World Class Speakers, Authors & Industry Leaders to Headline Expanded Sessions at 31st Annual CalTravel Summit

Event billed as "Must Attend" Summit for all Travel/Tourism/Hospitality Professionals

BURBANK, Calif., Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A team of nationally renowned travel and business industry speakers will headline the California Travel Association's 31st Annual 'California Travel Summit' (CTS), March 18-20, 2013 in San Diego, California.

Themed "Inspiration Is Calling," the summit is expected to attract over 600 travel, tourism and hospitality professionals and state legislative officials from California and neighboring states. Online registration is now live at www.caltravel.org with special early bird rates for CalTravel Members, and discounts for travel related businesses, students and educators. 

While attendees can look forward to newly expanded workshops, educational sessions, social events and the annual CalTravel Awards presentation, the summit's major draw will be its dynamic mix of at least nine high profile keynote speakers and topics, which to date include:

Honored educator and world champion athlete Murray Banks: "Reinvent, Reenergize, Refocus ... At Our Best In Tough and Changing Times."

Visit California President & CEO, and Chair-Elect, Board of Directors Brand USA Carolyn Beteta: "The California Brand Plan – Going Global and Keeping it Local."

Noted Tourism Expert Suzanne Cook Ph.D.:  "What's Driving U.S. & California Travel and What's Ahead?"

Noted Speaker, Author and Destination Marketing Consultant Bill Geist: "Seize the Day & the Dollars."

Marketing/Branding/Consumer Trends Expert and Author Kelly McDonald: "Changing Demographics and its Impact on Tourism."

Best Selling Author Dr. Jeff Salz: "The Adventure of Change ... Six Steps to Greatness in the Age of Transformation."

Influence Expansion CEO Lena West: "Followers, Friends + Favorites: How the Rise of the Social Customer Is Impacting Destinations in Quite Unexpected Ways."

Young Strategies, Inc. President and acclaimed speaker Berkeley Young: "The Idea Brewery ... 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes."

Co Authors and Productivity Consultants Michael Valentine & Lynn Coffman, "The New Frontier of Work."

"We purposely expanded our convention with a huge line-up of world class speakers to appeal to all professionals in travel, tourism and hospitality education," said CalTravel President & CEO John Severini. "This convention's agenda offers real ROI for any tourism professional, and the extensive line-up of renowned speakers should encourage travel and tourism professionals to bring their entire staff."

Newly announced programming additions to the California Travel Association 31^st Annual Travel Summit's agenda, found at www.CalTravel.org, will provide attendees with more inspired and dynamic opportunities than ever before.  

Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of Early Bird registration and low hotel rates including pre/post conference pricing discounts. There is also special 40% discounted pricing for groups of five (5) or more, and a 30% discount for attendees 30 years old and under. Guest, day pass, student/educator rates and special pricing is available for local San Diego CVB members and business partners.  Registrants also receive their choice of 2 free passes to either SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California Resort or the World Famous San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The California Travel Summit is critically important for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals who seek to remain current with industry trends and state legislative issues impacting the State of California. In the past 30 years, CTS has earned a reputation for featuring highly-informative general sessions, world-class speakers and presenters on key topics in today's changing travel industry, prominent industry panels, intensive breakout groups, and invaluable networking opportunities.

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is among the greenest hotels in San Diego, offering Gaslamp District shuttles, free WiFi, and spectacular San Diego views. Low hotel rates are provided and attendees are encouraged to bring family members and extend their stay to explore and enjoy San Diego.

2013 CTS event and transportation partners include Amtrak California, Southwest Airlines, Visit California, Disneyland Resort, SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, Simpleview, Legoland California Resort, San Diego CVB, and Mering Carson.

CalTravel is the unified voice for the California travel industry's political concerns. By advocating directly to the state legislature, the Governor's office, local and federal officials, businesses, and the public, CalTravel addresses issues that affect the state's tourism industry. CalTravel also aggressively seeks to ensure continued funding for Visit California.

SOURCE California Travel Association