Trade Shows and Missions

Note: If budget or schedules limit you, consider partnering with a destination, property or attraction in your region. Share costs by jointly sending a representative who can share about your area in proven marketing opportunity.

2013 Group Tour events with delegates present from Minnesota

American Bus Association (ABA): Charlotte, NC
Marketplace: January 5 – 9, 2013
This leading business event in the group travel industry brings North American tour and motorcoach operator buyers and travel industry sellers together for one-on-one tour itinerary planning appointments. The event also features many professional development seminars and networking opportunities. Approx cost: $2600, includes annual membership, Marketplace registration, flights, accommodations and meals.

EMT and 20 Minnesota partners annually join ranks with a dedicated space on the trade show floor. See separate page with Minnesota's participation at ABA Marketplace.


National Tour Association (NTA): Orlando, FL
Travel Exchange (annual conference): January 19-23, 2013
EMT will be participating in this annual trade show in 2013 with other industry colleagues.

Bank Travel: Virginia Beach, VA
Annual Conference: February 5-7, 2013
Membership: $395 (optional), Registration: $1,595 (member) $1,795 (non-member)
This event provides access to bank club directors from across the U.S. EMT will not be attending in 2013.

Heartland Travel Showcase: Toledo, OH
Showcase: February 15-17, 2013
Registration: $965 (until 9/12/2012) - $1,165. Options for shared booths.
This trade show focuses on Midwest destinations and surrounding tour operators. EMT will be attending in 2013.

Heritage Clubs: Rapid City, SD
Peer Group Conference: February 27 - March 3, 2013
Membership:  $350, Registrations: $1,185-1,285 (includes lodging)
HCI includes 200 member banks, 80% from the Midwest, with more than 400,000 deposit customers. They represent 1,000 annual regional and day trips coordinated by the club directors with the assistance of CVBs and DMOs. An additional 700 extended tours are coordinated by HCI's eight designated, preferred tour operators. EMT will not be attending in 2013.

TAP DANCE (Travel Alliance Partners): Norfolk, VA
TAP Dance 2013: June 2-6, 2013
By invitation from member operators. EMT will join other Minnesota representatives.

International Motorcoach Group (IMG): Snowbird, UT
Strategic Alliance Meeting:  August 13-15, 2013
Conference expenses TBD

Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA): Los Angeles, CA
Annual Conference: Aug 23-27, 2013
$945 registration plus travel expenses and annual membership fee. EMT is no longer a member of SYTA.

See tabs at left under Group Tour & Packaged Travel for more topics and information!

Contact: Chris Van Meter
651.757.1873, 800.657.3600
chris.vanmeter@state.mn.us