Complimentary Expert Learning Events with The Travel Institute

 
 

The Travel Institute has unveiled its Q1 2025 event calendar, featuring an extensive lineup of PEP Talks—complimentary live online sessions led by experts through its Professional Educators Program (PEP). These sessions are hosted by leading trainers, thought leaders, and industry experts from both within and outside the travel sector.

With a growing roster of nearly 60 PEP members now volunteering in support of industry education and success, the knowledge-packed PEP Talks offer both new and experienced travel professionals the opportunity to gain valuable—and actionable—insight on timely topics. In addition, PEP Talks frequently end with a Q&A session to further enhance attendee learning.

“There is no doubt attendees leave these sessions energized and more capable for themselves and for their clients,” said Carla Smith, CTA, director of membership, who oversees the complimentary event calendar for The Travel Institute, in a press release statement. As a critical component of affordable, quality, continued education and with no out-of-pocket costs for attendees, PEP Talk attendance is an “easy decision for serious agents and organizations,” Smith emphasized.

Additionally, certified graduates of The Travel Institute gain two continuing education units, or CEUs, for attendance toward the 10 required annually to keep certification current. PEP Talks are also recorded and available on-demand 24/7 for subscribers of The Travel Institute’s online content library, which also contains PEP member contributions through coursework, blogs, research, white papers, interviews and more.

Open to all travel professionals throughout the industry, the 2025 Q1 event schedule includes:

  • Wild Alberta: From Bustling Cities to Hidden Gems Jan. 14, 1 pm EST  Join Matthew Demma, trade specialist, Travel Alberta, and dive into the untamed beauty of Alberta. Discover the vibrant life of Calgary and Edmonton, uncovering hidden gems like Drumheller, Southern Alberta and Nordegg. Explore the unique attractions, rich history and natural wonders that make Alberta extraordinary.
  • Selling Dude Ranches the Cowboy Way Jan. 21, 1 pm EST  Dude Ranches have been welcoming guests for more than 100 years. Learn from industry consultant Sally Black, CTA, just how rewarding and lucrative selling ranch vacations can really be. From solo travelers to groups to weddings and more, horse riders and non-riders alike can step back in time and enjoy the Old West.
  • Fast-Track Your Business: How Destination Weddings & Luxury Honeymoons Can Skyrocket Success! Jan. 28, 4 pm EST  Join Tami Santini, founder, The Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Travel Business Academy, to tap into the high-spend wedding market, attract dream clients, and create unforgettable experiences that keep referrals coming. Elevate your business and boost 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 this and much more, making it the “drive-to” state of travelers’ dreams. Join Rachel Lenda, director of tourism for the state of Connecticut as she shares suggested itineraries to help you create the perfect 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, and learn the differences between a Destination Management Company, or DMC, and a wholesaler in travel. The distinctions, along with the specific requirements of your client’s travel plan or event, are both crucial in evaluating and deciding which is ultimately best to engage.
  • You Hired a New Person: Now What? Feb. 20, 1 pm EST  Onboarding is key with new employees and independent contractors yet it takes time away from selling and managing. Join Guida Botelho, CTIE, sr. director of education at The Travel Institute, to design a training program that fits your agency and ensures a well-trained team, taking advantage of readily available resources and allowing you to focus training only on internal processes and policies.
  • The Power of Partnership: The Right Fit for YOU and YOUR Business Feb. 27, 2 pm EST  Finding the right host agency partner can be challenging in today’s climate. With so many options, it can be difficult to navigate or even get started. Yet, the right decision can make you or break you! Join Andy Ogg, CTIE, owner and publisher of several trade publications, for an in-depth look at finding, interviewing, choosing and growing the right partnership for you and your travel business.
  • From Chaos to Control: Anticipating Air Travel Challenges in Real Time March 6, Noon EST  Tired of last-minute air travel issues? Learn four game-changing principles and shift from reactive to proactive with Lary Neron, air travel expert, founder of Airfare Consultant and AirLab. Also explore free, easy-to-use tools to anticipate and resolve issues real-time, ensuring stress-free journeys for all.
  • Why They Don’t Book with You March 11, 1 pm EST  Learn about mistakes travel advisors make with new leads, how to avoid them and instead close more sales. Join Dana Zificsak, CTIE, travel agent educator at Guts Grit Goals LLC and learn: 1) Strategies to make sure potential clients understand what you book; 2) The secret for quotes that convert to sales, and 3) How to prevent getting “ghosted” after your quote.
  • Must-Haves in your Social Media Profile as a Travel Advisor March 20, 1:30 pm EST  Want to build a profile that attracts ideal clients and grows your business? Discover the essential elements every travel advisor needs in a professional and engaging social media profile. Join Shannon Kittner and Kellie Greaux of The Wander Network to choose the perfect username, craft a compelling description of your expertise, and optimize your “link in bio” to drive inquiries—and bookings!

Visit the event calendar for regular updates and to sign-up. The calendar also includes a variety of additional complimentary webinars year-round to provide guidance for both new and experienced advisors looking to advance through certification, specialization and other educational programs.