The American Society of Travel Advisors will host the second annual Advocacy Awareness Day live on Facebook October 19, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET to raise awareness about the work the Society does every day on issues that directly impact its members’ businesses.

Join a full day of inspiring speakers and business owners sharing their personal stories and reasons why we need your voice and financial support to continue the important advocacy work.

Help ASTA beat the incredible 2020 results of $30,000 raised. On October 19th, we encourage all members who can to donate $25 or more at ASTA.org/Donate so we can hit our goal of $50,000 for 2021.

There’s a chance to win amazing prizes from generous partners like Carnival, Scenic, AmaWaterways, and Hilton. You must tune in to participate, however.

All you must do is open ASTA’s Facebook page to join:

10:00am ET: Kick Off Session to Advocacy Awareness Day (AAD)!
Gifted Travel Network’s Vanessa and Shannon start the day with a high-energy vibe and lots of excitement for the upcoming sessions. We will emphasize the importance of bringing our industry together under one voice and one trade association. 

11:00am ET: ASTA Strong
This session will welcome Eben Peck, ASTA Executive Vice President of Advocacy, and Marc Casto, ASTA Board of Director Chair and President Leisure American for Flight Center Travel Group. This discussion will focus on ASTA’s wins, initiatives and highlight the incredible work by ASTA over the last 18 months.

12:00pm ET: Advisors Still Standing
Join us for a panel discussion with advisors who have survived the pandemic because of ASTA's support. Learn from Joshua Bush of Avenue Two Travel, Kareem George of Culture Traveler and Eric Maryanov of All-Travel.

1:00pm ET: Trade Association Magic
Join us for an interview with Roger Rickard about why trade associations are so valuable to industries and why advisors should get involved.

2:00pm ET: ASTA Proud Partners
Hear from ASTA Proud Partners who support our trade association and rally behind advocacy efforts and initiatives by ASTA. Guy Young with TTC, Harry Sommer of NCLH & Scott Wiseman of ALG for Proud Partners.

3:00pm ET: What a Difference a Day Makes!
Learn all about the impact of ASTA’s annual Legislative Day held in DC. Vicki Freed of Royal Caribbean will join us to share her experiences on Capitol Hill and what a difference our work with lawmakers can make in one day.

4:00pm ET: Focus on Forward!
Join Shannon and Vanessa along with ASTA’s President and CEO Zane Kerby, ASTA’s former Chair Jay Ellenby and Co-Chair of ASTAs Government & Political Affairs Committee Chris Seddelmeyer for a lively discussion on the future of ASTA and how we can unite as an industry to speak under one voice via our trade association.

Visit asta.org/advocacy for recent advocacy wins, current issues, donate to advocacy efforts, stay informed and get active. Follow along for updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.