I would like to know how tour operators review our resumes.  What do they want to know, how do they want it presented?  Should we snail mail AND email?  How long after we send it should we wait before making a follow-up call?  How often should we call…so we don’t become a pest.  How do we “briefly” describe our strengths so the tour operators understand our capabilities in a few words.

I want to see it from their side so I know how to prepare a resume that is user friendly for the tour operators.

chris wistey

I would like to see a workshop on specific cities that require licensing and some step by step help esp with DC. I am going thru the process right now and have had to search and research and glean info from several different sources in order to walk through the process with precision. By next year, I could even help conduct the workshop! There are several cities that require licensing, so it would be cool to have some of the top cities, with all the important info that one needs.

Deb

I would like to hear more on amusing your travelers on long, boring stretches of road and how to create commentary to fit the interest level of the travelers.

Claudia Corbett

March, 2008

• Challenges/with solution of a tour director.
• Preferred work environment. Why?
• Discuss what are in your toolbox.
• Things to consider to sharpen your saw.
• Discovering self and others. How to improve/develop.
• How to keep in shape/healthy while on the road.

• Financial planning / estates/ Insurance/ retirement etc.
• Tour Operator – vision for the coming years.

This year’s suggestions:

I’m so disappointed that the symposium didn’t make it to the east coast next year.  Not sure I’ll be able to make it, but here’s an idea that I think about all the time.  How do you craft a compelling story about a monument or memorial that informs and holds the attention of an 8th grader for about 3 minutes.  The storyteller you had several years ago was great, but learning about the nuts and bolts of that process would be helpful.  It’s something that I plan to work on before the student tour season next year.  Also, the technology segment would be appreciated again.

Thanks,

Rhonda Briel

As a real estate broker long before I came to ITMI, I’d heard some of the best motivational speakers at conferences and conventions.  I think that anything that opens up people’s minds, that makes them believe in the positive, and that inspires them for the future are the best kinds of presentations one can hear.  To help your students develop confidence while not losing their own personality or voice as they change from a novice graduate into a world traveler-tourguide, hearing the funny faux paus of others is the perfect antidote .  Buiding confidence when you are new to an industry is extremely important.  And even the old timers get burned out and need a lift to make their next goal.  Motivational speakers are worth their weight in gold……….if they’re good.

Linda Stolow