CLIA’s cruise3sixty Trade Show to Focus on Economy

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is bringing nationally known experts and industry leaders together to share ideas, information and advice on maintaining the momentum for selling cruises during uncertain economic times.

This year’s cruise3sixty conference, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, April 2 to 6, will focus on topics, tools and resources designed to help agents thrive, not just survive.

The largest annual event in the cruise industry for travel agents, cruise3sixty will begin with a keynote address by Dan Doctoroff, president of Bloomberg LP and a former political pollster and deputy mayor of New York City.

In another keynote address, American Express will present Barbara Corcoran, founder of the $5 billion dollar real estate company, The Corcoran Group. Corcoran, who sold the company in 2001 for $75 million, is an author, columnist, and a regular contributor to NBC’s “Today Show.”

Cruise3sixty also will feature 15 CLIA seminars, including two new offerings –“Delivering Great Customer Service” and “Better Listening Skills for Better Business.” Agents who join the “Certification Fast Track” can earn up to 125 credits toward Cruise Counselor Certification.

Participants can also inspect from a choice of 16 CLIA-member cruise ships, negotiate business one-on-one with cruise lines and other suppliers, and network with colleagues. The trade show will feature hundreds of exhibiting travel suppliers, cruise lines and other resources.