The document provides information about the ITMI Symposium & Reunion to be held January 27-31, 2013 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It invites tour operators, directors, and guides to attend the premier annual event for the travel industry. Attendees can gain insights from expert speakers, network, and participate in the Marketplace for job interviews. The preliminary schedule outlines sessions on technology, sustainability, and other topics. Complimentary pre-and post-event sightseeing tours of Albuquerque and Santa Fe are also described. The Embassy Suites Hotel will serve as the event venue, with discounted room rates provided.
1. Sacramento, CA 2012
Symposium Quotes
“WOW!!!!! ITMI is the epitome
of producing the WOW Factor...
Symposium was fantastic!!! Kudos
to all of you for producing such a
fun and informative event.”
~ Jennifer Wham, 2011 Graduate
“Thank you so much for all your JANUARY 27-31, 2013
hard work and dedication into
making this conference most
successful! The event exceeded
my expectations and I look
Dear Tour Operator Partners, ITMI Tour Directors and Guides,
forward to attending next year!”
~ Reggie LaRoche, 2001 Graduate You are cordially invited to join an exclusive gathering of your colleagues January 27 – 31, 2013 at
“THANK YOU for your contribution the ITMI Symposium & Reunion. The ITMI Symposium has established itself as the premier event in the
to my career as a Tour Director and travel and tourism industry exclusively devoted to ITMI tour operator partners and ITMI certified tour
the great big positive effect you directors and guides.
have had on the industry.”
~ Mark Kasulen 2005 Graduate We are excited to be celebrating our 26th Symposium in Albuquerque! The ITMI Symposium and
Reunion will be held at the Embassy Suites Albuquerque Hotel & Spa, which is conveniently located
“Wow! What a great experience!!
just 10 minutes from the Albuquerque International Airport. Albuquerque is the perfect destination for
Thank you for the opportunity
to participate in last week’s hub and spoke itineraries to Santa Fe, Taos and the Pueblos.
Symposium! I really enjoyed it
and I thank you in advance for Who should attend ITMI Symposium 2013?
introducing me to so many Symposium is a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful exchanges with other tour operators, tour
wonderful TD candidates!” directors and guides about issues critical to our industry and livelihood and to discover new ideas and
~ Jacque Moran, Tauck opportunities. Meeting and event planners, DMCs, incentive companies, cruise companies, suppliers,
DMOs and travel journalists will also benefit from this one-of-a-kind event.
“I enjoy talking and learning from
the Tour Directors and the network-
ing with other Tour Operators.”
Why attend ITMI Symposium 2013?
Symposium is an investment in your personal and professional growth and development. You will gain
~ Jean Nauman, Globus
valuable insights from expert speakers and benefit from informative, interactive panel discussions.
You will learn how to use cutting-edge technology and social media as marketing tools. Tour
Symposium 2012 Highlights Operators and Tour Directors will meet one another in numerous social and professional networking
Sacramento, California was the environments. Marketplace roundtable job interviews provide the setting for both Tour Operators and
host for the 25th annual ITMI Tour Directors to find the right match for employment opportunities in 2013. Symposium also helps
Symposium & Reunion held at the you to update your destination knowledge by offering complimentary pre/post sightseeing FAM tours.
Doubletree Hotel and Spa. We
would like to give a sincere thank Spouses and guests are invited
you to the Sacramento CVB, The guest registration fee of $225 includes all opening day general sessions, first day luncheon
its partners, Ryan’s Express and Gala Opening and Closing Events. Also included are the pre/post sightseeing FAM tours.
Transportation, California State Special session for spouses and guests: “Tips on how to live with a tour director.”
Railroad Museum and all of
the other exceptional sponsors Costs and fees
for helping to make the event The registration fee of $445 includes most meals. There is an additional fee of $150 for tour
a true California experience. directors who want to participate in marketplace roundtable job interviews. Special room rates,
The exchange between tour including a full breakfast and nightly Manager’s Reception featuring complimentary cocktails, wine
operators and tour directors about and snacks (for hotel guests only) have been arranged with the Embassy Suites Hotel at $64.50 per
issues and challenges helped us night plus tax share-twin, per person per night or $129 single plus tax. Book early. Space is limited.
to better understand how we can
support one another. The generosity of the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau and ITMI Symposium Sponsors
is destined to make this the most memorable Symposium and Reunion ever!
Register by October 31st for “Earlybird” Savings of $125.
See you in Albuquerque!
2. ITMI symposium 2013 preliminary schedule TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013
Tour Director
Full Breakfast for Embassy Suites Guests Full Breakfast for Embassy Suites Guests
Tour Operator 8:00am – 11:45am 8:15am – 12:35pm
Tour Director Sessions Marketplace II – Tour directors have
All participants roundtable job interviews with tour
Session I: Applying cutting-edge technology operators at 15-minute intervals.
Session II: Travel Writing/Photography 8:30am – 12:30pm
Writing about your travels and getting Tour Director Roundtable Sessions. For
SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2013
paid for it: creating exciting content for TDs not participating in Marketplace II.
2:00pm – 9:00pm tour operators, suppliers, DMOs &
Registration & Tourism Cares Silent Auction tourism publications Roundtable A – Balance your life at
opens (closes Wednesday) home and on the road
Session III: Sustainable Tourism: What
tour companies, tour directors, guides, Roundtable B – Working with difficult
suppliers & DMOs are doing to guests, drivers and suppliers
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2013 preserve the environment Roundtable C – Open Forum. An
7:00am – 8:00pm Registration 8:00am – 11:45am opportunity for tour directors to
Tour Operator Sessions discuss topics of importance and
9:00am – 5:00pm/1:00pm – 5:30pm dialogue with colleagues about
Optional Pre-Symposium Sightseeing Session I: Tour Directors blogging & issues of mutual concern.
FAM tours (see schedule on next page) using social media – Strategies for
capturing good PR and managing the 12:30pm
3:00pm – 8:00pm Getting to know your unexpected in our wired world Tourism Cares Silent Auction closes
Sponsors & Exhibitors
Session II: Methods for giving 12:45pm – 2:30pm
5:30pm – 7:30pm constructive feedback to your Farewell Luncheon, Live Auction &
Nightly Manager’s Reception (hotel guests Tour Directors Closing Keynote Speaker
only) Sponsored by Embassy Suites
Session III: 2:30pm – 6:30pm
Open Forum (General) – An Education Session after lunch: Human
opportunity for tour operators to Trafficking Awareness Panel
MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013 discuss topics of importance and Afternoon leisure time networking and
dialog with colleagues about issues possible follow-up job interviews
Full Breakfast for Embassy Suites Guests of mutual concern.
7:00am – 9:00am Registration Open Forum (Students Tours) – The 6:30pm
Student tour operators will have the Gala Evening for all participants
7:30am – 8:45am opportunity to speak with each other sponsored by the Albuquerque
Tour Director Regional Alumni Breakouts about issues of importance within their Convention and Visitors Bureau
9:00am – 10:20am own market. and Partners
Tour Director Private Welcome Session 11:45am – 1:15pm
Topic: Igniting Passion through Storytelling Luncheon for all participants
9:00am - 10:20am Special Presentation: Music and Stories
of the Pueblos THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013
Tour Operator
Private Welcome Session 1:30pm – 5:40pm Full Breakfast for Embassy Suites Guests
10:45am – 12:05pm Marketplace I – Tour directors have 9:00am – 1:00pm/9:00am – 5:00pm
Opening General Session for roundtable job interviews with tour Optional Post-Symposium sightseeing
Tour Directors and Tour Operators operators at 15-minute intervals. FAM tours (see schedule on the next page)
Jim and John Garcia “HospiTotally” 1:30pm – 5:30pm
Topic: Creating a Remarkable Experience Tour Director Roundtable Sessions
12:15pm – 1:30pm For tour directors not participating
Welcome Luncheon for all participants in Marketplace I.
1:30pm – 5:00pm Getting to know your Roundtable A – Balance your life at home
Sponsors & Exhibitors and on the road
2:30pm – 3:30pm Roundtable B – Working with difficult
General Sessions for guests, drivers and suppliers
Tour Directors and Tour Operators Roundtable C – Open Forum. An
Session I: Strategies for Working with opportunity for tour directors to
DMOs, Suppliers & Tour Operators: discuss topics of importance and
How to get their attention and dialogue with colleagues about The ITMI Marketplace
do business! issues of mutual concern. Marketplace is one of the most important ben-
4:00pm – 5:15pm 6:45pm Tour Operator Dinner efits of the Symposium where tour directors and
Session II: Ask the Tour Operator A tour Evening at leisure for Tour Directors to tour operators have scheduled group interviews
operator panel answers questions from the explore local restaurants and sights. with each other in fifteen-minute intervals. Tour
audience and discusses their thoughts about
directors have the opportunity to meet with
TD’s and the future of the tour and travel
industry. all tour operators in attendance. Half of the
tour directors meet during Marketplace I and
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Welcome Opening Reception the other half during Marketplace II. Participants
Food and beverages hosted by will receive their appointment schedule upon
Embassy Suites Albuquerque arrival at the Symposium. Tour Director Round-
for all participants. table sessions are offered each day running
concurrently with the Marketplaces. The topics
are repeated so that each group will be able
to attend the full program.
3. ITMI symposium 2013 travel accommodations
The Embassy Suites is conveniently located a few miles
from the Albuquerque International Airport, and min-
utes away from Historic Old Town. The 261 spacious
two-room suites include a private bedroom with a king
size or two double beds and a separate living room
with sofa bed. The contemporary southwestern cuisine
and relaxed atmosphere include a complimentary full cooked-to-order breakfast
every morning and a nightly Manager’s Reception featuring complimentary cocktails,
wine and snacks. The recreation facilities include an indoor heated pool, whirlpool,
fitness center and Spa Botanica, a full-service world-class day spa!
Complimentary Sightseeing FAM Tours
All participants are invited to enjoy complimentary pre- and post-Symposium sightseeing FAM tours of the greater Albuquerque area. The tour descriptions
below are preliminary and subject to modification by the companies and organizations hosting the tours. Check the appropriate box on the registration form.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 2013 PRE-SYMPOSIUM
Tour A : All Day “Meet Albuquerque” Tour B : Half-day “Albuquerque
Tour (9:00am – 5:00pm) Snapshot” Tour (1:00pm – 5:30pm)
Get your kicks with a driving tour of Route Start at the foothills of the Sandia Mountains
66’s cafes, gas stations, motels, and stores for a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial
continuing on to Old Town for a look at the Tramway, the world’s longest free-span
historic Plaza area plus shops, galleries and cable tramway.The 2.7-mile tramway ride
restaurants. Next, start at the foothills of the to the top at 10,375 feet, will take you
Sandia Mountains for a ride on the Sandia through four of the seven life zones found
Peak Aerial Tramway, the world’s longest in North America. Visit the ABQ BioPark
free-span cable tramway. Visit the Indian Aquarium to experience a fascinating journey
Pueblo Cultural Center, dedicated to the through the marine habitats of the Gulf of
preservation and perpetuation of Pueblo Mexico. Make a stop at the National Museum
Indian culture, history, and art. Make a stop of Nuclear Science & History, an intriguing
at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & place to learn the story of the Atomic Age,
History, an intriguing place to learn the story from early conception, the Manhattan Project
of the Atomic Age, from early conception to and the Cold War, to today’s peaceful uses of Credit: MarbleStreetStudio.com
today’s peaceful uses of nuclear technology. nuclear technology.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013 POST-SYMPOSIUM
Tour C : All-day “Santa Fe via the Turquoise Trail” Tour (9:-00am – 5:00pm)
(STOP AT AIRPORT BEFORE RETURNING TO HOTEL)
Head to Santa Fe via the historic Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway, traveling back into history
through the mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, whose mines once yielded gold,
silver, lead, zinc, and turquoise. A renewed spirit has brought art, crafts, theater, music, museums,
and restaurants to these towns. In Santa Fe, you will take a guided walking tour, visiting St. Francis
Cathedral, the Loretto Chapel, with its famous “miraculous” staircase, and the San Miguel Mission.
Today Santa Fe is the heart and soul of the Southwest, and “Santa Fe Style” is synonymous with
all the best the region has to offer. Its historic Plaza, winding streets, covered arcades, hidden
gardens and courtyards, and Pueblo-style architecture reflect the blending of Indian, Hispanic,
and Anglo cultures. Nearly all the city’s main cultural attractions are also within walking distance
Credit: newmexicostock.com
of the Plaza, including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Palace of the Governors.
Tour D : Half-day “Albuquerque Hispanic Culture” Tour (9:00am – 1:00pm)
(STOP AT AIRPORT BEFORE RETURNING TO HOTEL)
Albuquerque is a vibrant and diverse city that offers culture, history, science, and a whole lot of
fun. Spend your morning exploring one of Albuquerque’s best kept secrets, the Turquoise Museum
in historic Old Town. The Turquoise Museum contains perhaps the largest private collection in
the world. Explore local Hispanic heritage along with Latino influences from around the world at
the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the only national cultural institute dedicated to the study,
advancement and presentation of Hispanic culture arts and humanities. The tour will visit the
world renowned Torreon Fresco titled Mundos de mestizaje, a concave fresco covering more
than 4,000 feet of wall. In addition to a walking tour, participants will delight in a traditional
dance performance in the Roy E. Disney Performing Arts Center. Credit: Lynn Baker Credit: Jeff Greenberg
4. REGISTRATION AND HOUSING FORM
Symposium 2013 ITMI 2013 symposium & reunion
Marketplace Criteria Procedures and Protocol Albuquerque, New Mexico ~ January 27 – 31, 2013
The new Marketplace roundtable job interview format still REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2012
limits the number of attendees in Marketplace. This ensures Registration also available ONLINE! Visit www.itmisf.com for more information.
that every tour director has the maximum time possible
with each tour operator. For the past three years, tour PLEASE PRINT NEATLY Gluten-free
personal info
directors participating in marketplace interviewed with all Vegetarian
tour operators attending Symposium.
Name (as it will be on your badge)
There will be an ITMI facilitator to accompany each group
of 4-6 tour directors, as they meet with tour operators every
15 minutes. If a tour director does not want to interview Company / Title (Tour Operators only)
Gluten-free
with a particular tour operator, they need to advise the Vegetarian
ITMI facilitator.
Spouse / Partner / Guest name
Your resume will be placed in a special binder by group
and given to each individual tour operator prior to Market-
place. A list of tour operators attending Symposium will be Address
e-mailed to you 30 days prior to Symposium.
If a waiting list for marketplace becomes necessary, it will City State Zip
be reviewed weekly and cleared based upon the date the
registration is received. Non-marketplace tour directors will
Phone E-mail
not be affected by the above criteria, procedure or protocol.
Hotel accommodations must be booked thru ITMI. A credit card is required to guarantee
hotel accommodations
reservation. You’ll be responsible to confirm your reservation directly with the Embassy Suites
“Even if you have retired Albuquerque, at least 10 days prior to arrival. No shows will be charged 1 room night.
from active tour directing
or guiding, your ITMI The following information is for ITMI use to coordinate Symposium rooms. Please read carefully: If you
Family encourages you are requesting ITMI to assign a share partner for you, there is no guarantee that your roommate will
to attend our 26th share the exact number of room nights as you. There may be a night or nights that you will be paying the
Symposium and Reunion. single rate.
Please come and share SHARE-TWIN ROOM at $64.50 SNORER? If you are a snorer, please
your heartfelt stories, per person per night, plus room tax be advised to request a single room.
insights and reflections My requested share partner is:
about your life-changing SINGLE ROOM at $129
per night, plus room tax
experiences and the people
you met along the way.” Please assign me a share partner I DO NOT REQUIRE
~ Ted and Randy Smoker Non-smoker accommodations
sponsors
I understand that I am responsible for all hotel charges which are to be paid directly to the hotel upon
check-out. The special rates apply only to the dates below. I will be reserving the following nights:
Fri 1/25 Sat 1/26 Sun 1/27 Mon 1/28 Tues 1/29 Wed 1/30 Thur 1/31
sightseeing
Complimentary Sightseeing FAM Tours See previous page for descriptions.
PRE-SYMPOSIUM–SUN, JAN. 27, 2013 POST-SYMPOSIUM–THUR, JAN. 31, 2013
Tour A : All-day “Meet Albuquerque” Tour C : All-day “Santa Fe via the Turquoise
Tour (9:00am – 5:00pm) Trail” Tour (9:00am – 5:00pm)
Tour B : Half-day “Albuquerque Tour D : Half-day “Albuquerque Hispanic
Snapshot” Tour (1:00pm – 5:30pm) Cultural” Tour (9:00am – 1:00pm)
symposium registration
Tour Director without Marketplace:..............$445 Check payable to ITMI.
Tour Director WITH Marketplace: add $150 I authorize my fees to
be charged to my:
Tour Operator:..........................................$445 VISA MC AMEX
Does ITMI have your current
Spouse/Partner/Guest (See page 1 for details):..$225
contact information? Please
send your e-mail address to Late Fee (after October 31, 2012 deadline):........$125 Account #
travel@itmisf.com
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: Exp Security Code
Cancellation Policy
Ted Bravos, CTP Randy Hellrung Full refund if canceled prior to November 14, 2012. Signature
President/CEO Director of Operations 50% refund if canceled prior to December 1, 2012.
Faxed registration payment is
No refund after December 1, 2012. due within 5 working days.
625 Market Street, Suite 810 | San Francisco, CA 94105
(800) 442-4864 | (415) 957-9489 | fax (415) 957-9474
Submit forms to ITMI fax: (415) 957-9474|mail: 625 Market St, Suite 810, San Francisco, CA 94105
www.itmisf.com | travel@itmisf.com Please e-mail questions to travel@itmisf.com and refer to “ITMI Symposium”
Don’t forget to keep a copy for your records!