Last week’s Family and Student Travel Expo was a success on many fronts.  The event—hosted by Family Travel Marketing Services’ (FTMS) teen-written blog Teentraveltalk.com—was held on the campus of NJ’s second largest school, Montclair State University (MSU).  The November 29th Expo featured a broad range of exhibitors representing local and distant destinations from tropical climates to ski resorts.  The production of the event also incorporated direct involvement with Montclair State University’s Sports, Events and Tourism Marketing Program. Students not only added value to the Expo, but earned real life experience and class credit.

During the nine hour event, travel and leisure exhibitors encountered a steady stream of inquisitive prospective travelers. The exhibitors provided a wealth of travel information and tips to help shape attendees’ next adventure as well as supplying a host of travel giveaways from free ski passes to complimentary airfare. The Family Travel Marketing staff with support from MSU marketing students worked diligently to provide a conducive atmosphere for visitors and exhibitors to interact.

“As an exhibitor at the Family & Student Travel Expo, I found the event well organized and effortless to work with this organisation. While interacting with the students responsible for supporting the EXPO, they were knowledgeable about the event, pleasant to work with and demonstrated a very positive approach to customer service.  I was able to experience the students’ willingness to ensure a positive experience for the exhibitors,” noted Edie Postel, Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce/Meadowlands Convention & Visitors’ Bureau.

Family Travel Marketing Services is thrilled with the positive feedback from exhibitors, attendees and the University as well as the opportunity to work with and support the school’s academic programs. Students and staff expressed their appreciation of the event experience and are looking forward to next years’ show in November, 2013.

“The Family & Student Travel Expo provided a unique partnership between business and academics in which all could benefit including our faculty and students,” said MSU’s Professor Jack Samuels, Advisor & Experiential Learning Coordinator Sports, Events & Tourism Marketing program.

“Working on the Travel Expo was such a unique and wonderful experience. To have the opportunity to work hands-on with such a large event was great. It gave me a lot of experience that I can use in my future endeavors,” remarked Terance McNamara, President of MSU’s Sports, Events & Tourism Marketing club.

Teentraveltalk.com and FTMS are thrilled that their focus on the student/young adult travel and leisure market is being validated by all involved. The date for the November 2013 Student Travel Expo at Montclair State University will be announced shortly.