Speakers Inform and Delight
Veteran speaker Johnny Campbell gave the keynote address. Nicknamed “The Transition Man,” Campbell tried to help delegates adjust to the transitions in their professional lives.
“My purpose here is to serve people who sell travel so they don’t give up,” Campbell said. “I want to give something to these givers. Sometimes, these givers need to be encouraged so they can help travelers see all of the wonderful opportunities out there.”
Oberammergau 2020 is getting a lot of attention, and Rachelle Stoutt of Globus urged delegates to get their groups committed. “Globus has worked with the Oberammergau presentations since 1950,” said Stoutt. “We have premium seating right on the floor. We will also have a Globus office right in the town to facilitate all the details.”
One of the fastest-growing cruise lines in the world is MSC Cruises, and Wayne Peyreau was at the podium to promote the line. “We are, seasonally, in the Mediterranean, northern Europe, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, South America and the southern Caribbean,” said Peyreau. “Now we have product in North America. We are breaking into this market, and we are being very aggressive.”
Jim Edwards told the audience that Collette is celebrating a milestone. “We’re a debt-free, family-owned American travel company celebrating our 100th year in business,” he said. “We offer travel to all seven continents with 200 different itineraries. We are an award-winning tour operator with a very recognized brand.”
A presentation by Paul Anderson of the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, Indiana, seemed to stir something in delegates, who expressed much interest in it. “It’s quite a place, with 18 scenes with life-size bronze sculptures along a winding pathway,” said Anderson. “Everything was made to look like the Holy Land. Original music reflects each scene. With a touch of a button, you’ll hear a narration about it. It is a learning experience.”
Another notable religious experience is at Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in northern Kentucky. “You are going to experience the Bible in a way that you have never experienced it before,” said representative Eddie Lutz. “You may think of having read about Noah’s Ark since you were a kid, but when you stand next to this one, it brings the Bible to life.”
Greg Nahmens of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) urged delegates to “Look Before You Book” by investigating motor carriers they might hire through the FMCSA website. “You get up-to-the-day information on their insurance, operating authority, safety fitness rating and violations,” said Nahmens.
Tours and Events Showcase Little Rock
The conference’s opening-night activity was dinner at the Clinton Presidential Center. Delegates toured the library before enjoying dinner in the event hall. Several trips around Little Rock were offered the next afternoon. The most popular was a civil rights tour that included a stop at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, the scene of the 1957 showdown between segregationists and nine African-American high school students who, with the help of federal troops, were enrolled at the all-white school.
“The presidential library was amazing and very nicely laid out with beautiful architecture,” said Toby Word of the Chesapeake, Virginia, Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It showed the historic aspects of the great things President Clinton did. Obviously, they are very proud of him here in Arkansas. The civil rights tour was also wonderful. I was very impressed.”
Alan Small of the Radisson Fort Worth was enthusiastic. “The Clinton Center dinner was great,” he said. “That was the best pork chop I’ve ever eaten. The library was inspiring and showed many things Clinton did that may have been forgotten. As for the high school site, that just tugs at your heartstrings when you see it in real life.”
