ABA 2009 Registration Brochure

ABA MARKETPLACE 2009January 7-12

Charlotte, NC

MARKETPLACE

REGISTRATION MATERIALS

it’s money in the bank

Marketplace is where the motorcoach, tour

and travel industry come together to book

group travel business. Travel connections,

whether point-to-point, person-to-person,

or member-to-member, drive this industry.

Marketplace is the most effective connection

if you’re in the group travel business.

Sara HaMlin, CTiS ViCE PrESiDEnT OF TOUriSM

Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors BureauMarketplace 2009 Chair

quality appointments professional education limitless networking

...it’s money in the bank

Charlotte is the largest and

most accessible city between

Washington, D.C. and Dallas,

TX. More than 60% of the

country’s population live within

a two-hour flight or a day’s drive

of Charlotte and over six million

people live within a 100-mile

radius, garnering its nickname

the “International Gateway to

the South.”

Not just a financial epicenter,

the Queen City is “One

of the Top 30 Most Visited

U.S. Destinations” (as rated by

Forbes Traveler) for a reason

– and its variety is certainly

the key. Topping the list by

attracting more than 1.5 million

people annually is NASCAR.

The region is home to more

than 80% of Sprint Cup drivers,

making it a fitting home for the

new zMAX Dragway at Lowe’s

Motor Speedway and the highly

anticipated NASCAR Hall

of Fame, which will cross the

finish line in early 2010. And

attractions like the U.S. National

Whitewater Center and the Billy

Graham Library, the only ones

in the nation of their kind, are

continuing to build a reputation

for world-class things to see and

do throughout Charlotte.

Progress reigns daily with a

thriving calendar of events,

innovative development

benefiting its visitors and

residents alike, and an ambiance

all its own. With a little help

from dynamic chefs, Charlotte

serves up invigorating dining

concepts specializing in their own

brand of Carolina flavor. Be sure

not to miss museums showcasing

the world’s wonders, outdoor

excursions to spare, a walk-able

cityscape brimming with public

art, and so much more sure to

engage, excite, and exhilarate.

So explore all the unforgettable

things to see and do this city

has to offer. Whether looking for

family-friendly appeal or thrill-

seeking adventures, you’ll be a fan

of this winning city in no time.

Once you do, you’ll come to

know that this fine Southern city

has a flair for the extraordinary.

Countless cranes pepper a towering

skyline and are certainly a sign of

the times that the Queen City is on

the rise…in more ways than one.

Have you met charlotte yet

quALiTy APPoinTMEnT sEssions

ABA’s Marketplace offers seven-minute prescheduled appointments, where Motorcoach and Tour Operator Buyers obtain information and create business relationships with Travel Industry and Service Supplier Sellers. These face-to-face appointments are the core of Marketplace week.

Buyer appointment-taking delegates are seated at individual booths for the entire Marketplace week and have appointments on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There are 182 appointment slots available in the Buyer appointment schedule.

seller delegates do not have booths, but move from Buyer to Buyer for their appointments. There are 52 appointment slots available in the Seller appointment schedule.

ABA purposely limits the number of appointment-taking Sellers per session, based on the number of registered appointment-taking Buyers, in order to assure quality appointments. Marketplace appointment sessions are based on your company’s primary membership category and are scheduled as follows:

Destination Marketing organization sellersAppointment Sessions are Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.Mating and Networking Session is Thursday, Jan. 8: 2:10 pm - 2:30 pm.

loDging organization sellers Appointment Sessions are Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon.Mating and Networking Session is Saturday, Jan. 10: 9:10 am - 9:30 am.

attraction, local receptive operator anD other sellersAppointment Sessions are Sunday morning, Monday morning and Monday afternoon.Mating and Networking Session is Sunday, Jan. 11: 9:10 am - 9:30 am.

friday, July 11, 2008Registration materials mailed to all active ABA members.

monday, July 14-16, 2008Registration opens and materials are available on-line at www.buses.org/marketplace. Registration dates are based on company type.

monday, sept. 15, 2008 Deadline for Buyer Early Bird Registration.

monday, sept. 22, 2008Appointment requests begin. Deadline to cancel and receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after this date.

friday, nov. 14, 2008Deadline to submit appointment requests.

friday, nov. 21, 2008Appointments are scheduled. Delegates have the ability to customize their appointments through manual scheduling.

thursday, dec. 4, 2008Manual scheduling turned off until Marketplace begins.

wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009Marketplace Begins!

dEAdLinE dATEs

Appointment codes are assigned on the day you register, and appointments are prioritized and scheduled in order of your appointment code. ABA gives you the flexibility to request your appointments online, allowing you to change and update your requests as often as you like — up until the minute they are scheduled.

ABA´s computer scheduling system matches more than 100,000 appointment requests and schedules nearly 100% of all mutually requested appointments and 90% of all Buyer requested appointments — giving you quality appointments.

product pavilionsunDay, Jan. 11 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The product pavilion is ABA’s new show-within- a-show created for product and service suppliers to showcase their products to the operators in an inexpensive and results-driven environment. The one-day, one-stop exhibit show will feature expanded floor space, as well as educational seminars on safety, environmental issues, and equipment and maintenance issues.

Why Associate Members must exhibit at The product pavilion:

• Face-to-face time with hundreds of operators who already attend Marketplace

• The most cost-effective exhibit opportunity in the industry

• One day show means no down time and less time away from the office

• Everything under one roof

• Convenient East Coast Location

• Excellent return on investment

exhibit fees: $400 per exhibit space

star orientation prograM

Prior to Marketplace, our first-time STAR delegates have

access to workshops, tools and newsletters to help prepare

for their Marketplace experience. Additionally, STAR

delegates receive a personal phone call to help answer

questions. Onsite, the Orientation Center offers

personalized counseling sessions performed by

Marketplace veterans.

resource central

The Resource Central is “Your Office Space at

Marketplace,” providing a relaxing environment for you

to research ABA member companies and prepare for your

appointments. Additionally, Resource Central provides

complimentary copiers, office supplies and computer access.

Your Marketplace passport is an individualized

account of your Marketplace event registration. You can

use this tool to confirm all of your registration details,

make updates, volunteer, conduct research on other

companies attending Marketplace and select appointments.

Regardless of your delegate type, utilize the Passport to

get your up-to-date information and connections to

Marketplace resources.

proFessional eDucation

Marketplace is on the right track with Professional

Education opportunities. ABA offers more than

50 quality seminars conducted by top-rated national

speakers and industry experts. The 2009 Marketplace

education program offers timely topics on specific tracks:

Professional and Personal Development, Industry Tools and Business Management.

bEyond ThE businEss fLooR

new tHis year! Marketplace offers member forums for all Travel Industry segments:

DMo representatives saturDay, Jan. 10 9:30 am

loDging representatives FriDay, Jan. 9 11:00 am

attraction representatives sunDay, Jan. 11 12:30 pm receptive operator representatives sunDay, Jan. 11 12:30 pm

MARKETPLACE ALL-dELEgATE EvEnTs

thursDay, Jan. 8all-Delegate lunch anD aba annual MeetingDon’t miss the Thursday all-delegate lunch presented by Philadelphia & the Countryside - ABA’s 2011 Marketplace host city! Where you’re at liberty to experience everything from cheesesteaks to soft pretzels, chips to TastyKakes, history to gardens and so much more. Join us for an afternoon full of beauty, excitement, and entertainment straight from the birthplace of our Nation. Sponsored by Philadelphia & the Countryside

thursDay, Jan. 8here’s lookin at you…north carolinaopening cereMonyDress to impress and display your best “Bling” as Charlotte and the State of North Carolina roll out a true southern style red carpet welcome. Sneak a peek and experience just a handful of the 800+ movies that have been filmed across the beautiful home state of the Queen City …. “North Carolina”. Get a taste of the culinary fare that depicts each of the three regions: The Coast (east of I-95), The Piedmont (west of I-95 and east of I-77), and The Mountains (west of I-77). North Carolina is full of exciting surprises, and as Forrest Gump would say “…like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get.” Sponsored by North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development

FriDay, Jan. 9 sightseeing tours Check out Charlotte and the surrounding regions best attractions on one of ten spectacular Sightseeing Tours. Visit the Billy Graham Library, a beautiful facility dedicated to the life of the beloved evangelist, and the stunning Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. Sip fine wines from North Carolina vineyards and sample famous North Carolina barbeque. Learn all about NASCAR by visiting race shops and PIT Instruction & Training. Step back into time as you visit Historic Brattonsville, a Revolutionary War historic site and also the movie location for “The Patriot.” Concoct your own coffee beverages at the East Coast Barista and Coffee School and feast on your own hand-made chocolate treats at City Sweets. Shoot hoops at the home of the Charlotte Bobcats and zip-line over the world’s largest artificial whitewater river at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Load up on souvenirs at SouthPark or Concord Mills Mall. Or stretch your legs and create your own itinerary walking through Center City Charlotte. There’s much to discover in one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse cities! Sponsored by Visit Charlotte

FriDay, Jan. 9pure carolina evening eventFrom historical to hip, down home to urban chic, Charlotte is the vibrant gateway to the Carolinas. An engaging metropolis; we’re home to a diverse community of artists, innovators, and creators. Celebrate the opening of ABA’s 2009 Marketplace with a Pure Carolina experience showcasing the diverse cultural life of the Carolinas. From Action & Adventure, Arts & Culture to the Culinary Arts, the evening will charm you with the pure spirit of the Carolinas, including an exclusive preview of new and expanded museums and performance centers opening in Charlotte’s Center City in 2009 and 2010. Come early and stay late to take it all in.Sponsored by Arts and Sciences Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

saturDay, Jan. 10 all-Delegate lunch Come Listen to the Music at Branson’s much-anticipated show and luncheon, where for the fifth year running you’ll be up close and personal with a host of world-class performers. See first-hand America’s live music capital offering a dazzling glimpse at the surprising diversity of Branson’s music, attractions, amenities and much more. Remember, “Someone you love is always playing in Branson”.Sponsored by Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB

The ABA Foundation will

be fundraising all week to

support its scholarship and

industry research programs

through the silent

auction, which will include

a wide array of travel and

tourism products, services

and packages, including

exotic vacation getaways.

thursDay, Jan. 8Marketplace gives back eventPolish up your bowling shoes for a late evening event at the Bowling Lanes as we unite to raise money for breast cancer research.

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saturDay, Jan. 10 party With the beast oF the southeast evening event Whoever said that motorcoaches and race tracks don’t go together? You’ll see how they come together as you arrive in true racing fashion at “The Beast of the Southeast”… Lowe’s Motor Speedway! Experience firsthand the thrill of racing around the 1.5 mile oval, the out-of-control action of “the Dirt Track”, and have your breath taken away as you witness the spectacle of top-fuel drag racing at the “Bellagio of Drag Strips”. You will also enjoy various hands-on racing activities at the “Infield Extravaganza”. Finally, the night will end with a BLAST as you enjoy a spectacular fireworks display from the Grandstand!

Sponsored by Lowe’s Motor Speedway

saturDay, Jan. 10 neW york auction hospitality suite Join the New York State Sales team for the 25th annual fun auction. Hundreds of great auction items are up for bid, so grab your New York bucks and come be a part of the fun. Sponsored by Destinations of New York State

sunDay, Jan. 11netWorking Floor receptionThe Marketplace Networking Floor Reception is open all afternoon to all delegates. This popular reception gives delegates the chance to network, visit the booths, and make business contacts in an informal environment. Sponsored by ABC Companies, Daimler Buses North America, Motor Coach Industries, Prevost

sunDay, Jan. 11proDuct pavilion The Networking Floor is expanded on Sunday to include ABA’s new Product Pavilion, renamed from The MARKET in 2008. The Product Pavilion offers attendees the opportunity to view the industry’s latest offerings from product and service providers on the exhibit floor, making it a show-within-a-show at Marketplace and a one-day, one-stop shop for operators and associates. The Product Pavilion is a unique opportunity to build business relationships, conduct one-to-one business appointments, view the newest innovative engineering technologies, learn about the latest industry trends and network — all under one roof.

sunDay, Jan. 11FounDation live auction The ABA Foundation is planning its largest and most dynamic Live Auction ever, which will take place at 4:00 pm. As a prominent feature right on the main show floor, the ABA Foundation Live Auction will provide all delegates with the unique opportunity to bid on everything from a brand new state-of-the-art motorcoach donated by ABC Companies to elaborate all-inclu-sive vacations at destinations across North America. sunDay, Jan. 11Dine arounD charlotte From traditional Southern fare such as sugary sweet tea, fried chicken, or buttery collard greens to inter-national dishes like Thai hot pots, Japanese sashimi, or a big fat Greek salad, Charlotte’s culinary scene is a Southern dining experience like none other. Influenced by the top-ranking culinary institute Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte boasts hundreds of unique, independently-owned restaurants just waiting to whet your appetite. Don’t forget to end your meal with a flavorful Charlottini or a robust glass of wine straight from one of our North Carolina vineyards. Bon appétit!

sunDay, Jan. 11FounDation aFtergloWThe annual Foundation Afterglow is a fundraiser for the ABA Foundation and supports the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry by hosting the George T. Snyder Jr. Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $35 in advance, and $45 at the door. Join the fun at a favorite local spot, and don’t miss one of the best parties of the week!Sponsored by Hard Rock International

MonDay, Jan. 12all-Delegate lunch Back for the 14th straight year, Group Sales Box Office brings you the annual Best of Broadway Lunch. In the past we have had the best that Broadway has to offer and some special surprises as well. This year, Group Sales Box Office will continue the tradition of bringing Broadway’s hottest musicals to Marketplace. It’s your chance to get an exclusive sneak peek of what’s happening on Broadway. This is the single ABA event you can’t afford to miss.Sponsored by Group Sales Box Office

MonDay, Jan. 12 a sneak peek at Marketplace 2010 evening event The Capital Region partners join together Monday night to give you a taste of what’s in store next year. Marketplace 2010 will give you the opportunity to experience the newest and most dynamic destination on the East Coast: National Harbor. The expansive National Harbor waterfront with its marinas and piers, designed to accommodate concerts, dinner cruises and other signature events, will offer a ferry service across the Potomac to Georgetown and Alexandria, Va. National Harbor will be brought to life with food, fun and entertainment as we prepare you for Marketplace 2010. Sponsored by Capital Region: Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Gaylord National and National Harbor

Dress code: Business attire is required for all Marketplace business functions.

Jeans or shorts are not permitted on the business floor. Casual attire is suggested for the evening events.

hosT hoTEL infoRMATion

haMpton inn uptoWn 1.5 blocks to Convention Center

Phone: (704) 373-0917Web site: www.charlotteuptown.hamptoninn.comBuyers: $99 Sellers: $135

hilton charlotte center city Across the street from Convention Center

Phone: (704) 377-1500Web site: www.charlottecentercity.hilton.com Buyers: $118 Sellers: $151 hilton garDen inn uptoWn 1.5 blocks to Convention Center

Phone: (704) 347-5972Web site: www.charlotteuptown.gardeninn.com Buyers: $105 Sellers: $135

holiDay inn center city 6 blocks to Convention Center

Phone: (704) 335-5400Web site: www.hicharlotte.com Buyers: $105 Sellers: $135

Marriott city center 5.5 blocks to Convention Center

Phone: (704) 333-9000Web site: www.marriottcitycenter.com Buyers: $114 Sellers: $147

oMni charlotte 3 blocks to Convention Center

Phone: (704) 377-0400Web site: www.omnicharlotte.comBuyers: $99 Sellers: $137 the Westin charlotteAcross the street from Convention Center

Phone: (704) 375-2600Web site: www.weston.com/charlotteBuyers: $119 Sellers: $149

Hotel Services

Business Center • Internet Available

Laundry/Valet

Fitness Room

Indoor Pool

Restaurants

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Complimentary Breakfast

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airport transportationComplimentary transportation will be provided between the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Marketplace Host Hotels on Wednesday, Thursday and Tuesday.

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Make your housing reservation at www.buses.org/marketplace or fax in the enclosed housing form to (704) 347-1158.

All daytime events take place at the Charlotte Convention Center.

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Buyers Motorcoach and Tour Operators attend Marketplace to meet with travel industry suppliers (Sellers) to foster business relationships and plan future charters and tours.

Delegate types:

• Appointment-taking delegates request appointments, receive prescheduled appointments and conduct appointments during all business sessions.

• Rotation delegates alternate the appointment responsibilities with an appointment-taker so they can take advantage of the seminars and Marketplace resources.

• Guest delegates attend for the social and meal functions.

• Product Pavilion exhibit attendees will have access to all education, networking and Marketplace events on Saturday and Sunday.

$250 per buyer delegate if received by sept. 15, 2008.

$350 per buyer delegate if received after sept. 15, 2008.

$250 per buyer guest.

$100 per company for product pavilion only.

Fees incluDe:

• Marketplace business appointment sessions.• Full access to the Marketplace Business Floor.• Access to the Product Pavilion on Sun., Jan. 11.• Operator-only breakfasts and reception.• North Carolina FAMs.

sellers Travel Industry Suppliers attend Marketplace to meet with Buyers to foster business relationships and solicit group tours.

Delegate types:

• Appointment-taking delegates request appointments, receive prescheduled appointments and conduct appointments during their assigned business sessions.

• Observer delegates participate in all Marketplace activities, seminars and events, except prescheduled appointments. Observers have access to the Marketplace Business Floor only on their assigned session day.


$1195 per seller appointment-taking delegate.

$1195 per seller observer delegate.

$600 per seller guest.

Fees incluDe:• Marketplace business appointment

sessions (appointment-taking delegates only). • Full access to the Marketplace Business Floor

on your appointment session day.• Access to the Product Pavilion on Sun., Jan. 11.

associates Suppliers of goods and services to the motorcoach industry, including bus manufacturers, equipment companies, insurance carriers, etc.

Delegate types:

• Appointment-taking delegates request appointments, receive prescheduled appointments and conduct appointments during the Attraction/LRO/Other appointment sessions.

• Representative delegates do not take appointments. They can participate in all Marketplace activities, except the Marketplace Business Floor.


• Product Pavilion exhibitors will have access to all educational, networking and Marketplace events on Saturday and Sunday.

$400 per product pavilion exhibit space.

$1195 per seller appointment-taking delegate.

$795 per associate representative delegate.

$600 per associate guest.

$2000 per 10 ’ x 10 ’ networking Floor exhibit space.

$3000 per motorcoach exhibit.

Fees incluDe:

• Marketplace business appointment sessions (appointment-taking delegates only).

• Full access to the Marketplace Business Floor on your appointment session day (appointment-taking delegates only).

• Full access to the Product Pavilion on Sun., Jan. 11.• Full week participation

• 12 All-Delegate meal and social functions

• Product Pavilion access

• Marketplace Networking Floor access

• Education seminars

• Sightseeing tours

• On-line research tools

• Complimentary e-mail access

• Complimentary airport transportation

• Complimentary shuttle service to all events

all Delegates receive

MARKETPLACE sPonsoRs

level 3abc companiesFaribault, MNSponsorship: Networking Floor Reception

amerihost innParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

arts & sciences council of charlotte-MecklenburgCharlotte, NCSponsorship: Sunday Operator Breakfast

atlantic city DelegatesAtlantic City, NJSponsorship: Friday Evening Event

baymont inns & suitesParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

greater birmingham cvbBirmingham, ALSponsorship: Operator-to-Operator Reception

blue chip casino hotelMichigan City, INSponsorship: Operator Appointment Booklet

branson/lakes area chamber of commerce & cvbBranson, MOSponsorship: Saturday All-Delegate Lunch

broadway inboundNew York, NYSponsorship: Directory of Participants

capital region: Washington, Dc, Maryland, virginia, gaylord national and national harborSponsorship: Monday Evening Event

visit charlotteCharlotte, NCSponsorship: Charlotte’s got a lot

choice hotels internationalSilver Spring, MDSponsorship: Floor Lounge

Daimler buses north america Greensboro, NC Sponsorship: Networking Floor Reception

Days innParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

Destinations of new york stateSponsorship: Hospitality Suite – New York Auction

Disney theatrical productions, ltd.New York, NYSponsorship: Official Program

Foxwoods resort casinoMashantucket, CTSponsorship: Floor Lounge

group sales box officeNew York, NYSponsorship: Monday All-Delegate Lunch

hard rock internationalOrlando, FLSponsorship: Foundation Afterglow

howard Johnson internationalParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

intercontinental hotels groupAtlanta, GASponsorship: Floor Lounge

knights innParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

las vegas cvaLas Vegas, NVSponsorship: Delegate Registration Bags

lowe’s Motor speedwayConcord, NCSponsorship: Saturday Evening Event

circle MichiganSponsorship: Operator Appointment Booklet

explore Minnesota tourismSponsorship: Floor Lounge

Mohegan sun Sponsorship: Product Pavilion Operator Lunch Buffet

Motor coach industriesSchaumburg, ILSponsorship: ABA Board of Directors Dinner, Networking Floor Reception

Myrtle beach area cvbMyrtle Beach, SCSponsorship: Friday Operator Breakfast

niagara usa-niagara tourism & convention corporationNiagara Falls, NYSponsorship: Floor Lounge

outer banks visitors bureauManteo, NCSponsorship: Operator Appointment Booklet

philadelphia & the countrysidePhiladelphia, PASponsorship: Thursday All-Delegate Lunch

prevost Quebec, QCSponsorship: Networking Floor Reception

ramada WorldwideParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

super 8Parsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

theater Direct internationalNew York, NYSponsorship: Orientation Center

travelodgeParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

Wingate by WyndhamParsippany, NJSponsorship: Floor Lounge

circle WisconsinSponsorship: Floor Lounge

Wisconsin Department of tourismSponsorship: Floor Lounge

Wyndham hotel groupParsippany, NJ Sponsorship: Floor Lounge

Wyndham hotels and resortsParsippany, NJ Sponsorship: Floor Lounge

level 2adirondack and 1000 islands– seaway regionsSponsorship: Operator Profile Binders

team canadaSponsorship: Message & E-mail Center

visit charlotteCharlotte, NCSponsorship: Operator Water Stations

georgia tourismSponsorship: Delegate Education Refreshments

golden corralManor, TXSponsorship: Appointment Clock

Maryland office of tourismSponsorship: Program At-A-Glance Card

pa Dutch cvbLancaster, PASponsorship: Operator Gift

seneca niagara casino & hotelNiagara Falls, NYSponsorship: Delegate Name Badge Holders

team texasSponsorship: Operator Gift

level 1

arabian nights Dinner attractionKissimmee, FLSponsorship: Operator Gift

the carolina opryMyrtle Beach, SCSponsorship: Ecumenical Service

sponsorsHip Opportunities are still available. Contact Jana Fields at (859) 269-0670

MARKETPLACE AdvisoRy CoMMiTTEE

chair sara hamlin, ctis Greater Birmingham CVB

Birmingham, AL

vice chair Frank Montgomery iii, ctis Capital Trailways of Ala.

Montgomery, AL

volunteer chair John percy Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp.

Niagara Falls, NY

tour operator representative cary Martin Little Rock Tours

Little Rock, AR

DMo representative ross summers Branson/Lakes Area CVB

Branson, MO

attraction/lro/other representative chris shepler Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry

Mackinaw City, MI

loDging representative brett loehr Northern New Hampshire

and Vermont Hotels

St. Johnsbury, VT

eDucation co-chairs paul Mason Wyndham Hotel Group USA

New Castle, DE

linda spruill, ctis

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Biloxi, MS

orientation center co-chairs kathy Johnson, ctp West Virginia Division of Tourism

Charleston, WV

rene kuziv, ctis

Kissimmee CVB

Kissimmee, FL

resource central co-chairs Dan erickson

Supreme Travel LLC

Menomonie, WI

Deirdre Mccarthy-polak, ctis

Turning Stone Resort & Casino

Verona, NY

Diversity coMMittee chair

edythe harris

Pro Tran LLC

Ft. Washington, MD

2009 host representatives

tracy aldridge

Visit Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

Donna carpenter Visit Charlotte

Charlotte, NC


Jean pierre Dansereau

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

National Harbor, MD

rich gilbert Maryland Office of Tourism Development

Baltimore, MD

2011 host representative

ryan o’connor Philadelphia CVB

Philadelphia, PA


heather kisabeth

Grapevine CVB

Grapevine, TX

Joe Donnelly

Gaylord Hotels

Nashville, TN


Jennifer lynch-thien

Virginia Beach CVB

Virginia Beach, VA

carol torricelli Virginia Tourism Corporation

Richmond, VA

at-large MeMbers

Doug anderson

Anderson Coach & Travel

Greenville, PA

Don Devivo

DATTCO Inc.

New Britain, CT

David eaton

Conway Tours/Gray Line of Rhode Island

Cumberland, RI

bill gentry

Gentry Trailways

Knoxville, TN

troy greenawalt Bollman Charter Service Inc.

Everett, PA

steve haddad Bieber Tourways

Kutztown, PA

Jennifer hopkins george, ctis

Palladin Tour & Travel

Atlantic City, NJ

Wendy kelman

MAPS

Millersville, MD

John Meier Badger Coaches Inc.

Madison, WI

thomas Morgan, Jr. Citizen Auto Stage Company/Gray Line

Tours of Tuscon

Tucson, AZ

buddy young Capitol Bus Lines Inc.

West Columbia, SC

The success of Marketplace is due to the delegate-driven focus of the Marketplace Advisory Committee, who are committed to meeting and exceeding your Marketplace expectations.

Get Involved! Volunteering at Marketplace is a

great way to network and make

business contacts. The Volunteer

database opens in September, so

you can choose where and when

you want to work. Beginning in

November, you can nominate

yourself to be a part of one of the

many Marketplace committees.

wednesday, Jan. 7, 200912:00 pm – 6:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Networking Floor Open

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Education Seminars

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dine Around Charlotte Sponsored by Visit Charlotte

tHursday, Jan. 8, 20097:00 am – 6:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketplace Networking Floor Open

9:00 am – 5:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Education Seminars

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. . . . . . . . . All-Delegate Lunch and ABA Annual Meeting Sponsored by Philadelphia & the Countryside

2:10 pm – 2:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DMO Mating and Networking Session

2:30 pm – 5:32 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DMO Appointment Session I

5:32 pm – 6:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operator-to-Operator Reception Sponsored by Greater Birmingham CVB

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Here’s Looking at You...North Carolina Opening Ceremony and Annual Meeting

Sponsored by North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development

10:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketplace Gives Back Bowling Event

friday, Jan. 9, 20097:00 am – 6:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketplace Networking Floor Open

8:00 am – 9:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operator Breakfast Sponsored by Myrtle Beach Area CVB

9:10 am – 12:12 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DMO Appointment Session II


1:30 pm – 5:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sightseeing Tours Sponsored by Visit Charlotte

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pure Carolina Evening Event Sponsored by Arts and Sciences Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg

saturday, Jan. 10, 20097:00 am – 6:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketplace Networking Floor Open

7:30 am – 9:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State/Provincial Caucuses

8:00 am – 9:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operator Breakfast

9:10 am – 9:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodging Mating and Networking Session

9:30 am – 12:32 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodging Appointment Session I


12:45 pm – 2:15 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All-Delegate Lunch Sponsored by Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB

2:30 pm – 5:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ABA Board of Directors Executive Committee Meeting

2:30 pm – 5:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bus Industry Safety Council Executive Committee Meeting

2:30 pm – 5:32 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lodging Appointment Session II

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Party With the Beast of the Southeast Evening Event

Sponsored by Lowe’s Motor Speedway

9:30 pm – 12:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New York Auction Hospitality Suite Sponsored by Destinations of New York State

sunday, Jan. 11, 20097:00 am – 6:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketplace Networking Floor Open

7:30 am – 8:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ecumenical Service Sponsored by The Carolina Opry

8:00 am – 9:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operator Breakfast Sponsored by Atlantic City Delegates

8:00 am – 12:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ABA Board of Directors Meeting

8:00 am – 12:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bus Industry Safety Council Meeting

9:10 am – 9:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attraction/LRO/Other Mating and Networking Session

9:30 am – 12:32 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attraction/LRO/Other Appointment Session I

9:30 am – 1:30 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Education Seminars

12:00 pm – 6:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Product Pavilion Open Marketplace Networking Floor Reception

Sponsored by ABC Companies, Daimler Buses North America, Motor Coach Industries, Prevost

Foundation Live Auction

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CTIS Graduation Sponsored by the American Bus Association

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dine Around Charlotte Sponsored by Visit Charlotte

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Board of Directors Dinner Sponsored by Motor Coach Industries

9:30 pm – 12:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Foundation Afterglow Sponsored by Hard Rock International

monday, Jan. 12, 20097:00 am – 5:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketplace Networking Floor Open

8:00 am – 9:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operator Breakfast

8:00 am – 5:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bus Industry Safety Council Meeting

9:10 am – 12:12 pm . . . . . . . . . . Attraction/LRO/Other Appointment Session II


12:25 pm – 1:55 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All-Delegate Lunch Sponsored by Group Sales Box Office

2:05 pm – 5:07 pm. . . . . . . . . Attraction/LRO/Other Appointment Session III

6:30 pm – 11:00 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Sneak Peek at Marketplace 2010 Evening Event

Sponsored by Capital Region: Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Gaylord National and National Harbor

2009 MARKETPLACE sChEduLE

Documents

ABA 2009 Registration Brochure