Seminar Descriptions - 2012

Speakers/Schedule Subject to Change. Please check back often for updates.

Travel & Adventure Theatre

Destination Theatre

Saturday, November 10

FOCUS: EUROPE
Spain: A Perfect Blend of History, Culture, Food and Modern Comfort
Supinder Singh, President, Palace Tours

For many travelers, Europe tops the list of travel goals and desire. There are many opportunities and options for travel to Europe and something for everyone... In this presentation you'll hear the many ways to experience and immerse yourself in the wonderful destination of Spain. Looking for something different in your next vacation to Spain? Maybe staying at historic buildings that are now 5 star hotels, or how about a luxury train cruise? How can you best plan your next journey? What are some current deals and travel opportunities to take advantage of? You’ll leave this session with insider tips on travel to Spain.

Presented By:

Traveling Smarter: When to Splurge & When to Scrimp
Pauline Frommer, Travel Writer, Frommer's Travel Guides and Creator of Pauline Frommer guidebooks

The landscape is always shifting, quite literally, in travel. Let Pauline Frommer introduce you to destinations you may not have considered and guide you through the types of travel that will enhance your vacation experience.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: AUSTRALIA / SOUTH PACIFIC
The Lands Downunder: Experiences for Everyone
Anthony Saba, Goway Travel

The diversity of the South Pacific offers amazing options for every traveler - from cosmopolitan cities to natures wonders, from unique wildlife to unique landscapes. What is your interest? Come and see how Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific truly offer something for everyone.

Presented By:

A Comedy of Travel Errors: My Globalization of Mishaps
Samantha Brown, Travel Host, Travel Channel

Samantha Brown has had what most people describe as the best job in the world – she has travelled to more than 60 countries, hundreds of cities and stayed in too many hotels to remember. Her very popular Passport series takes viewers along incredible journeys throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia. Samantha brings that same sense of discovery for the world to her own country in the series Great Weekends, a show that is not only a guide but also an exploration to how uniquely wonderful the United States is. You can catch her shows on the Travel Channel.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: PHOTOGRAPHY
Putting the Travel in Travel Photography
Ralph Velasco, Founder and Lead Instructor, PhotoEnrichment Programs

Travel photographer and international photo tour guide Ralph Velasco talks about researching, preparing for and successfully embarking on a trip that focuses on photography. He'll discuss a variety of gear and packing tips, as well as how to stay connected on the road. Ralph will explain his system for image storage and backup, along with a series of powerful tips for creating a well-rounded set of photographs that truly captures the essence of a place and tells a complete story.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: FAMILY TRAVEL
Craft Your Family's Travel Bucket List
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes, Dallas Morning Travel News Columnist, Editor/Owner, FamilyTravel.com and Aisle52.com
Family Travel expert and mother of three sons will share her experience, tips and strategies for creating a multi-year travel plan that result in a boatload of memories to treasure once your children leave the nest.

You'll learn about:

• trips that provide long term memory dividends
• the best trips for every age group
• getaways for every season and budget
• how to plan in advance for a family trip of a lifetime
• uncover those hidden gems that will strike envy among friends and family

BONUS: Attend this session, and you'll be eligible to win a fabulous family travel getaway.
Autograph Signing Immediately Following

How to Save Money on Vacation Travel
John F. Krieger, Founder & President, Cruise & Tour Center

Have you ever wondered on a land or cruise vacation if you really got the best experience for the lowest possible price? Join nationally recognized travel expert, John F. Krieger for this information packed presentation. You’ll get the insiders view of how all facets of the travel industry work including airlines, cruise and river cruise lines, hotels and more and how to become a smarter consumer. You’ll learn when and where to buy to get the best deals plus learn about all the new electronic technology that will help you shop like a pro. Nothings more precious than your vacation time.

FOCUS: REGIONAL TRAVEL
Worth the Drive— Vacations Within Reach
Moderator: Nelson Gumm, Co-Founder and CEO, AJR Media Group
Panelists: Todd Stallbaumer, Consumer & Trade Marketing Director, Travel Promotions Division, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department;
Cindy Leffingwell, Marketing Manager, Texas Highways Magazine; Texas Department of Transportation Travel Division;
Doug Bourgeois, Executive Director, Louisiana Byways Collection, Louisiana Office of Tourism 

It's not always necessary to hop on a plane or train to travel to your next destination. Sometimes the journey is a major part of your travel plans and with so many travel options surrounding where you live, you can plan an adventure without hopping on a flight. This presentation will leave you with some great ideas to plan your next travel experience within driving distance.

Born to Explore: How to Create an Epic Trip Anywhere
Richard Wiese, Host, ABC’s Born to Explore with Richard Wiese

Since he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 11, Richard has circled the globe capturing stunning images and living one adventure after another—from traveling with Bedouins in Africa to skiing to the North Pole. As a respected field scientist in 2002 Richard became the youngest man to become president of The Explorers Club. Richard believes the most memorable aspect of any journey is not “the summit” but the people you meet along the way. He also believes that meaningful adventure and experiences can be obtained anywhere—and he’ll share how you can.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: CRUISING
Cruises and River Cruises: How to Buy the Right Cruise at the Right Price
John F. Krieger, Founder & President, Cruise & Tour Center

Cruising both on sea and rivers all over the world is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned cruiser, nationally recognized travel expert, John F. Krieger, will teach you all tricks of how to buy the right cruise vacation for you and save money doing it. You’ll learn how new ship technology has dramatically changed and improved the cruise experience and how to match your cruise dream with the right product. From mega ships to intimate river boats, there is a cruise for everyone and every budget. Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.

FOCUS: LATIN AMERICA
Costa Rica – At Its Best
Leigh Ann Cloutier, President, Rico Tours

Come learn about a magical destination between two seas and two continents and it’s often called the ‘Happiest Place on Earth”. Costa Rica is the land of limitless possibilities for nature, adventure, and luxury. With non-stop air service from Dallas, Costa Rica should be a bucket list addition. The birthplace of Eco-Tourism and historically free and peaceful, Costa Rica’s attractions rank at the highest of any place in the tropics.

Presented By:

Born to Explore: How to Create an Epic Trip Anywhere
Richard Wiese, Host, ABC’s Born to Explore with Richard Wiese

Since he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 11, Richard has circled the globe capturing stunning images and living one adventure after another—from traveling with Bedouins in Africa to skiing to the North Pole. As a respected field scientist in 2002 Richard became the youngest man to become president of The Explorers Club. Richard believes the most memorable aspect of any journey is not “the summit” but the people you meet along the way. He also believes that meaningful adventure and experiences can be obtained anywhere—and he’ll share how you can.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: ASIA
Explore Japan
Carl Rosa, Founder and President, Sushi Club of Houston

For those who wish to see Japan with their own eyes, you can discover the remarkable aspects of this beautiful country. Discover the undeniable, historic sites of Tokyo and Kyoto while learning the best recommendations to heighten your experience while keeping your trip affordable and memorable. Enjoy a fast-paced and fun presentation that is certain to boost your enthusiasm for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan!

Presented By:

How to Save Money on Vacation Travel
John F. Krieger, Founder & President, Cruise & Tour Center

Have you ever wondered on a land or cruise vacation if you really got the best experience for the lowest possible price? Join nationally recognized travel expert, John F. Krieger for this information packed presentation. You’ll get the insiders view of how all facets of the travel industry work including airlines, cruise and river cruise lines, hotels and more and how to become a smarter consumer. You’ll learn when and where to buy to get the best deals plus learn about all the new electronic technology that will help you shop like a pro. Nothings more precious than your vacation time.

FOCUS: PHOTOGRAPHY
Putting the Travel in Travel Photography
Ralph Velasco, Founder and Lead Instructor, PhotoEnrichment Programs

Travel photographer and international photo tour guide Ralph Velasco talks about researching, preparing for and successfully embarking on a trip that focuses on photography. He'll discuss a variety of gear and packing tips, as well as how to stay connected on the road. Ralph will explain his system for image storage and backup, along with a series of powerful tips for creating a well-rounded set of photographs that truly captures the essence of a place and tells a complete story.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

A Comedy of Travel Errors: My Globalization of Mishaps
Samantha Brown, Travel Host, Travel Channel

Samantha Brown has had what most people describe as the best job in the world – she has travelled to more than 60 countries, hundreds of cities and stayed in too many hotels to remember. Her very popular Passport series takes viewers along incredible journeys throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia. Samantha brings that same sense of discovery for the world to her own country in the series Great Weekends, a show that is not only a guide but also an exploration to how uniquely wonderful the United States is. You can catch her shows on the Travel Channel.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: AFRICA
Mt. Kilimanjaro: A Once in a Lifetime Trip
H. Macon Dunnagan Jr., Author, Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition Director, Tanzania Travel Expert

Macon will share with you his experiences climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. With its 5 Bio diverse regions, climbing is like walking from the Equator to the North pole and back in 6 days. He’ll also discuss possible post-climb experience including safari on the plains of the Serengeti or even a 1 hr flight to the beaches of Zanzibar! Explore your adventurous side in this session—for beginner and experienced climbers.

Presented By: