Texas Education Day

April 9-10, 2018

Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria

Batter up, Texas Travel Professionals!

Monday, April 9

6:00–8:00p — Evening Reception

Tuesday, April 10

7:30–8:15a — Registration & Breakfast                      

8:15a–12:30p — Educational Sessions & Supplier Showcase

Session 1: First Pitch

Speaker: Reid Ryan, Houston Astros

On November 1, 2017, The Houston Astros won the World Series for the first time in their 56-year history. They are one of the best major league baseball teams in the world, and Houston Astros fans have waited a long time for this. For six straight seasons, the Astros were one of the worst teams in the league, and for three of those seasons they lost more than 100 games. How did this team turn itself around and what lessons can be learned? TBTA proudly welcomes Reid Ryan, President of Business Operations for the Houston Astros, to throw the first pitch and share his thoughts on this remarkable team’s transformation.

Session 2: Technology Hits

Speakers:

• Kathy Shake, Dinova

• Lisa Grobien, Conichi

• Michael Jacques, Lumo

• Jalei Celik, SpotHero

We’ve all heard that “necessity is the mother of invention.” Join us to learn more about how four emerging travel technology companies identified the need for new solutions. They will take us from development to their final offering and share insights into what may lie ahead. By the end of this session, you will know more about emerging technologies and how they may benefit you, your program or your organization.

Session 3: Most Valuable Player

Speaker: Dorian Stonie, Salesforce

As a recent winner of BTN’s “Travel Manager of the Year,” Dorian Stonie has accomplishments that are legendary. His peers and suppliers describe him as a visionary, a measured risk-taker, and an industry pioneer. Dorian's talents are perfectly suited for Salesforce, which is ranked No. 1 on Fortune’s 2018 “100 Best Companies to Work for.” In this session, we will look behind the curtain of this evolutionary program and learn from this forward-thinking industry leader’s experience.  

Session 4: Batter Up!

Speakers:

• Norma Rohrbach, Areka Consulting

• Joe Wallace, AirPlus

Whether the request is from your organization's leadership or your customers, chances are you have been asked to provide Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). In this session, the concept of TCO is explained and illustrated using payment programs. They will demonstrate, there is more to consider than rebates and fees, and you can hold the secret to its stewardship.

12:30–1:30p — Lunch & Supplier Showcase

1:30–4:45p — Educational Sessions

Session 5: Leading to a Winning Culture

Speaker: Susan Leahy

It has been said that “Leadership is not a position or title.” So, what makes a great leader? How do we evolve from contributors to leaders? How do we generate a culture that inspires others to access their potential to achieve all they are capable of? How does a team of leaders win it all? This keynote address is dedicated to leadership and developing the leader within us.

Session 6: Travel Industry Jeopardy: How to Win in 2018

Facilitator: Will Tate, Goldspring Consulting

Let's have some fun during the 7th inning stretch with an interactive Jeopardy-style tour of the key travel industry issues for consideration in 2018 and beyond. Presented by Will Tate, our game show format promises educational and lively discussion covering a variety of current industry topics and so much more — from both a seller's and a buyer's viewpoints! Come prepared to play, and maybe win!

Session 7: Will there be extra innings?

Speaker: Laura Vanderkam

Do you ever feel pressed for time? Between emails, meetings, travel, and personal commitments, it is easy to feel pulled in many directions. But it is possible to get control of our hours and feel better about our time. In this session, time management expert, Laura Vanderkam, shares strategies for figuring out where the time goes, planning in priorities, and building in space. Leave with practical tools for getting more done, and feeling more relaxed, too.       

4:45–6:30p — Victory Celebration

Transportation

Graciously provided by Nikko’s from Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth areas

• Austin bus departs Homewood Suites South Monday, April 9, 1:00p.
• DFW bus departs Hilton Arlington Monday, April 9, 11:00a.

Both busses depart Houston after TED, Tuesday April 10, 6:00–6:30pm.

For more information, please contact Chris Maguire.

Special discounted overnight room rate of $149 at Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. Click here to book your overnight guest room.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Please note that due to the nature of this event, once registered, tickets are non- refundable.