KÀ by Cirque du Soleil to Kick Off March Tourism Convention

Furthering its significance as California's largest and most important annual conference for statewide travel and tourism professionals, the 31st Annual California Travel Summit, March 18-20, 2013, has just added Diane Quinn, Cirque du Soleil Vice President of Show Quality & Integrity, as the Guest Speaker for its Opening General Session. The Summit will be held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina.

Quinn, who is responsible for quality control and content implementation of all 18 Cirque du Soleil shows worldwide will present the opening general session keynote presentation/address, giving attendees a glimpse into the world of Cirque du Soleil, and its importance to the travel and tourism industry. The resident production of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand in Las Vegas will deliver a special performance for the attendees on Monday, March 18.

"We are thrilled that Cirque du Soleil will be launching our March show with such an engaging and fascinating guest speaker and a special performance," said CalTravel President & CEO John Severini. "With four general sessions, 10 world class keynotes, eight workshops and networking, CTS is THE conference for all tourism professionals."

Other speakers during the 3-day Summit will include:

Educator/athlete Murray Banks: "Reinvent, Reenergize, Refocus ... At Our Best In Tough and Changing Times";

Visit California President & CEO and Chair-Elect, Board of Directors, Brand USA Caroline Beteta:"The California Brand Plan - Going Global and Keeping it Local";

Noted tourism expert Suzanne Cook, Ph.D.: What's Driving U.S. & California Travel and What is Ahead?"

Author/destination management consultant Bill Geist: "Seizing the Day & the Dollars";

Marketing/Branding/Consumer Trends Expert and Author Kelly McDonald: "Changing Demographics and its Impact on Tourism";

Best-selling author Dr. Jeff Salz: "The Adventure of Change ... Six Steps to Greatness in the Age of Transformation";

Co-authors and productivity consultants Michael Valentine & Lynn Coffman: "The New Frontier of Work";

Influence Expansion CEO Lena West: "Followers, Friends + Favorites: How the Rise of the Social Customer Is Impacting Destinations in Quite Unexpected Ways"; and

Young Strategies, Inc. President Berkeley Young: "The Idea Brewery ... 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes".
For online registration and full information about the Summit, visit www.caltravel.org.