AIF Convention
Preview
As an integral part of the industry, the ARDA International
Foundation (AIF) has a full slate of activities planned for the 2017 ARDA World
Convention. With a new location, this
year in New Orleans, Louisiana, it is the perfect time for AIF to try some new
and exciting ideas at convention.
First, we’ll be recording
the Fundamental Timeshare Sessions to refresh the on-line “Timeshare
101” education offering now available at www. aifeducates.org. So, for the
industry professionals who can’t attend Convention, they will now have access
to this great information that will aid in their professional development and
career advancement.
In addition, we have a few events planned:
On Sunday, March 26, the current LEAPS (Leadership Education Action
Progression and Service) class will graduate at an invitation-only reception.
The incoming LEAPS class members will also make their debut at this reception
and ARDA LEAPS alumni, who now number more than 60, are also invited. The
2016-2017 LEAPS class will be presented during one of the general sessions, and
their class project was also a new idea: a video showcasing the vacation
ownership industry as a great place to begin and spend a career
An important area of focus for the AIF is
education, and at the Reimagining the
Sales Process Forum on Monday, March 27 (9:30am-11:00am), students from
the
University of Central Florida who received scholarships to attend convention
will present their research on the topic to attendees.
Begun just a few years ago, the Leadership Luncheon—open only to those
who have earned ARP or RRP status—has quickly become an ARDA World favorite.
Each year an industry leader, sponsored by Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp,
inspires attendees to remain leaders and grow in their careers. This year, the
Luncheon will feature travel powerhouse Roger Dow (president of U.S. Travel),
and will take place on Monday March
27, 11:30am-1:00pm. A can't-miss!
One event that’s not new (but very popular) is Interval International’s Party with a Cause
(PWAC), a ticketed event to be held Tuesday,
March 28 at 9:00pm. Featuring
top-name entertainment (it’s always a welcome surprise), the event is a benefit
for the AIF and has helped raise nearly $425,000 over the years.
Make sure to plan to attend as many AIF events as possible
at this year’s ARDA World Convention, you’ll get to experience some new things
while also participating in some of your old favorites.