by the club directors with the assistance of CVBs and DMOs. An additional 700 extended tours are coordinated by HCI’s eight designated, preferred tour operators.

Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) – Shreveport, LA
TAP Dance 2012: June 3-8, 2012

PAST EVENTS

Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) – Louisville, KY
TAP Dance 2011: June 19-23, 2011
EMT and four industry partners are attended: Mall of America, Eagan CVB, Visit Minneapolis Northwest and Minnesota Historical Society

Student Youth and Travel Association (SYTA) – New York, NY
Annual Conference: Aug 19-24, 2011
EMT won’t be attending this particular event in 2011

Education Minnesota – St. Paul, MN
Professional Conference Exhibits: October 19, 2011
EMT won’t be attending this particular event in 2011

Ontario Motorocoach Association (OMCA) – Windsor, ON
Annual Conference:  November 6-9, 2011
Contact Chris Van Meter  for Canada marketing efforts: 651-757-1873.

Group Tour & Packaged Travel Sales Mission – St. Louis, MO
April 19-21, 2011
Join Explore Minnesota Tourism in the first half of April on the annual spring sales mission to promote your destination, attraction, or property. This year’s efforts will be to St. Louis, MO and the surrounding area. We will fly into the area and then make calls to 15-20 qualified tour operators and bank travel leaders who are planning their trips for 2011/2012.
These face-to-face visits have proven to offer a successful ROI. Build working relationships with new clients and fellow industry members.
The anticipated cost is $200 to participate, including van transportation, joint promotional gifts and hosting opportunities. Flights, lodging and meals are additional; efforts are made to keep these affordable.

For the latest information about participation in Group Tour & Packaged Travel  events contact Chris Van Meter, 651.757.1873.