The RSAA Summit the association’s primary networking and educational event. The 2014 Summit will be held Feb. 4-5 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
One day of education One day of one-on-one appointments between buyers and suppliers Awards Dinner – Presentation of the Stanley Fisher Awards for excellence in the Inbound Industry (ticket included in registration fee) Silent Auction to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project – donate and bid!
Two keynote speakers The Hon. Penny Pritzker – Secretary of Commerce Chris Thompson, President and CEO of Brand USA Joint Question and Answer Session Nine breakout sessions, including Ask The Operator How to Work with Receptive Operators The Millennial Traveler Market Spotlight: Brazil Chile and Taiwan Overview: New Visa Waiver Countries Inbound Market Forecast – Office of Travel & Tourism Industries
Receptive operators are at tables Suppliers move from appointment to appointment Each one-on-one appointments last 10 minutes. Five-minute Business Card Exchanges are sprinkled in the appointment sessions.
Stanley Fisher Awards – the “Stanleys” are presented to suppliers in 6 categories as voted on by the RSAA receptive tour operators. Check presentation to the Wounded Warrior Project Music, Dancing and Fun!
Lisa Cully, Senior Manager Worldwide Sales Best Western International Gail Sayadian, Key Account Director Global Sales Choice Hotels International
Summit!
What is RSAA Summit? RSAA Summit is an event to bring suppliers together with key buyers from North America Who Are the Buyers? Receptive Tour Operators (RTO) who represent 62.3 million visitors to North America from other countries They represent approximately 153 Billion in revenue from traditional and emerging markets Receptive Tour Operators represent our link to hundreds of international companies Sell FIT and Group Business
Down to Basics Foster relationships with key Receptive Tour Operators Secure existing leisure business Capture new market share and secure contracts for 2014 as well as Best Practice Tip Come to RSAA Summit with your own personal goals clearly defined
Preparation is the Key: Know your product Know your competition Know what RTO’s come to your area and what they are selling Best Practice Tip Know your market and have a “HOOK”
Best Practice Tip Visit RSAA.org web site Prepare to Compete Learn what Tour Operators Want Research client websites Research industry trends Know buying cycles Not all RTO’s may sell your area
Best Practice Tip It takes just 3 seconds for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time Make it Count – 1 st impressions count!! People do business with people they know, like & trust! Be Punctual Be Prepared Recognize cultural courtesies
Make it Count Best Practice Tip When looking for a seat at meal functions, look for a table with operators Attend all RSAA events and network! Introduce yourself to the Receptive Operators – Share best practices and learn from others Be open with fellow suppliers on how best to work with key accounts Be engaged, have fun and make every interaction count!
Make it Count Send follow-up thanking them for the meeting Follow through on next steps and requests for information Use the RSAA web site to review operator information Best Practice Tip Include information discussed in your follow up
Receptive Services Association of America 2365 Harrodsburg Rd, Ste. A325 Lexington, KY