Calendar of Events
2010 FMA Appointment Show
September 27-30, 2010
Innisbrook Resort, Innisbrook, FL
See Schedule Below
Innisbrook Resort: www.innisbrookgolfresort.com
St. Pete/Clearwater CVB: www.floridasbeach.com
2011 FMA Appointment Show
July 11-14, 2011
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, FL
Annual FMA Appointment Show
Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Palm Harbor, FL
September 27-30, 2010
Schedule of Events
Monday, September 27
3:00 – 6:00 Registration
4:00 – 6:00 Board of Directors Meeting
Presiding: Bob Rial, FMA President (Discovery Charters)
6:15 Board Coaches for Early Bird Dinner Event
7:00 Early Bird Dinner Event aboard the Calypso Queen
Bring out your favorite Caribbean attire for this “Jimmy Buffett’s Flip-Flops and Pop-Tops” themed event. This sunset cruise will include a buffet, drinks, and a DJ for entertainment, which equals a fun and exciting evening event. Sponsored by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater for operators. Associates pay $25. See registration form.
10:00 – 12:00 Hospitality
Tuesday, September 28
8:30 – 5:00 Registration
8:30 – 9:30 Networking Breakfast
9:45 – 3:00 Golf Tournament on South Course at Innisbrook
Coordinator: Greg Black, Transportation Insurance Brokers
Tee times begin at 9:45.
9:45 Board Coaches for Familiarization Tours
10:30– 2:30 “LIFE’s a BEACH” Day – Clearwater Beach
Enjoy the beach or the amenities of the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, as it is your “host” hotel and will serve as a home base for the afternoon. An overview of the hotel facilities including pools, restroom facilities, restaurants, etc. will be provided for guests. Please bring your own towels & sunscreen. You may also explore the Clearwater Marina and Pier 60, which are within walking distance of the resort. Please board the coach at the Hilton lobby at 2:30 to return to the Innisbrook Resort.
11:00 – 2:30 “Master the Arts of Downtown” FAM Tour
The tour will drop off at the NEW Dale Chihuly Gallery. After touring this new facility, the group can explore (on their own) the waterfront downtown area shops, experience the narrated trolley tour of downtown, and tour of the Dali Museum and Museum of Fine Art. A bag lunch downtown will be provided. The coach will pick-up at the Pier at 2:30 and return to Innisbrook.
5:15 – 6:00 New Member Orientation
Just before the Ice Breaker/Fun Auction Event, take a few minutes to join FMA staff for a brief new member orientation. Veteran members, including operators, are welcomed and encouraged to attend to share your knowledge and expertise gained by attending past Appointment Shows and working with operators to provide a good experience for their groups. Relationship building is so important in the motorcoach group travel business. Attend and perhaps learn a tidbit or two to help you develop good business relationships with operators and be more successful in this industry. Audience participation is important. Come prepared to share!
6:30 – Ice Breaker Event: Poolside Dinner/Fun Auction
To be at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club and not take advantage of the many amenities would truly be a shame! Innisbrook has six lovely pool areas. FMA’s Ice Breaker Event and Fun Auction will be located at one of them. Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater plans for members to have a great networking experience and a great deal of fun. Food and beverages will be in abundance. One free drink ticket will be provided. Relax, have fun and perhaps leave with a Fun Auction purchase, knowing that the proceeds will go to fund legislative efforts or other association services. Dress casual, but tasteful. You are welcomed to bring a swimsuit for “after event” swimming and pool play.
– 12:00 Hospitality
Wednesday, September 29
7:30 – 5:00 Registration
7:30 – 9:00 Networking Breakfast Under the Shade Trees
Have breakfast and take advantage of the networking opportunity. Breakfast will be served under the shade trees among the coaches behind the Inverness Building.
8:00 – 10:00 Operator/Coach Sales Market Place
Operators should be ready to begin the Coach Sales market place promptly at 8:00. All operators must visit each of the coaches on display. Business cards will be collected and those who have visited each coach will be eligible for one of two $500 fuel cards donated by the Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division. Coach Sales Market Place is scheduled to end at 10:00. Make sure to visit each coach.
9:15– 10:00 Associate Session: Virtual Way to Connect to Motorcoach Operators
Presenter: Jennifer Powers, GroupConnect.com
10:15 – 11:15 Business Session/Committee Reports and Industry Update
Introduction: Mike Mackey, FMA Director (Small World Tours)
Presenter: Clyde Hart, American Bus Association
11:30 – 12:30 Networking Lunch and Industry Update
Introduction: Ray Land, FMA Vice President (Fabulous Coach Lines)
Presenter: Vic Parra, United Motorcoach Association
12:45 – 3:15 Market Place I (Associates assigned)
12:45 – 3:15 Associate Education Session (Assigned Associates)
How Scarlett Got Her Groove Back: Creative and Cooperative Marketing Concepts
Presenter: Katie Baasen, Georgia Department of Economic Development
If you believe “tomorrow is another day” and your marketing plan can wait until then to be primped and freshened up, then frankly my dear, you don’t give a darn. Please join us as we look at examples of creative and cooperative marketing plans and concepts in this new tourism economy.
3:30 - 6:00 Market Place II (Assigned Associates)
3:30 - 6:00 Associate Education Session (Repeat) (Assigned Associates)
7:00 – 8:00 Reception and Raffle
8:00 Awards Banquet and Board Recognition
Wild Wes & The All Stars Band will be provided for entertainment. Hospitality will continue in the dinner ballroom.
Thursday, September 30
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast and FMA Legislative Update
FMA Legislative Update: Brian Scott, FMA Legislative Liaison (Escot Bus Lines)
9:15 – 9:45 Board of Directors Meeting
Click Here for Appointment Show RFP Information for 2011 and 2012