Whether you are still wet behind the ears or have long ago earned your stripes, I thought you might be interested to learn about and possibly attend a tour guide conference that is just about a month away!

Every ITMIer understands the value of education and practical experience. Want to see how New Orleans and environs are since Katrina? Want to network with guides from across the USA? (I am sure you have also been told more than once that educational opportunities like the one described below may be tax deductible)

The National Federation of Tourist Guide Assns. – USA (NFTGA), www.nftga.com, is holding an educational conference for tour guides in New Orleans, Thursday, July 19, to Sunday, July 22, 2007, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

What’s on the agenda you ask? The NFTGA along with the Tour Guides Association of Greater New Orleans, have planned four days of interesting speakers, educational workshops and an insider’s view of New Orleans. The workshops were selected to cover a broad spectrum, from “Drama and Voice” by professional singer and NY tour guide Marta Cooper, “A Tour Guide Search of the Internet”by Marie Pinho from DC, “Group Therapy” by ITMI GradDonna Primas and fellow Chicagoan Esther Banike, and “Sharing Ideas on Improving Your Local Guide Association” by Vicky Schwartz of DC.

The program price includes all speakers, workshops, tours and meals mentioned in the schedule – 4 Breakfasts; 1 Lunch; Welcome Reception; 3 dinners at interesting venues–aboard Steamboat Natchez, at Mardi Gras World plus a dine around; Second-line parade to the Steamboat Natchez; Box lunch for Plantation & Swamp Tour; Coffee Breaks; and Cooking School.

If you are a member of a local guide assn that pays dues to the NFTGA, you may be eligible for the discounted member rate of $450. Regardless, any tourism professional can attend by paying the non-member rate of $500. Full payment must be received along with the application.

A block of rooms at the elegant and award winning Ritz-Carlton has been arranged for a mere $109 per night single or double (plus taxes). A triple is just $25 a night more.

To get the application and more program details (as a WORD document attachment), send a request for it via email to NFTGA VP, Esther Banike at larryesther@aol.com. Tell her Donna sent you! (I am traveling in Germany for the next two weeks and will be mostly incommunicado.)

Contact NFTGA President, Bobbie Gattuso, bobbiegatt@yahoo.com with questions.

Don’t pass up this great way to learn a new destination and skills, network and help New Orleans too! I hope to see you there!

DONNA

ITMI Grad / President of the Chicago Tour-Guide Professionals / On-Site Corporate Travel Director / Travel Writer & Editor