7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by:



TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

Registration Open
Sign in for the HSMAI Travel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference and TIA's TravelCom 2008

12:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Move In
Travel's top providers of technology and services gear up for 700 buyers, prospectors, influencers and decision makers from across the online travel spectrum.

8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Presented by:

 TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

HSMAI Travel Internet Marketing Strategy Conference
(Pre-registration required. Additional fee applies - see Registration Information page for details.)

A full day of featured speakers, general sessions, panels, plus peer breakout discussions over a grab and go lunch.  The day concludes with a networking reception. 

Click here for program details.
 

1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Executive Women's Forum
(By Invitation Only, Entry fee: $150 per entry)

An exclusive, invitation-only (Vice Presidents and above) forum brings together top women leaders in travel marketing, distribution and eCommerce for an off-the-record discussion about the most pressing issues facing them.  The popular event is always closed to the press.

FACILITATOR/MODERATOR:
Susan Black, Managing Director, Susan Black and Associates

6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Hosted by:

TIA's TravelCom 08
Platinum Sponsor

Cocktail Reception

Located at The CLUB at 151. You will be in the middle of all the excitement in the grand atrium of the Hyatt Regency Chicago's East Tower.

8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Hosted by:

TIA's TravelCom 08
Platinum Sponsor

Google Bash

You won't want to miss this evening's event, hosted by Google!  Rest assured it will be "Googley" good fun.

7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Registration Open

8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by:



TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

Networking and Technology Pavilion Open

8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. 

Continental Breakfast

General Session

9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Presented by:

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor
 

The State of the Industry – Destination Unknown: Successfully Navigating Uncharted Waters

Once again, the travel industry finds itself faced with the challenge of navigating uncharted waters. Travel eCommerce, distribution, marketing and customer service executives find themselves being tasked to devise strategies that will successfully lead their firms through an uncertain economy, a decline in the number of online travel buyers, and evolving distribution models. On top of that are new channels like mobile and social computing. Join Forrester's Henry Harteveldt as he helps to set the stage for TravelCom 2008 by answering your questions – and posing new ones for you to consider.

KEYNOTE PRESENTER:

Henry Harteveldt, Vice President and Principal Analyst - Airline/Travel Industry Research, Forrester Research, Inc.

9:45 a.m.-10:35 a.m.

Presented by:

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

Roundtable Discussion

The State of the Industry – Destination Unknown: Predicting Tomorrow's Travel Environment

Soaring energy costs, an uncertain economy, unstable financial and credit markets, increasingly global markets and competition, the environment, challenging labor relations, new technologies – all of these confront the travel industry. The travel industry isn't just evolving: It's continuously assaulted on all sides, at a pace that increases with time.

This revolution is fueled by a number of factors. They include a soft real estate market, an increasing number of providers, deregulated markets, new business models, inadequate core systems and a consumer who evolves at a faster pace than the industry. In this State of the Industry keynote roundtable, find out what is on the mind of some of the industry's greatest brand leaders. Join us for a primer on where things stand today and prepare to embrace and leverage what comes next.

MODERATOR:

Henry Harteveldt, Vice President and Principal Analyst - Airline/Travel Industry Research, Forrester Research, Inc.

PANELISTS:

Lynne Biggar, Senior Vice President and General Manager - U.S. Consumer Travel Network, American Express

Steven Barnhart, President and Chief Executive Officer, Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.

Hugh Crean, President and Chief Executive Officer, Farecast, Inc.

Networking and Technology Pavilion Break

11:15 a.m.-11:55 a.m.

 Sponsored by:

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

General Session:

Travel Distribution: Making Sense of an Evolving and Expanding Landscape

The definition of travel distribution continues to evolve. From traditional travel agency distribution to online advertising, to online communities, to the Media Model, to online advertising exchanges, to more niche-focused behavioral targeting through such options as location based marketing and social networking spaces, travel marketers are faced with an array of choices when considering the most effective means of customer acquisition and retention.

This session dissects the current landscape and analyzes current strategies.  In addition, hear Michelle Peluso, President and Chief Executive Officer, Travelocity and Executive Vice President, Sabre Holdings, share her thoughts regarding where she sees opportunities and the potential danger zones in this rapidly evolving and often mysterious marketplace.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Michelle Peluso, President & Chief Executive Officer, Travelocity and Executive Vice President, Sabre Holdings

Rethinking (or reinventing) the Conventional Wisdom of Travel Distribution

Conference Attendee Lunch - Networking and Technology Pavilion Open

A Day In the Life of a Traveler, presented by IBM

SPEAKER:

Lois McKeon, Business Development Executive, Global Travel & Transportation Industry, IBM Global Technology Services

12:45 p.m.-2:15 p.m.

Presented by: 

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

Concurrent User Conferences and Luncheons

Private User Conferences are concurrent to the Conference Attendee Luncheon.  (Pre-registration is required)

1. Quantifying the Social Media Behavior of Online Travelers - Presented by Yahoo!, Inc., Forrester Research, Inc., and Compete, Inc. 

The ocean of opportunity in social media still looks murky for travel marketers. How do you anticipate constantly shifting social media trends, from microblogging to social networking? A solid social media strategy is grounded in a deep understanding of your customers, so you can confidently allocate resources to act on certain trends--and know when to ignore others. In this session, we'll use new data from Yahoo!, Compete, Inc. and Forrester Research to:

• Present a framework for understanding travelers' engagement with social media
• Analyze how social media behaviors relate to travel shopping and booking
• Demonstrate how to tie your social strategy to measurable marketing objectives

PRESENTERS:

Bradley King, Managing Director, Travel Category, Yahoo! Inc.

Sarah Rotman Epps, Analyst, Travel eBusiness, Forrester Research, Inc.

Gregory Saks, Director, Travel Practice, Compete, Inc.

---

2. How to Reach Across Multiple Channels and Engage Travel Consumers- Presented by Acxiom Corporation

How do you maximize online and offline marketing channels for the 'in-charge' traveling consumer?

During this session you will learn how to:

• Engage customers who are now in charge
• Identify consumer preferences across multiple channels
• Deliver the appropriate message through the appropriate channel
• Segment real-time messaging and offers tailored to active and inactive customers or prospects
• Ensure all marketing communications and interaction are highly relevant

Learn how customer touch point optimization can address all of these challenges and make you the customer champion of your organization.

PRESENTERS:

Robert (Bob) J. Adams, CTC, Industry Strategist/Travel & Entertainment, Acxiom Corporation

Julie Schorr, Vice President of Marketing - Central Sales, Marriott Vacation Club

Click here to contact Acxiom Corporation for more information.

 

General Session:

Competition in Travel Distribution: Crafting a Successful Game Plan for 2008 and Beyond

Not many busineses can claim to be as challenging and competitive as the online travel industry.  Multiple forces continually combine and collide to reshape our consumer base; the products, media and technologies they prefer; the delivery technologies we and our suppliers employ, and competing business models.  Successfully negotiating that competitive landscape almost requires the simultaneous use of a crystal ball and a rear-view mirror.

This keynote examines popular consumer, technology and travel industry trends.  In his presentation, Jeffery Boyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, Priceline.com, will share his views on what those trends are, how they might affect consumer behavior, and what we should consider in crafting our own business responses to these trends.

SPEAKER:

Jeffery Boyd, President and Chief Executive Officer, Priceline.com

Networking and Technology Pavilion Break

4:30 p.m.-5:20 p.m.

 Presented by: 

TIA's TravelCom 08
Silver Sponsor

Powered by:

TIA's TravelCom 08
Supporting Sponsor

Concurrent Breakouts

Breakout 1: Global Appeal - Integrated Merchandising in a Global Economy

Today's emerging markets, from China to Brazil to Eastern Europe, have a strikingly similar life cycle of development. Organizations that recognize those patterns can pursue global consumers strategically. In the world of merchandising organizations, understanding the wants and desires of customers is vital. What about addressing a global audience? How are the needs of the international consumer different than domestic U.S. customers? How important is presentation and delivery? Is merchandising unity important here and how will you address it?

MODERATOR:

Mike Pusateri, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vantage Strategy Consulting

PANELISTS:

Michele McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Tourism Commission

Julie Heizer, Deputy Director, Industry Relations, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, U.S. Department of Commerce

Bill Tancer, General Manager, Global Research, Hitwise

Dan O'Sullivan, Director, Travel Practice Group, Translations.com

Eduardo Chaillo, Regional Director, US and Canada, Mexico Tourism

---

Breakout 2: Powered by HEDNA - Monetizing Social Media and Consumer Generated Content

Consumers are interacting and buying online in ways not feasible just a few years ago. Enabled by advanced tools within the new portals of "community," online social networks and the resulting consumer generated content revolution have become the fastest-growing consumer marketing arena and trend in the world. Listen to the experts discuss how these new sites are monetizing this audience and what marketers can do to engage consumers within this landscape.

MODERATOR:

Susan Black, Managing Partner, Susan Black and Associates

PANELISTS:

Mike Stacy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Groople

Scott Hyden, President of STA Travel North America

Eric Lipp, President and Chief Executive Officer, Open Doors and Disaboom.com

---

3. The Travel Industry Economy - Growth Capital, M&A, and more

Our industry has increasingly attracted private and public capital from domestic and international sources, with companies being acquired or capitalized with millions of dollars. In this session, we will help you sort through all the noise to look at the spectrum of capital raising options and metrics used by individual and institutional investors. Additionally, we will provide analysis of the public company, mergers and acquisition and upcoming IPO landscape within the industry. We plan to help you evaluate your prospects or learn how to negotiate these complex waters if your company is seeking investment, sale, IPO or partnerships. Come join us in acquiring a new perspective that will help you take stock of travel capital markets opportunities.

MODERATOR:

Alex Picou, Managing Director - Gaming, Travel & Leisure, KeyBanc Capital Markets

PANELISTS:

Gregory O'Hara, Managing Director, One Equity Partners

Joel Cutler, Managing Director, General Catalyst Partners

Woody Marshall, Managing Director, Trident Capital

Brad Gerstner, Principal Investor, PAR Capital Management

5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Hosted by:

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

Cocktail Reception - Networking and Technology Pavilion

7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Registration Open

8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Sponsored by:



TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

Networking and Technology Pavilion Open

8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.

Presented by: 

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

Continental Breakfast - Networking and Technology Pavilion

9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Sponsored by: 

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

General Session

Welcome to 2013: The Changes in Technology and Consumers that will Affect Your Business

Forrester Vice President and Principal Analyst Charlene Li will provide fascinating and actionable insight into the expected changes in technology and consumer behavior that will affect the travel industry.  Looking beyond just eCommerce, Charlene will help you understand how the evolution of applications in areas like Social Computing, mobile and consumer electronics will change the way you need to be prepared to distribute, market and sell travel to an increasingly digital consumer.

SPEAKER:

Charlene Li, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Forrester Research, Inc. 

9:45 a.m.-10:15 a.m.

Exploration of Innovation

A one on one interview with Jeremy Wertheimer, President and Chief Executive Officer, ITA Software, Inc., and Krista Pappas, Vice President, BUsiness Development, Farecast, Inc.

SPEAKER:

Jeremy Wertheimer, President and Chief Executive Officer, ITA Software, Inc.

INTERVIEWED BY:

Krista Pappas, Vice President, Business Development, Farecast, Inc.

10:15 a.m.-10:40 a.m.

Presented by: 

TIA's TravelCom 08
Gold Sponsor

TIA's TravelCom 2008 Innovator of the Year Awards - Presented by TIA and ITA Software

PRESENTERS:

Roger Dow, President and Chief Executive Officer, Travel Industry Association (TIA)

Jeremy Wertheimer, President and Chief Executive Officer, ITA Software, Inc.

The Art of Consumer Generated Content: Building Your Brand in the Digital Age

Welcome to the brand new world of marketing where consumers have an increasing amount of control over a brand and the rapidly evolving landscape.  Certainly, leading travel companies still have plenty of weapons in their brand-building arsenals, but there is no doubt that the rules have changed in the dynamic and fluid world of on-demand technologies and ocnsumer-generated content.  In this session, Suzie Reider, Director of Advertising, YouTube, will share her unbeatable creative vision and be interviewed by another creative travel industry executive, Christine Petersen, Senior Vice President, Marketing, TripAdvisor.  Join these seasoned executives to explore how the digital revolution is transforming all media and the business of marketing communications.

SPEAKER:

Suzie Reider, Director of Advertising, YouTube

INTERVIEWED BY:

Charlene Li, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Forrester Research, Inc.

Networking and Technology Pavilion Break

General Session

General Session

General Session: Inaugural Steven Fossett Innovation Award: Sir Richard Branson

The Travel Industry Association proudly presents the inaugural Steven Fossett Innovation Award to Sir Richard Branson, Founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group of Companies.

Named for Fossett*, legendary aviator, explorer and pioneer, the honor will be presented each year at TravelCom to recognize a worldwide travel industry leader who has broken new ground, pushed boundaries and revolutionized the industry, leaving a legacy of long-lasting beneficial change.  This award embodies the marriage of inspiration and innovation, celebrating Steve's unique ability to translate each of his adventures into something from which we could all learn.

In presenting the first Fossett Award, TIA recognizes Richard's own pioneering spirit, applied to every aspect of his life.  Blazing trails throughout the world in almost every business imaginable, Branson has pushed every norm, daring to challenge the industry to do better.  Building Virgin Atlantic Airways from scratch in 1984, Richard has never stopped in his relentless combination of combining the best in product and service, establishing a model that the industry couldn't help but try to follow.

Richard joins us as a special guest to pay tribute to his friend Steve Fossett, with whom he has shared many adventures.

Forrester's Henry Harteveldt, TIA's TravelCom'08 Co-Chair will host a "fireside" chat with Mr. Branson, during which the two will discuss innovation and its changing role in business today and tomorrow.

*Fossett was reported missing on September 3, 2007 after the plane he was flying over the nevada desert failed to return.  Despite over a month of searches by the Civil Air Patrol and others, Fossett has not been located.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Closing Remarks

Conference Attendee Lunch - Networking and Technology Pavilion