ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (THETRADESHOW) (Las Vegas, Sept 11-13) will be the place to be this fall when the travel’s best and brightest come together at two select events-ASTA’s annual black-tie Advocacy Dinner, sponsored by Sabre Travel Network, which celebrates ASTA's influence in shaping the policies affecting the retail travel business, and the new, invitation-only Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by Hertz Rent-a-Car, which will recognize the industry’s leading entities and ASTA’s strongest supporters.
 
“ASTA’s efforts on Capitol Hill and at the state level on behalf of travel agents and the entire industry are exemplary,” said Tony Gonchar, ASTA CEO.  “ASTA continually makes its voice heard on behalf of its members and in support of legislation that enhances their ability to remain profitable. These events are more than just a chance to learn more about ASTA’s efforts and network with the industry’s most influential leaders, but are ASTA’s way of thanking those who have stood behind us and beside us over the years. We are enormously grateful to Sabre Travel Network and Hertz Rent-a-Car for their sponsorship and for their unwavering support of ASTA, our members and the work we do.”
 
The newest event at ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo is the exclusive Leadership Luncheon, taking place on Sept. 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center. This private event will bring together ASTA Premium Members, the Board of Directors, the Chapter Presidents Council and its Proud Partners in an environment where ASTA’s strongest backers can foster new relationships while expanding on existing ones.
 
Later that day, ASTA’s annual Advocacy Dinner will take place at 7 p.m. in the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Now in its eighth year, the Advocacy Dinner is an exclusive, black-tie event bringing together elite travel agents, suppliers and industry players in recognition of ASTA lobbying efforts and legislative successes at the state and federal level. This year, this popular event will offer even greater opportunities for attendees to make contacts both prior to and following the dinner, thanks to the addition of a new networking dessert reception.
 
One of the Advocacy Dinner’s highlights will be the announcement of the winner of the Barbara O'Hara Advocacy Award. The award is presented each year by the Interactive Travel Services Association to the ASTA member who has made the most significant contribution in advocating for the interests of the travel agency community before federal, state and/or local governmental authorities.