California’s new worldwide branding plans, insight into what makes travelers tick, and how demographics are changing the face of the U.S. travel industry, are just some of the themes to be addressed by key speakers at the California Travel Association’s 31st Annual ‘California Travel Summit’ (CTS), March 18-20, 2013 in SanDiego, California.

Themed “Inspiration Is Calling,” the summit is expected to attract over 600 travel, tourism and hospitality professionals and state legislative officials from California and neighboring states. Online registration is now live at www.caltravel.org with special early bird rates for CalTravel Members, and discounts for travel-related businesses, students, and educators.

While there will be a wide range of topics covered by the keynote speakers, workshops, educational sessions, social events and the annual CalTravel Awards presentation, the conference this year is highlighting four experts who inspire the travel industry to embrace changes in the travel business to transform their prospects.
Carolyn Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California, and Chair-Elect, Board of Directors, Brand USA, will present:“The California Brand Plan – Going Global and Keeping it Local”; while premier motivational speaker, author and destination management consultant Bill Geist will speak to travel professionals about “Seizing the Day & the Dollars.”

From a trends and research perspective, Marketing/Branding/Consumer Trends Expert and Author Kelly McDonald will present “Changing Demographics and its Impact on Tourism”; and noted tourism expert Suzanne Cook, Ph.D., will enlighten attendees on “What’s Driving U.S. & California Travel and What is Ahead?”
While attendees can look forward to newly expanded workshops, educational sessions, social events and the annual CalTravel Awards presentation, the summit’s major draw will be its dynamic mix of at least nine high profile keynote speakers and topics, which to date include:

Murray Banks – Honored educator and world-champion athlete: “Reinvent, Reenergize, Refocus … At Our Best In Tough and Changing Times”.

Dr. Jeff Salz – Best-selling author: “The Adventure of Change … Six Steps to Greatness in the Age of Transformation”.

Lena West – Influence Expansion CEO: “Followers, Friends + Favorites: How the Rise of the Social Customer Is Impacting Destinations in Quite Unexpected Ways”.

Berkeley Young – Young Strategies, Inc. president and acclaimed speaker: “The Idea Brewery … 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes”.

Michael Valentine & Lynn Coffman – Co-authors and productivity consultants: “The New Frontier of Work”.
“We purposely expanded our convention with a huge line-up of world class speakers to appeal to all professionals in travel, tourism and hospitality education,” said CalTravel President & CEO John Severini. “This convention’s agenda offers real ROI for any tourism professional, and the extensive line-up of renowned speakers should encourage travel and tourism professionals to bring their entire staff.”

Newly announced programming additions to the California Travel Association 31st Annual Travel Summit’s agenda, found at www.CalTravel.org, will provide attendees with more inspired and dynamic opportunities than ever before.

The California Travel Summit is critically important for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals who seek to remain current with industry trends and state legislative issues impacting the State of California. In the past 30 years, CTS has earned a reputation for featuring highly-informative general sessions, world-class speakers and presenters on key topics in today’s changing travel industry, prominent industry panels, intensive breakout groups, and invaluable networking opportunities.

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is among the greenest hotels in San Diego, offering Gaslamp District shuttles, free WiFi, and spectacular San Diego views. Low hotel rates are provided and attendees are encouraged to bring family members and extend their stay to explore and enjoy San Diego.

2013 CTS event and transportation partners include Amtrak California, Southwest Airlines, Visit California, Disneyland Resort, SeaWorld San Diego, Universal Studios Hollywood, Simpleview, LEGOLAND California Resort, San Diego CVB, and Mering Carson.

CalTravel is the unified voice for the California travel industry’s political concerns. By advocating directly to the state legislature, the Governor’s office, local and federal officials, businesses, and the public, CalTravel addresses issues that affect the state’s tourism industry. CalTravel also aggressively seeks to ensure continued funding for Visit California.