Press Release 04.28.06

 CONTACT:
Kristin Zern
                                                                               Association of Travel Marketing Executives
                                                                                                                          212 765-0625
kzern@atme.org

Chree Carr
VOLLMER
972/488-4790
chree@vollmerpr.com
           

   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

theme of Innovation and annual atlas awards presentation to highlight the 2006 LAS VEGAS TRAVEL MARKETING CONFERENCE
 MAY 22-24

New York (April 28, 2006) – Top travel industry executives will explore the keys to successful innovation during the Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) 26th annual conference, May 22-24 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. ATME also will present its Lifetime Achievement award to David Neeleman, chairman and founder of JetBlue Airways.

“Through 26 years of presenting the Travel Marketing conference, we have seen the marketing trends evolve with the importance of brand differentiation among competitors taking the forefront now more than ever,” said Gary Sain, chairman of ATME’s board of directors. “For this year’s conference, we have gathered top executives from some of the most influential travel companies in the world, providing a forum for the broad discussion of innovation and how it affects the industry to day and in the future.”

Marketing experts from the travel industry’s most successful brands will be on hand to discuss the best strategies to recognize and harness innovative marketing initiatives.  Speakers’ presentations focus on timely issues, including: 

• Innovative Customer Acquisition
• Innovative Ways to Use the Power of Partnerships and Alliances
• Innovative Ways to Use PR in your Marketing Mix
• CMOs in Travel on Innovation
• Non Travel Industry CMOs Discuss Their Experience and Strategies

                        Moderated by the Harvard Business Review senior editor, Paul Hemp

The two –day conference featuring timely presentations and industry case studies is capped off with the annual Atlas Awards, presented May 23, honoring top executives and companies in the industry for innovation, creativity and success. The awards ceremony is highlighted by the presentation of the 2006 ATME Lifetime Achievement Award given to an individual who has consistently distinguished him/herself as a travel marketer and has advanced the travel industry worldwide.

This year’s lifetime achievement award honoree David Neeleman stands as a shining example of the importance of innovation in the rapidly changing travel industry.  His achievements have paved the way to success for some of the most recognized and accomplished products and services in the field of travel.

Additional conference sessions will be delivered by influential executives, including: Vicki Freed, SVP, Marketing& Sales, Carnival Cruise Lines; Rosemarie Ryan, Co-President, J Walter Thompson; Sean Renke, EVP, Air Canada; Randy Wagner, CMO, Orbitz Travel.com; Clara Chong, Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board; Vernice Walkine, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Roberta Rinker-Ludloff, VP Marketing, Conrad Hotels;  Jeff Senior, SVP Marketing/CMO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts; Jim Anhut, SVP Brand, Development, InterContinental Hotels Group; Steve Short, VP Leisure Business, Development, Enterprise Rent a Car; Rossi Ralenkotter, CEO, Las Vegas CVA; Chuck Bowling, CMO, MGM Mirage, Inc.; Paul Hemp, Senior Editor, Harvard Business Review; Denise Randazzo, VP Advertising and Public Relations, Wynn Resorts and David Levine, CEO, E Suites.

For information about membership and attending or participating in the conference, visit www.atme.org or call (212) 765-0625.

About ATME
The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) is a professional association of senior-level executives with vital responsibilities in the marketing of travel and tourism worldwide. ATME’s members represent airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, car rental companies, advertising and public relations firms, travel marketing professionals, research groups and tourist offices of domestic and foreign destinations. ATME is a global network of industry marketing professionals committed to enhancing skills, recognizing excellence, and providing innovative, effective and provocative marketing ideas and solutions while enhancing the highest standards of travel leadership.
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