Unlock Your Adventure: Explore Expert-Led Sessions from The Travel Institute!

The Travel Institute has announced its Q1 2025 event schedule, showcasing an impressive assortment of PEP Talks—complimentary live online sessions conducted by specialists via its Professional Educators Program (PEP). These discussions are facilitated by prominent trainers, thought leaders, and industry specialists drawn from both the travel field and beyond.

With an expanding ensemble of nearly 60 PEP members now volunteering to support industry education and achievement, the knowledge-rich PEP Talks provide both novice and seasoned travel professionals with opportunities to acquire invaluable—and practical—insights on relevant subjects. Additionally, PEP Talks often conclude with a Q&A session to further enrich participant understanding.

“There is no doubt participants leave these sessions invigorated and better equipped for themselves and their clients,” remarked Carla Smith, CTA, membership director, who oversees the complimentary event schedule for The Travel Institute, in a press release statement. As an essential element of affordable, high-quality, ongoing education with no out-of-pocket expenses for attendees, attending a PEP Talk is an “obvious choice for dedicated agents and organizations,” Smith highlighted.

Moreover, certified graduates of The Travel Institute earn two continuing education units, or CEUs, for attending towards the 10 necessary annually to maintain their certification. PEP Talks are also recorded and accessible on-demand 24/7 for subscribers of The Travel Institute’s online content library, which additionally includes PEP member contributions through courses, blogs, research, white papers, interviews, and more.

Open to all travel professionals across the industry, the Q1 2025 event timetable offers:

• Wild Alberta: From Bustling Cities to Hidden Gems Jan. 14, 1 pm EST  Join Matthew Demma, trade specialist, Travel Alberta, and explore the wild beauty of Alberta. Discover the vibrant life of Calgary and Edmonton, unveiling hidden treasures like Drumheller, Southern Alberta, and Nordegg. Investigate the unique attractions, rich history, and natural wonders that set Alberta apart.
• Selling Dude Ranches the Cowboy Way Jan. 21, 1 pm EST Dude Ranches have been hosting guests for over a century. Learn from industry consultant Sally Black, CTA, about the fulfilling and profitable nature of selling ranch vacations. From solo travelers to groups and weddings, both horse riders and non-riders can indulge in a nostalgic Old West experience.
• Fast-Track Your Business: How Destination Weddings & Luxury Honeymoons Can Skyrocket Success! Jan. 28, 4 pm EST  Join Tami Santini, founder of The Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Travel Business Academy, to capitalize on the high-spending wedding market, attract ideal clients, and craft unforgettable experiences that encourage referrals. Elevate your business and enhance your income!
• Connecticut: The Drive-To State Feb. 3, Noon EST  Pizza Capital of the U.S.? Foodie Capital of New England? Basketball Capital of the World? The Nutmeg State is all this and much more, making it the ultimate “drive-to” destination for travelers. Join Rachel Lenda, director of tourism for the state of Connecticut, as she presents suggested itineraries to help craft the ideal New England getaway for clients.
• When to Use a DMC or a Wholesaler Feb. 6, 1 pm EST  Join Jesus Repetto, co-founder and CEO of Titanium Tours, to learn the distinctions between a Destination Management Company, or DMC, and a wholesaler in travel. Understanding the differences, along with the specific needs of your client’s travel plans or events, is vital in determining which option is ultimately best to engage.
• You Hired a New Person: Now What? Feb. 20, 1 pm EST  Effective onboarding is crucial for new employees and independent contractors, yet it diverts time from selling and managing. Join Guida Botelho, CTIE, senior director of education at The Travel Institute, to create a training program tailored to your agency, ensuring a well-trained team by utilizing readily available resources and allowing you to concentrate training solely on internal procedures and guidelines.
• The Power of Partnership: The Right Fit for YOU and YOUR Business Feb. 27, 2 pm EST  Selecting the ideal host agency partner can be challenging in today’s environment. With numerous choices available, it can be overwhelming to navigate or even initiate the process. However, the right choice can make you or break you! Join Andy Ogg, CTIE, owner and publisher of several trade publications, for an in-depth discussion on how to find, interview, choose, and foster the best partnership for you and your travel business.
• From Chaos to Control: Anticipating Air Travel Challenges in Real Time March 6, Noon EST  Frustrated by last-minute air travel complications? Discover four transformative principles and transition from reactive to proactive with Lary Neron, air travel specialist, founder of Airfare Consultant and AirLab. Additionally, explore free, user-friendly tools to foresee and address issues in real-time, ensuring stress-free travel for all.
• Why They Don’t Book with You March 11, 1 pm EST  Identify common missteps travel advisors make with new leads, how to prevent them, and how to convert more sales instead. Join Dana Zificsak, CTIE, travel agent educator at Guts Grit Goals LLC to learn: 1) Tactics to ensure prospective clients understand what you book; 2) The key for quotes that turn into sales, and 3) How to avoid being “ghosted” after sending your quote.
• Must-Haves in your Social Media Profile as a Travel Advisor March 20, 1:30 pm EST  Want to craft a profile that entices ideal clients and expands your business? Discover the crucial elements every travel advisor should incorporate into a professional and captivating social media profile. Join Shannon Kittner and Kellie Greaux of The Wander Network to select the perfect username, formulate an engaging description of your expertise, and optimize your “link in bio” to stimulate inquiries—and bookings!

Check out the event calendar for ongoing updates and to register. The calendar also features a plethora of other complimentary webinars year-round to assist both new and seasoned advisors aiming to progress through certification, specialization, and various educational programs.