Programming Regional Roundtables

Thank you to the many ETC members who participated in the ETC 2011 Programming Regional Roundtables. Held in seven cities nationwide, this year's Roundtables were the best attended in ETC's history and have provided important programming ideas for the upcoming conference. Stay tuned for the ETC 2011 Roundtable Report. To learn more about the Roundtables, click here.

ETC especially appreciates the support of this year's Programming Regional Roundtable hosts:

Boston Roundtable: May 11
Host: Trearty Bartley and Steve Holmgren, Harvard University Alumni Office

Chicago Roundtable: May 13
Host: Joe Small, AHI Travel

Denver Roundtable: April 27
Host: Diana Lee Crew, Real World Connections

Los Angeles Roundtable : April 22
Host: Janet Moore, Distant Horizons

New York City Roundtable: June 29
Host: Emma Ruth Yulo, Philippine Center

San Francisco Roundtable: April 20
Host: Kristina Nemeth, Commonwealth Club

Washington D.C.: June 24
Host: Amy Kotkin, Smithsonian Journeys

About ETC's Programming Roundtables
In the early years of ETC several annual regional roundtables were convened for the purpose of colleague-to-colleague networking and discussion of programming ideas for upcoming ETC Conferences. These "grassroots" meetings always proved to be a great networking resource for travel planner and tour operator colleagues alike. The information and ideas shared have become invaluable for ETC programming, and colleagues loved the window of opportunity to informally talk shop. Picking up on these invaluable networking venues, we elected to start these regional meetings again in 2006.

Regional "grassroots" networking and programming meetings are now held annually to plan for the upcoming conference as well as to discuss hot topics and issues of the day. Locations for the meetings have included: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. The roundtable agendas focus on recommendations for powerful keynote and signature speakers, as well as specific session topic and speaker suggestions for ETC Conferences. Attendees also complete a pre-meeting worksheet that provides valuable information and ideas for Conference programming.

Why Attend ETC

“Sessions are top-notch and information-packed.” —Alea Cot, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Univ. of New Orleans
Why Attend ETC

“I have recommended ETC for its quality, not quantity of contacts, to other destinations and tour operators that have products appropriate for this audience, and will continue to do so.” —Katrina White, Travel Trade Mgr., Rhode Island Tourism Div.
ETC 2010 Kudos

"The conference has given me a great couple of days to step out of the trenches, refocus, and get new ideas...meet new colleagues, and talk about benchmarks." -Katie Maschman, Travel Programs Manager, National Parks Conservation Association
Why Attend ETC

“I always leave with a renewed sense of purpose and new ideas, which then has a trickle-down effect in my office. Others get inspired to try new travel programs or techniques learned at ETC.” —Amy Uhde, Dir. of Prog. Dvlp., Alaska Wildland Adventures
Why Attend ETC

“Extremely specific and very high quality educational experience for those involved in educational, non-profit, specialty travel programming.” —Annie Lucas, Vice President, MIR Corporation
Why Attend ETC

“The information and the networking opportunities are exceptional year after year. This is a very valuable conference for me.” —Mark Garland, Travel Program Coordinator, Audubon Naturalist Society
Why Attend ETC

“Wonderful networking opportunities and stimulating educational sessions… a must if you are working in the affinity market!” —Karen Kuttner-Capato, Vice President of Affinity & Charter Sales, Lindblad Expeditions
Why Attend ETC

“The quality of the speakers at ETC far surpasses that of any other professional conference or educational event I have attended.” —Susan Goodale, Prog. Dir. & Gaucho Getaways Coord., U.C. Santa Barbara Alumni Assoc.
Why Attend ETC

“The conference offers superb, relevant information that is useful year-round.”  —Melissa Gresh, Dir. of Alumni Travel Prog., MIT Alumni Assoc.
Why Attend ETC

“Trends conversations help you think outside the box and try to take your program in a new  direction.” —Jenna Mace, former Product Design & Development Specialist, Habitat for Humanity Int'l
Why Attend ETC

“ETC is a wonderful opportunity to meet with like-minded professionals who also share a passion for educational travel. I always come away from the conference with more ideas than I know what to do with.” —Meredith Mason, COO, Global Adrenaline
Why Attend ETC

“Great opportunity to not only network but educate oneself.” —Catherine Merrill, Founder and Owner, Epiculinary, Inc.
Why Attend ETC

“Alumni and Museum travel programs are a unique market. Because this conference focuses on this niche, it is the best venue to learn more about enrichment, and educational travel.” —Judee Kaplan, Director of Sales, Select Travel Service
Why Attend ETC

“ETC gives us a sense of unity, healthy competition, and an opportunity to develop lasting friendships in a fun environment. ETC is the highlight of my working year!”—Elizabeth Bigwood, Asst. Dir. for Travel, Alumnae Assoc. of Smith College
Why Attend ETC

"I have high expectations for this conference, and ETC always delivers. It hits all the marks on providing practical information and great opportunities to network.” —Heidi Quiram, Study Travel Director, St. Olaf College
Why Attend ETC

“At ETC I gain a broader sense of how affinity travel programs are faring in the  marketplace.” —Karen Ledwin, V.P. of Programming & Operations, National Geographic Expeditions
Why Attend ETC

“[ETC provides an] opportunity to meet with the key players in this market segment.”  —Lou Macaluso, Director-U.S. Leisure Sales, Canadian Tourism Commission
Why Attend ETC

“ETC affords a space for learning about new operators and destinations, interacting with the people we do business with, and getting to know each other better.” —Michelle Bell, Asst. Dir., Univ. of Arkansas Alumni Assoc.
ETC 2010 Kudos

"We really felt welcomed by the warm, enthusiastic, and engaged ETC community. I’ve never seen a conference quite like ETC!" —Stephen Reily, Founder/CEO, VibrantNation.com
ETC 2010 Kudos

"Thank you…for the opportunity to attend such a helpful, informative session for executive directors. I returned to Auburn with a wealth of information and quite inspired." —Debbie L. Shaw, Vice Pres. Alumni Affairs & Exec. Dir., Auburn Alumni Assoc.
ETC 2010 Kudos

"ETC 2010 was a great conference. Great speakers, good meeting space, and definitely lots of attention to detail. It’s always one of the highlights of my year." —Clark Oldroyd, Associate Director, University of Colorado at Boulder Alumni Association
ETC 2010 Kudos

"Many thanks for the Mentor Meet and Greet session. I benefited a lot from my mentor's experience and guidance. I am indebted for this arrangement. It was an excellent conference!” —Samuel Seyoum, CTC, Manager Marketing and Groups, Picasso Travel
ETC 2010 Kudos

"Wanted to congratulate you on yet another successful ETC in Rhode Island. Overall the substance was solid! That's what matters. I look forward to attending many more ETCs.” —Rumit Mehta, Founder, Immersion Journeys
ETC 2010 Kudos

"The conference was very well organized and offered a great range of subjects. The topics that focused on technology and social media will prove very valuable."—Barbara Anglisz, Adept Technologies
ETC 2010 Kudos

"Congratulations on putting on a fantastic conference this year. I felt like I got my money's worth x 10." —Matt Kareus, Director of Events and Special Projects, Global Explorers
ETC 2010 Kudos

"One of the best conferences in ETC history. It was especially useful now with so many programs and the industry in general in transition. I've heard nothing but praise for the great interaction and gutsy topics." —Roberta M. Moore, Dartmouth College
ETC 2010 Kudos

“Congratulations on a wonderful ETC 2010! I got so much work done. Having all my tour operators in one place, I completed my 2011 booking schedule (7 trips) and renewed old friendships!”  —Betsy Stevenson, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

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