Seminar Descriptions - 2013

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

Travel & Adventure Theatre

Destination Theatre

Saturday, January 12

FOCUS: AIRBERLIN
Meet airberlin and Discover Europe with Full Service, Affordability and Convenience
Sabine Engelbrecht, Airberlin

Join airberlin, Germany's second largest airline, during this presentation and

• Learn about their exciting new destinations and developments.
• Discover their new level of comfort in both economy and business class.
• Hear all about the new year-round nonstop service from Los Angeles to Germany with convenient connections to numerous destinations in Europe and beyond.

Make airberlin your choice when it comes to exploring Europe.

Presented By:

What You Need To Know Before You Plan Your Next Vacation
Pauline Frommer, Travel Writer, Frommer's Travel Guides and Creator of Pauline Frommer guidebooks

In this fast-paced seminar, Pauline Frommer will give you money saving methods of travel, less usual destinations and ways to tailor your vacation so that it fits your personality.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Developing Your Photographic Vision: The Importance of Looking vs. Seeing
Ralph Velasco, Author, Ralph Velasco on Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More

Professional travel photographer, author and international photo tour guide Ralph Velasco discusses the important distinction between passively looking for photo opportunities and actively seeing them. Using sample images from a variety of destinations around the world, including India, Egypt, Cuba, Mexico, Cambodia and Europe, he’ll provide information that will help travelers of all skill levels to improve their photography by capturing more and better photo opportunities, no matter the type of camera they use.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Presented By:

The Great Ocean Adventure
Jean-Michel Cousteau, Explorer, and Founder of Ocean Futures Society

Drawing from over 40 years of experience exploring the world, designing, and studying the ocean realm, environmental speaker Jean-Michel Cousteau provides a wealth of stories and knowledge from his adventurous life. Using his experiences designing artificial floating islands, schools, and environmentally responsible ocean-oriented resorts, Cousteau explains how his formal education in architecture provided him with the theories he has applied to the environment of the water as an oceanographer. Taking audiences on a tour of his childhood dreams of underwater cities to the reality of his accomplished career as an architect, Cousteau's "Great Ocean Adventure" inspires the imaginations and dreams of all who witness it.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

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:

FOCUS: HOUSEBOATING
Houseboating – Your Ultimate DIY Vacation!
George W. Cuprak, The houseboat vacation expert from Forever Resorts

(That's Harvey, the houseboating ~ ski boating Beagle in the picture too!)
What does DIY really mean anyway? Take a look into the fun and experience of taking charge of your own vacation and "get off the grid" a little or a lot.

What is it about houseboating that makes it one of the enduring All-American vacation options and... do you have what it takes to DIY your own time on the water?

It may actually be easier and more fun that you think! Stop by for all the answers and share a few laughs and stories together! "See you at the show!"

Presented By:

The Best Places for Everything (and How to Get the Best Experience)
Peter Greenberg, Emmy-Award Winning Travel Investigative Journalist and author of The Best

Places for Everything, and The Complete Travel Detective Bible
In this enlightening session, Peter will share information from his latest book on finding the best places to do anything from truffle hunting to cliff diving. Plus, he’ll share his tried-and-true tips on how to make the travel process easier: best times of year to go, when to book tickets, how to find the locals when you get there and more.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Worth the Drive: California Vacations Within Reach
Michael Cervin, Author, California Road Trip, California Wine Country
Contributing Travel Writer & Restaurant Critic, Santa Barbara News-Press

Whether you plan a trip to Northern or Southern California, or across the globe, every trip, from an overnight to a week long exploration, can be filled with great discoveries. In this lively discussion travel expert, author and former actor and radio show host Michael Cervin discusses:

a) 5 Tips to Plan a Flawless Vacation
b) 3 Hidden Gems to Visit in Southern California (and why)
c) 3 Hidden Gems to Visit in Northern California (and why)

Join Michael for this informative half-hour, where he will be giving away two signed copies of his travel book, California Road Trip!

FOCUS: ASIA
Cherry Blossoms, Sake & Mt. Fuji: Planning a Trip to Japan
Monica Poling, Award-Winning Journalist, TravelAge West Magazine

From seeing Mount Fuji during cherry blossom season to experiencing the high-tech culture that produced anime and the bullet train, there are many reasons why Japan should be added to your must-see travel list.

Presented By:

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:

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

Jetsetting with Your Pet: How to Travel Domestically and Internationally with Your Four-Legged Friend
Kelly E. Carter, Founder, TheJetSetPets.com, Pet Travel Expert, AOL’s Paw Nation and Contributing Editor, Elite Traveler

With pets being viewed as full-fledged family members, there’s no reason to leave Fifi behind when you travel for business or pleasure. Find out the best airlines for pawsengers, which hotels roll out the red carpet for four-legged guests, the top pet-friendly destinations, the latest news and trends in pet travel as well as the most recent laws regarding animal quarantines.

BONUS: Attend this session to enter an on-site drawing for a Sherpa pet carrier. Winner must be present to claim prize.

Developing Your Photographic Vision: The Importance of Looking vs. Seeing
Ralph Velasco, Author, Ralph Velasco on Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More

Professional travel photographer, author and international photo tour guide Ralph Velasco discusses the important distinction between passively looking for photo opportunities and actively seeing them. Using sample images from a variety of destinations around the world, including India, Egypt, Cuba, Mexico, Cambodia and Europe, he’ll provide information that will help travelers of all skill levels to improve their photography by capturing more and better photo opportunities, no matter the type of camera they use.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

Presented By:

1,000 Places to See Before You Die
Patricia Schultz, Travel Writer, TV Producer and Author 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die

Best-selling travel author and TV producer Patricia Schultz discusses some of her favorite destinations from the newly revised 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and 1,000 Places To See in the USA and Canada Before You Die, followed by signing of her books.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: U.S. TRAVEL (EAST/WEST COASTS)
Mauiva AirCruise: Revolutionizing the Way You Travel
Rich O’Brien, Mauiva AirCruise

A completely new concept in travel, the Mauiva AirCruise™ is a multi-destination vacation experience that maximizes time by traveling via private plane to private terminals. During the AirCruise, air travel, hotels, attractions and most meals are included in one affordable adventure. Swing by Booth ??? to learn more about your next vacation experience and to receive special pricing.

Presented By:

FOCUS: TRAVEL APPS
Best Travel Apps to Help You Plan Your Next Trip
Jen Miner, Co-Creator & Editor, The Vacation Gals Blog
Brett Synder, Author, The Cranky Flier Blog
Kim LaChance Shandrow, Freelance Journalist

There's more in the apps world than just Angry Birds and Plants vs Zombies! iPhones and other smartphones make travel planning on the go a snap, but it helps to have the best travel apps on tap. Top travel and tech experts are happy to share their most recommended apps to make your next vacation be as easy, adventurous, or delicious as you want it to be.

Sponsored By:

Europe Through the Back Door
Rick Steves, Author, Rick Steves’ European Guidebooks and Host, Writer & Producer, Public Television, Rick Steves’ Europe

Join the travel expert – acclaimed for his bestselling guidebook series, public television series, and public radio shows – as he shares all the latest in smart European travel. Freshly back from lots of travels, Rick Steves explains the practical, money-saving ins and outs of independent travel. Packed with tips on getting the most out of every mile, minute, and dollar on your next trip, this is a talk not to miss!

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE, BOTSWANA
Southern Africa.. the Africa for Everyone
John McGonigle, CTC, Goway Travel

Africa at its best! Southern Africa offers something for everyone; animals and so much more, with options to suit all budgets and travel styles.

FOCUS: LATIN AMERICA
Costa Rica Your Next Destination
Mariana Garita, Costa Rica Tourism Board

Costa Rica: a friend of nature, a friend of the environment, A friend of life, A friend of everyone. A quick view of Costa Rica from the arrival through all the combination of activities that allow the visitors to enjoy mountains, beaches and city in a short time with friendly people.

Presented By:

FOCUS: SOUTHEAST ASIA

Check Back for Session Description

Presented By:

10 Years of the Bachelor: A Reflection on Romance and Travel
Chris Harrison, Host of ABC's The Bachelor

As the longtime host of ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Chris Harrison has seen some of the most shocking moments on television—and traveled to some of the most interesting places in the world. Harrison will reflect on romance and travel over the past 10 years as the host of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.

Autograph Signing Immediately Following

FOCUS: FAMILY TRAVEL
Craft Your Family's Travel Bucket List
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes, Editor/Owner, FamilyTravel.com and Aisle52.co, and Dallas Morning Travel News Columnist,

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