THE TRADESHOW, taking place Sept. 7-9, 2008 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center, is offering unparalleled educational opportunities for agents to earn their CLIA accreditations. The new cruise seminars will expand their areas of expertise and capture more sales opportunities with a wide choice of educational opportunities.

"Staying current and up to speed on their industry is something every professional should focus on; travel agents are no different," said Terry Dale, president and CEO of THE TRADESHOW partner CLIA. "Everyone knows how quickly the travel industry evolves and how quickly travel trends emerge. These cruise seminars are the best way travel agents can focus on continuing their education in this area in order to maintain their title of travel authority and stay on top of industry development in a way that will benefit their business."

The available cruise seminars include:

* Building Client Loyalty (Sept. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) - This program will show agents how to read their customers and sell from their perspective. Participants learn how to uncover hidden client needs, apply quality service and reinforce client loyalty. This seminar is at the advanced level and attendees will earn 10 credits toward their CLIA accreditation (ACC/MCC).

* Cruising–The Ultimate Incentive (Sept. 9, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) - Incentive travel is one of the fastest growing segments in the industry. What makes it different from other types of group travel? Who are the buyers? What do they expect from their cruise experience? This seminar is at the advanced level and attendees will earn 15 credits toward their CLIA accreditation (ACC/MCC/ECC/ECCS).

* Customer Relations Management: Made Easy (Sept. 8, 3:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.) - What's the hottest topic in travel these days? It's CRM, or Customer Relationship Management. In this seminar agents learn dozens of strategies -- technological and otherwise -- to help them understand and profit from their customers. This seminar is at the advanced level and attendees will earn 15 credits toward their CLIA accreditation (ACC/MCC/ECC/ECCS).
* Cruise Vacations – An Introduction (Sept. 8, 3:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.) - This seminar is a comprehensive overview of the tools required to successfully sell cruise products, identify motives, apply strategies introduced to increase cruise sales, match clients with the right cruise product, and apply "insider" secrets to selling the cruise experience. This seminar is at the beginning level and attendees will earn 15 credits toward their CLIA accreditation (ACC/MCC/ECC/ECCS).

* Group Sales Made Easy (Sept. 9, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) - This program demonstrates how to develop group business as a profit center covering the following subjects: identifying groups and their characteristics, sources for lead development, marketing to groups, working with group leaders, analyzing group potential, pricing and promotional budgeting. This seminar is at the beginning level and attendees will earn 15 credits toward their CLIA accreditation (ACC/MCC/ECC/ECCS).

At THE TRADESHOW agents will have the chance to enrich their business with a combination of education, sightseeing and networking events centered on the global reach of the travel industry. The exhibition floor offers vital interaction with hundreds of U.S. and international suppliers, enabling agents to secure more business and contacts. THE TRADESHOW is the best place to meet all the contacts you need, under one roof. Register today for THE TRADESHOW and gain multiple opportunities to grow your worldwide network! To learn more about THE TRADESHOW and to register, visit www.thetradeshow.org.

THE TRADESHOW is created and supported by the travel industry's leading organizations, including: ACTA, ATA, AirTran, ASTA, Adventures In Travel Expo, Canada Travel Press, CLIA, Destination UK Ltd, ETOA, eTurbo News, IGLTA, JAXFAX, ONLY Vegas, MailPound, NACTA, NBTA, NTA, ORLANDO, Recommend, SATH, TourismCares, Travel Age West, Travel Channel, The Travel Institute, TIA, TPOC, Travel Trade, TRAVEL WEEKLY, Turisver Trade Tourism Magazine, USA Today, USTOA and Vacation.com. Official media partners are: Agent@Home, vacationagent and ModernAgent.

THE TRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) is a 3-day, in-depth networking and educational event. Global and inclusive , THE TRADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppliers and buyers from all over the world, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. It is the trade show event for travel decision makers.