Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
TPOC NEWS BRIEFS The TPOC (Travel Professionals of Color) conference is coming soon and I would just like to remind you of the following detail: TPOC HERITAGE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM The Buffalo Niagara Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau is hosting a FAM a few days prior to this year's conference. The FAM will begin on Monday, May 11th at 11:30 a.m. and will conclude on Wednesday, May 13th at 12:00 p.m. If you are currently enrolled in the Heritage Certification Program and are planning to attend this FAM, you must contact Karen Little on or before April 14th, if YOU HAVE NOT already done so. Karen can be reached via email at Karen@tpoc- heritage.com. ADAMS MARK BUFFALO HOTEL The TPOC conference group rate of $109.00 per night is available at the Adams Mark Buffalo Hotel from May 12th through May 19th. Please call (716) 845-5100 for reservations. DO NOT procrastinate – the group rate will expire April 14th, 2009. BRING A BUDDY SPECIAL The bring a buddy special has been extended until April 14th. The first agent pays $199.00 registration fee and a travel agent buddy pays only $99.00. That's only $149 each when split between the two. CONFERENCE ITINERAY: Many of you have been asking about the itinerary. A detailed itiner- ary will be posted on the web site within the next few days. In the mean time, here is a snap shot of what will happen during this year's conference: May 13th Pre- Conference Activities spon- sored by Buffalo Niagara Falls CVB will began at 1:00 p.m. See web site for the scheduled events. May 14th 08:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – CLIA workshop 09:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Certified Travel Associate (CTA) testing 12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. – Opening lunch, sponsored by Buffalo Niagara Falls CVB 2:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m. – Various workshops 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. – Apex Award Dinner May 15th 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. – Program to be announced 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Reception sponsored by Kenya Tourist Board May 16th 08:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Breakfast and workshops (tba) 1:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. – Trade Show 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. – Annual "Gala Affair" May 17th 08:00 a.m.-09:45 a.m. – Closing Breakfast 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – Members only meeting CERTIFIED TRAVEL ASSOCIATE (CTA) PROGRAM This will be the first time TPOC has offered members an opportunity to test for this program. The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) Program teaches front line travel professionals how to close more sales, improve efficiency, expand geography knowledge and fine tune customer service skills, all while earning widely recognized industry credentials. The 2-hour test will be given on Thursday, May 14th at 9:30 a.m. You must notify us on or before May 13th, 2009, if you are planning on taking this test! Also do not forget: THE BARBADOS MEGA FAM Debbie Thomas, Business Development Consultant for the Barbados Tourism Authority, has invited all TPOC members to attend a Mega FAM this summer on the beautiful island of Barbados. Another great feature of this FAM: Those participating in the FAM will receive air, accommodations and meals, compliments of the Barbados Tourism Authority, provided you bring a group of 10 or more persons to Barbados within one year of com- pleting the FAM. This is part of the overall Barbados Heritage Specialist program of which details will be pro- vided during your visit. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ms. Thomas at (703) 931-3313 or via email at DebbieT@visitbarbados.org. THE STEPS OF PAUL CRUISE – LAND OF THE BIBLE Just checking to see who's selling the Steps of Paul Cruise in November. Please let us know if you are selling this fantastic vacation. Remember the commission rate is 12%. Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 30