2008 GMOA Annual Meeting & Marketplace
July 19-22, 2008
Hilton Atlanta North East
Atlanta, GA
Click here to visit the Atlanta's Gwinnett website
Click here to visit the Hilton Atlanta North East website
Tentative Schedule of Events
Saturday, July 19
2:00 – 5:00 Registration
Registration Bags sponsored by Lancer Insurance Company and Service Insurance Agency
Name Badge Holders sponsored by Sardo Bus and Coach Upholstery
Pocket Schedules (Sponsor opportunity)
Program (Sponsor opportunity)
50 Group Leaders are expected to attend GMOA.
The Group Leaders will be qualified, bona fide buyers.
3:00 – 5:00 Board of Directors Meeting
This serves as a notice to all operator members.
All operator members are invited to attend.
5:30 Board Coaches for Welcome Event (Associate fee: $25)
Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, Lawrenceville
Dinner Sponsored by Atlanta's Gwinnett CVB, Aurora Theatre and
Georgia Department of Economic Development, Tourism Division for operators
Sunday, July 20
7:45 am-5:00 pm Registration
8:00 – 8:45 Devotion Session and Continental Breakfast
Sponsor opportunity
9:00 – 10:00 New Member/First Timer Orientation
If you are a new member or this is your first time to attend the GMOA annual meeting representing a current member, please be sure to attend this session. While it is not an orientation to the industry, as a new member or first timer, you will learn a great deal that will help you as you learn the industry and help you as you seek to build strong business relationships with other members. (Making the most of your 5-minute interview time with operators in market place.)
10:30 – 1:00 Group Leader Market Place
Market Place 3-ring binders (Sponsor opportunity)
Group Leaders must be seated in Market Place by 10:15 am. Group Leaders should notice gifts provided by Associate Members and place them on the floor behind booth table in bags provided so that Associates have the undivided attention of group leaders for the 4-minute interviews. Group leaders will be seated two per 6’ table according to host operator company.
Market Place Refreshments (Sponsor opportunity).
10:30 – 3:00 Coach Sales Market Place (Lunch included)
Operator Education/Maintenance Workshop
Hands-on experience at American Coach Lines
Coach sales and technical support along with other coach related discussion; i.e., coach upholstery, insurance, insurance claims, and a DOT inspection demonstration. Operators may bring mechanics/technicians for this session. Operators attending will be eligible for a very nice prize!
1:30 – 3:00 Group Leader Lunch (including Associates)
Hosted and sponsored by Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
(Associates, if you miss a group leader in Market Place, this is an excellent opportunity to make contact. If you were able to see all group leaders, then this is an opportunity to build on that relationship that you started.)
3:00 Group Leaders Board Operators Coach
Associates board Member coaches
3:00 – 4:30 Familiarization Event for Group Leaders and return home
Transportation provided by group leader host operators
Fam tour: Hindu Temple, downtown Lilburn
3:45 – 5:45 Market Place I for Operators and Associates
Market Place Refreshments sponsored by American Bus Association
3:45 – 5:45 Associate Education
Workshop: Travelocity: What is it and how can it help you? Speaker: Robert Dow
What is Travelocity? Travelocity is a third party website for driving revenue to your venue.
Position yourself to acquire more business.
Cracker Barrel Discussion of Industry Topics
Moderator: Michael Vescio, Eagle Hotel Management
Topics may include: Niche Marketing
Visitors Center Benefit
AAA Manager Benefit
Sports Marketing
Wedding Market
How to Prepare a Profile Sheet
Long-range Planning
Special Event Marketing
6:45 Board Coaches
Transportation provided by Motor Coach Industries, Prevost, and Daimler Buses North America
7:30 Ice Breaker Event: A Whale of A Time!
Sponsored by Atlanta CVB and Georgia Aquarium
Casual dress is acceptable.
-12:00 Hospitality will be open after events.
Monday, July 21
7:45 am-5:00 pm Registration
7:30 – 2:30 Golf Tournament at Collins Hill Golf Course, Lawrenceville
Tee time 9:00 Coordinator: Tim O’Bryan, Service Insurance Agency
Boxed lunch for golfers sponsored by Atlanta’s Gwinnett CVB
Beverage Cart sponsored by Service Insurance Agency
Transportation provided by Daimler Buses North America
Leave Hotel at 7:30 a.m.
7:30 – 8:30 Networking Breakfast
Industry Updates: ABA and UMA
Sponsorship Opportunity
10:00 – 3:00 Optional Familiarization Tour Networking Opportunity
Tour: New Hindu Temple, Chateau Elan, Mayfield Dairy
Box lunch provided.
Transportation provided by Motor Coach Industries and Prevost
3:30 – 5:30 Market Place II
Market Place Refreshments sponsored by American Bus Association
3:30 – 5:30 Associate Education Repeat
Moderator: Jeff Mills, DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau
3:30 – 4:00 Refreshment break
Sponsorship Opportunity
6:30 Reception
Sponsored by Hosts for 2009 Meeting: Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau
7:15 General Session III (Dinner)
Sponsored by Prevost
Awards Presentation and Introduction/
Installation of Board of Directors
Speaker: Tim Delaney, Lancer Insurance Company
Tim Delaney is not only an insurance expert, but is also a very knowledgeable and business savvy executive. Come learn from an industry leader and successful businessman.
-12:00 Hospitality will be open after the dinner event.
Tuesday, July 22
8:15 am -5:00 pm Registration
8:00 – 9:30 General Session IV (Breakfast)
Operator/Associate Industry Round Table Discussion:
Sponsorship opportunity
Let’s learn from another. You have sat in market place, had meals together, and had several networking opportunities. Do you have questions now that will help you as you work together or continue to build good business relationships? Now is the time to seek answers.
10:00 – 10:30 Board of Directors Meeting
Please email the Webmaster with any difficulties or corrections on the GMOA website, Thanks.
If you have inquiries about the GMOA or how to become a member visit Membership or email the GMOA.
