2009 ITOA Workshops
ITOA Workshops March 2009 - The best sales decision you’ll make for 2009
The 2009 ITOA Workshops are taking place on:
- Wednesday March 25th Radisson SAS Hotel, Ennis Road Limerick
- Tuesday March 31st Fitzpatrick’s Castle, Killiney, Dublin
There will be two sessions each day - morning and afternoon and this year we have made booking easier than ever - on-line.
Registration Times:-
Morning Workshop Sessions: Registration available between 7.45 - 8.30 am - working session from 8.30am - 12 noon followed by lunch. If you choose to attend an Agency seminar in the afternoon you will register for this at this time also.
Afternoon Workshop Sessions: Registration from 11.30 am - 12 noon (for those who do not choose to attend a Tourism Agency Seminar in the morning. Lunch from 12 noon - 1.15 pm & working session commencing at 1.30 - 5 pm.
Afternoon Workshop Session with Morning Agency Seminar: Registration from 09.00 - 09.50 am - Tourism Agency Seminar Starts at 10 am - 12 noon following by lunch and afternoon Workshop Session commencing at 13.30 - 17.00 pm
Tourism Agency Seminar Times: Morning Seminars from 10.00 am - 12 noon Afternoon Seminars from 13.30 - 15.30 pm
New for 2009: Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland Seminars :The delegates who completed the survey we conducted at the 2008 workshop overwhelmingly expressed an interest in attending information seminars by Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. This year we have therefore included morning and afternoon by both agencies giving delegates who attend either workshop sessions the opportunity to attend one or the other of the Tourism Agency Seminars. Participation in these seminars is optional but highly recommended. See Info below…….
FAILTE IRELAND SEMINAR INCLUDES:
- Leisure Tour Group Menu Planning - New for 2009 - Variety & Innovation in Group Tour Menus - Presenter Tara Kerry
Failte Ireland have designed a range of Tour Group Menus that will assist chefs in budgeting, planning and devising group tour dinner menus with options to suit every makret and budget and ensure that the customer experiences the variety available in the Irish Food offering.
- Gillain Binchy - Failte Ireland Trade Promotions and P.R. Manager - Will review the overseas calendar of promotions, workshop and trade fairs, how to participate and sign up for these events and how to make the most of overseas promotions. Gillian will also present an overview of Trade and Journalist familiarisation visits to Ireland handled by her department annually. Failte Irleand Regional Offices - Gillian will also present an overview of services available from you local Failte Ireland Regional Office.
- Keith McCormack - Manager Business Tourism Unit will present an overview on Business Tourism.
TOURISM IRELAND SEMINAR INCLUDES:
- Limerick Workshop - Presenter Siobhan McManamy, Manager Central Europe: Presents an overview of the European Markets outlining the Marketing Opportunities available to product suppliers and the 2009 European & Global Marketing Campaign.
- Dublin Workshop - Presenter Vera Stedman - Manager UK Market: Presents an overview of the UK Market outlining the Marketing Opportunities available to product suppliers along with an overview of the Global Marketing Campaign.
The Tourism Ireland Presentation in both loctions will include general information on all markets.
General Workshop Information and Format
The fee for attending a session at the ITOA Workshop is €190 per person, which includes the workshop, lunch, Agency seminars and coffee breaks. Early bookings are essential as registrations are accepted on a first come basis only through our on-line booking system. Terms and Conditions apply and are available on the booking section of the site.
Format:
Product suppliers can attend only one venue and one session in the morning or afternoon but not both.
ITOA members will attend each session in each city.
During the Workshops ITOA members will be seated at desks and are available for individual discussions with product suppliers.
There will be no fixed appointments so ITOA members will be available to all registrants. A profile of the ITOA members attending is available on this site and an additional hard copy will be available on the day of the workshops in each location.
Why Attend an ITOA Workshop?
Our workshops offer the Irish trade a unique sales opportunity to promote their product to ITOA members who contract on behalf of and represent their 4,000 international trade contacts. These partners include:
- Tour operators and wholesalers
- Major retail travel groups
- Operators in the conference, incentive and events sectors
The ITOA also promotes and package every aspect of the tourism product, to market and sell to existing and potentially new overseas partners.
Who will be there?
All ITOA members attend the workshop. Each will be seated at desks and
trade suppliers move around to meet with each company. Attendees are asked to spend no more than 5 minutes at each desk. There is no schedule of appointments, allowing attendees to move freely and efficiently through meetings with ITOA members.
Who Should Attend?
Sales personnel, general managers, proprietors/owners of tourism enterprises, accommodation providers (Hotels, Castles, Manors, Country Houses Guesthouses, B&Bs), Restaurants & Bars, Entertainment Venues/Providers, Visitor Attractions, Transport providers, Special Activity and outdoor pursuits organisers.
What Should I bring?
Lots of business Cards, pricing (group & fit rates) for 2009 & 2010, promotional Literature(one piece per table/member - ample for the day of the workshop - additional pieces can be mailed), presentation folder (Images) to help you sell and promote your product during your presentation.
What should I do in advance of the Workshop?
Review our membership descriptions (available on this site under ‘Members’ section) and be aware of the business they do and consider how your product can be promoted or included in their business port-folio.
How can I make the most of my Workshop?
Come prepared, use your time wisely, listen as well as presenting and selling your product. Take ITOA members business card and make notes during your meeting as this will assist you in following up after the workshop with each ITOA member. Follow up is essential after the workshop to ensure you make the most of your attendance at the event.
