First-Timers Program
"I was WOWed by my first NTA convention. Everyone made me feel welcome, not just those who noticed my pink ribbon! The connections I made are first class. Thanks to the board and the staff for a fantastic show." – Allison O'Sullivan
"Thank you to everyone who makes NTA what it is. This was my 1st year and I will definitely be back. So well done and a great opportunity for creating new business and making new friends!" – Jodie Russell
"This was our first time at an NTA convention. What a fantastic job they did. Thank you for the hard work on behalf of all members. We came away with loads of new contacts and some new business. For us it was one of the most useful trade shows ever. We will be back!" – Edita Krunic
Welcome to the NTA Convention and Travel Exchange!
The First-Timers Program is designed with all members in mind. Each year, NTA's Convention offers new and better networking and partnering opportunities.
The First-timer Program was developed to make sure you're aware of all the ways of conducting business and getting the most out of your Convention dollars. If you've already registered and didn't mark on your registration that this will be your first Convention, contact Lori Rempe to sign up.
Before Convention
- Convention Insider Webinar—Webinars are available for first-timers, or anyone who just needs a refresher, to gain a better understanding of just how the NTA Convention works. During these sessions, you'll get an overview of the Convention format and tips for preparing for the event, including appointment scheduling. Two webinars have already taken place, but they've been recorded. You can view and listen here:
- Review the Profile Form Guidelines and make sure your online company profile is up-to-date. Suppliers and DMOs, market your company/destination with two profiles—one online and one on-site. In addition to your business card, your on-site profile form is the one marketing tool you can leave behind with buyers during appointments.
- Check out the Convention Resources page for even more insider information.
At Convention
- NTA Central—Once you've checked-in to registration on site, be sure to stop by NTA Central in the Convention Mall. In this area, you'll meet NTA staff and a Convention veteran who can work one-on-one with you to help you polish your Convention presentation, prepare for appointments or just answer questions.
- Convention Floor Tours—Always popular, the Convention floor tours help you get the lay of the land so you can map out your appointments, target your prospects and even find a place to rest your legs. Stop by NTA Central to catch a tour and you'll find a schedule of Convention center tours in your Convention program upon arrival.
The Travel Exchange Web site also has a great deal of information and explanation about how the Convention works. Some of the most important things to do include visiting the Travel Exchange Web site frequently for updates, and checking your e-mail inbox for the NTA Tuesday newsletter and up-to-the-minute Convention news. Any time you have questions about NTA's Convention—or anything NTA-related—you can always e-mail or call your member relations staff at:
headquarters@NTAstaff.com
800.682.8886 (U.S. & Canada) or +1.859.264.6540 direct
(First-timers get a tour of the Destination Pavilion with NTA member
and tour guide, Laura Elkin.)