www.rsaa.org
The RSAA Summit the association’s primary networking and
educational event. The 2014 Summit will be held Feb. 4-5 at the
Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
www.rsaa.org
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One day of education
One day of one-on-one appointments between buyers and
suppliers
Awards Dinner – Presentation of the Stanley Fisher Awards
for excellence in the Inbound Industry (ticket included in
registration fee)
Silent Auction to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project –
donate and bid!
www.rsaa.org
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Two keynote speakers
The Hon. Penny Pritzker – Secretary of Commerce
Chris Thompson, President and CEO of Brand USA
Joint Question and Answer Session
Nine breakout sessions, including
 Ask The Operator
 How to Work with Receptive Operators
 The Millennial Traveler
 Market Spotlight: Brazil
 Chile and Taiwan Overview: New Visa Waiver Countries
 Inbound Market Forecast – Office of Travel & Tourism Industries
www.rsaa.org
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Receptive operators are at tables
Suppliers move from appointment to appointment
Each one-on-one appointments last 10 minutes.
Five-minute Business Card Exchanges are sprinkled in the
appointment sessions.
www.rsaa.org
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Stanley Fisher Awards – the “Stanleys” are presented to
suppliers in 6 categories as voted on by the RSAA receptive
tour operators.
Check presentation to the Wounded Warrior Project
Music, Dancing and Fun!
www.rsaa.org
Lisa Cully, Senior Manager Worldwide Sales
Best Western International
Gail Sayadian, Key Account Director Global Sales
Choice Hotels International
Summit!
What is RSAA Summit?
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RSAA Summit is an event to bring suppliers together with key
buyers from North America
Who Are the Buyers?
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Receptive Tour Operators (RTO) who represent 62.3 million
visitors to North America from other countries
They represent approximately 153 Billion in revenue from
traditional and emerging markets
Receptive Tour Operators represent our link to hundreds of
international companies
Sell FIT and Group Business
Down to Basics
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Foster relationships with key Receptive Tour Operators
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Secure existing 2014-15 leisure business
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Capture new market share and secure contracts for 2014 as well as
2015-16
Best Practice Tip
Come to RSAA Summit with your own personal goals clearly defined
Preparation is the Key:
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Know your product
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Know your competition
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Know what RTO’s come to your area and what they are
selling
Best Practice Tip
Know your market and have a “HOOK”
Prepare to Compete
Learn what Tour Operators Want
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Research client websites
Research industry trends
Know buying cycles
Not all RTO’s may sell your area
Best Practice Tip
Visit RSAA.org web site
Make it Count – 1st impressions count!!
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People do business with people they know, like & trust!
Be Punctual
Be Prepared
Recognize cultural courtesies
Best Practice Tip
It takes just 3 seconds for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time
Make it Count
Attend all RSAA events and network!
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Introduce yourself to the Receptive Operators – Share
best practices and learn from others
Be open with fellow suppliers on how best to work
with key accounts
Be engaged, have fun and make every interaction
count!
Best Practice Tip
When looking for a seat at meal functions, look for a table with operators
Make it Count
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Send follow-up email thanking them for the meeting
Follow through on next steps and requests for
information
Use the RSAA web site to review operator
information
Best Practice Tip
Include information discussed in your follow up
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Matt.Grayson@rsaa.org
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Lisa.Cully@bestwestern.com
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Gail_Sayadian@choicehotels.com
www.rsaa.org
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www.rsaa.org/events/summit
www.rsaa.org
Receptive Services Association of America
2365 Harrodsburg Rd, Ste. A325
Lexington, KY 40504
866.939.0934
headquarters@rsaa.org
www.rsaa.org
www.rsaa.org