Anita Invites You to San Jose!
by Anita Pagliasso-Balamane

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Here's a peek at what we have confirmed so far. Stay tuned for more exciting information on our fun reception, sponsored in part by OSSN Allied Supplier Members TravelSafe Insurance and Travel Professionals Insurance Network.

MEET THE NICHE EXPERTS AND LEARN THEIR MONEY MAKING SECRETS (Moderated by John Dalton)

Patrick Toal - Open Seas Travel

Patrick was a Geriatric Social Worker for more than 15 years before working in the travel industry. While he was in graduate school, he interned at Duke University Medical Center with Lisa Gwyther. At the time, Ms. Gwyther was one of the top Long Term Care Specialists in the United States. Patrick contributed information to several published works and then co-authored a book with Lisa in 1999.

Today, it is not as uncommon to hear news stories about healthy centenarians or a 70-year-old celebrating a milestone birthday by taking skydiving lessons. And, when we hear about seniors "surfing," they are not always talking about the Internet, but rather the sport of Hawaiian kings. With the age of the Baby Boomer upon us and advances in medical technology, a new breed of senior traveler is emerging. This new breed of traveler is certainly not one to be overlooked and has the potential to be a great moneymaker for your agency.

Marlene Caracalas. CTC, MCC - Caracalas Travel

Marlene is the owner of Caracalas Travel for 11 years specializing in Greece, Canada, cruises, golf and adventure travel. When Marlene moved to a new community where no one knew her, she had to redefine her business and my approach to selling travel. Learn about the steps she took that helped her to become a success.

Kelly Rubingh - Family Travel

Kelly Rubingh has been a travel agent for twelve years in the Bay Area. She began as an outside agent while still working in the performing arts, then started Family Travel as a home-based agency in 1997. Her first son, or "guinea pig," was born the following year, and she now travels with her two boys and husband around the world exploring destinations from the "family travel" viewpoint. Her agency is located in San Carlos, Calif., where she is active in her church, children's schools, and community.

HONEYMOONS, WEDDINGMOONS, BABYMOONS & REGISTRIES

This panel includes Lauren Liebert (Ticket 2 Honeymoons), a Caribbean Destination Specialist who sells honeymoons and destination weddings, and Lee Cromwell (Honeymoon Registry), a native of England and information technology specialist who oversees new concepts and strategic partnerships for www.HoneymoonWishes.com.

THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF INSURANCE - WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED

This panel will feature speakers from TravelSafe Insurance (consumer travel insurance) and Travel Professionals Insurance Network (agency E&O insurance).

MAGIC TECHNIQUES FOR NETWORKING AND PROSPECTING

Sharing ideas on these topics will be Mike Daly, president of Creative Solutions and a veteran travel industry speaker and writer; Kristy Rogers, the regional executive director of eWomen Network San Jose and the co-founder of Women in Networking; and Margie Weidert, a longtime home-based agent and fellow OSSN member.

GETTING READY FOR PRIME TIME

After this session, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use the media to your fullest advantage! Topics include press releases and interviews, understanding what the media want in a press release, improving your business image, and public relations and advertising. The speakers will be James Shillinglaw, the editorial director and editor in chief for Agent@Home, Cruise & Vacation Agent, and TravelPulse; and Kate Koziol, president of K Squared Communications in Chicago and a veteran publicist.