The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) announced that a task force formed in earlier this year with the National Tour Association (NTA) is working through the details of planning a first-time integrated conference and trade show scheduled for Orlando, Fla., Jan. 19-23, 2013.
A UMA spokesperson said both organizations share similar interests and the co-located event is being developed to benefit all of their members. The UMA-NTA task force met last month in Providence, R.I., to discuss branding, scheduling, education, networking opportunities and hospitality functions.
The UMA spokesperson added that both shows will retain individual branding but that some workshops will be offered to both membership groups, and some evening events will be integrated.
“Not only will the business and networking events be great for all attendees, but we’ll have a chance to learn more, too,” said NTA’s Chairman and CEO Cathy Greteman of Star Destinations in Iowa. “The task force recommended to open all education sessions to both NTA and UMA members so we can build a better understanding of the unique dynamics of the tour and motorcoach businesses.”
Members of the joint task force who met last month were: Chairman Michael Nuestadt; UMA members Larry Hundt, Tom Ready and Tim Wayland; NTA members Audrey Bialas, Cathy Greteman and Jim Reddekopp Jr.; UMA staff Victor Parra and Maggie Masterson; and NTA staff Lisa Simon and Lee Carter.
The task force will continue to meet regularly, and more details about the 2013 event will be announced at NTA’s Convention ’11 in December and UMA’s Motorcoach EXPO in February.
UMA continues to share administrative services with NSTA at both organizations’ headquarters in Alexandria, Va. NSTA’s 2013 Midwinter Meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12-16 in Bonita Springs, Fla., south of Fort Myers.
