San Francisco Hosts CalTIA's 28th Annual Conference on Tourism June 7-9, 2010

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, San Francisco will serve as the host city for the California Travel Industry Association's (CalTIA) annual California Conference on Tourism, held on June 7-9, 2010 at the Parc 55 Hotel San Francisco.

In addition to a variety of high profile keynote speakers in the tourism industry and dynamic breakout sessions, conference attendees will have the opportunity to meet John Severini, CalTIA's first full-time CEO, and to attend a special session on the hot topic "Responding To Tourism Boycotts." Attendees will hear from those at ground zero of the boycott targeting Arizona and the counter-boycott targeting San Francisco including: Debbie Johnson, CEO, Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association; Steve Moore, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Joe D'Alessandro, President & CEO, San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau. A session on potential legislation affecting the travel and tourism industries will also be presented.

Themed "Transform: The New Reality," the 28th Annual Conference features four keynote speakers and eight breakout sessions over three days. Breakout sessions will discuss pertinent topics such as social media, sustainable tourism and the changing world of tourism. Keynote speakers and topics include:

• Dr. Roger Selbert, The Growth Strategies Group, "Futurist Views on World Issues to the Travel Industry"
• Dr. David Sheastley, Director of Research, U.S. Travel Association, and Berkeley Young of Young Strategies, will jointly present U.S. travel forecasts and research information
• Caroline Beteta President/CEO of the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) will provide an update on the state's tourism marketing plan and will present the CTTC's annual Marketing Excellence Awards
• CEO of Horsager Leadership, Dave Horsager, will present information on building trust to create strong brands

On June 8, the "who's who" of California tourism will be honored at the Celebration Dinner. Sponsored by Disneyland Resorts, legends and innovators in California's travel industry will receive "best of" awards for their excellence and commitment to California's brand. Recipients include: Chef of the Year - Suzanne Goin, chef/owner of A.O.C., Lucques, Tavern and The Hungry Cat; Winery of the Year – Wente Vineyards; Tourism Stewardship Award – Bill Lane and the Lane Family; and Norman Clark Tourism Champion of the Year – Huell Howser.

To register, visit www.caltia.org. CalTIA Members are eligible for a special early bird registration fee of $485 through May 24, 2010. Nonmembers may register for $745 and save $200 by becoming a CalTIA Member. Special $250 rates for Students/Educators are also available.  

Attendees can take advantage of important value-added opportunities including: free travel to the conference on official sponsor, Amtrak California; using Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) from both SFO and OAK airports; or utilizing ferry service from the East and North Bay; free in-room internet access at Parc 55 Hotel; and bringing the family along to experience the Bay Area's world-famous attractions, dining and culture options.

For registration and full information about the CalTIA 2010 California Conference on Tourism, visit www.caltia.org.  

The California Conference on Tourism has gained industry-wide recognition as a significant opportunity for tourism professionals to come together to share and improve individual knowledge and insights, refresh relationships, and to add a voice to ongoing political discussions. At the conference, participants are offered a host of professional development sessions aimed at raising awareness of industry trends and changes, and improving business practices.

ABOUT CALTIA

The California Travel Industry Association is a nonprofit professional organization that provides a unified forum for California's travel-related businesses to advocate, collaborate, and educate. CalTIA works to increase the educational and networking opportunities for its members and the travel industry as a whole. CalTIA's mission is "To bring people together to deliver an exceptional California travel experience through advocacy, education and collaboration."

SOURCE California Travel Industry Association (CalTIA)