“I think the variety of all the attractions and hotels and CVB’s who were interested in working with the receptive operators made it a great mix and very effective for us. The people that were here with ideas we can use.  Instead of telling us about their attraction or the hotel, they told us how we can use them or what special things they might be able to do for our groups.“
Aminta Vasquez-Billot, Manager, Special Groups, AmericanTours International

“We would like to thank you and your team for a great show.  It was very strong this year and we held several good meetings.   One example of a new idea that we received at NAJ Summit was from Scott Hartcort with the Shilo Inns.   He suggested a two year contract whenever possible to minimize or reduce the amount of time and effort put into contracting yearly and proposed a tiered rate options for groups that stay in multiple Shilo Inns along their USA fly drive itinerary. This could be an attractive option for the groups department and something that might work across more than one chain.”
Ivar Hottentot, Marketing Manager, GTA-USA

“I’ve been coming for seven years as a buyer. It’s always my favorite event because it opens the buying season, and if gives me a feeling of what’s happening with suppliers and destinations quickly. I always find many interesting products and am so overwhelmed when I get back to the office that it takes a while to study and analyze things and pass the information to my colleagues in Orlando."  
Ken Schwartz, Meeting Point-North America.  (formerly FTI North America)

 
"There were two suppliers that caught my attention on the topic of "green" concepts for possible technical visits.  And, they are both from Chicago. Skydeck Chicago: The plan on retrofitting the entire building to become a "green" building. Although the concept of building an entire "new" green building from the ground up is not new, retrofitting an entire existing building has not yet been done. Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau: On the topic of "green" buildings, it was mentioned that Chicago has the most "green" or LEED certified high-rise (skyscraper) buildings in the US. Also, this ties into the world of architecture, in which Chicago will be having ARCHITECTURAL TOURS ON CHICAGO in 2011 (October).  Information such as this helps in trying to attract potential organizers to a destination, especially for those businesses in related fields.  Overall, it was very beneficial as I did come back with something new from each of the suppliers."
Marie Tanaka, Jalpak International

“One of the great things about this event was the energy in the room. Suppliers and tour operators were very eager to conduct business.   Even though I’m based in Southern California and I can see the operators anytime, this event allowed me to see key decision makers from each different department in one place.    I was not only able to get new business, but a tremendous amount of feedback about how we need to innovate our business and help them take their business to the next level.”
Tara Mital-Campbell, Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey. 

 “I’ve been attending NAJ Summit for four years. It’s a very intimate setting to sit with tour operators without the distractions and chaos of larger settings. Operators wanted to know what’s new and they were optimistic and wanted to spend more time with their partners. “
Tiffany Majors, Wynn Las Vegas/Encore

“We’ve renovated both hotels and the Summit was a great forum for us to be able to tell operators about it face to face.  We’ve actually received more business from it.”   
Daisy Evangelista, Handlery Hotels, San Diego and San Francisco

“It was well worth the time and money...if anyone complains, they don't know how to work a show.    Great Job! “
Monty Criss, Biltmore Hotel & Suites  

“Thank you for your event. I am sending out to contracts for two companies from the Summit.  The only negative which was not your fault was that my last 2 appointments left so I was short appointments and could have left earlier for the drive back.”
Terry Sobkowiak, Town and Country Resort Hotel

 “I can’t afford to travel overseas to meet operators, so our strategy has been to use the NAJ Summit to reach international market through receptive operator channel at the NAJ Summits.  Since I’ve been coming, Reno has increased room nights sold by receptives by 92%.  We simply woke up the destination up about how receptives operators work. “
Ralph Witsell, Reno (NV) CVB, 

“This year I brought a delegation of 10 hotels and suppliers from San Diego. Sure, we’re only two hours away and we can certainly see all of these operators at their offices, but it would take between 2-3 weeks to set up arrangements.“
Brian Said, San Diego CVB. 

“I was able to meet with several tour operators I was not aware of in the market and anticipate will be contracting with 4 - 5 new companies. There were several follow up issues addressed with existing operators. A tour operator we have been working with explained what the impediments to growth have been.  I expect that alone to generate at least $2.5 million this year.” 
Reno Gazzola, Grand Canyon Railway

“This was my first NAJ Summit and I have to say it’s a real gem. I was able to meet lot of qualified tour operators in one place because of the appointment system. When I go to big shows and I often get nothing. This was easily the biggest bang for my buck and it vastly exceeded my expectations.” 
Charles De Gaspe Beubien, Easy Bus Rental.com

 “I wouldn't be able to meet with nearly half the number of people on a West Coast sales mission if I set it up myself - it was great that you were able to get the number of operators there that you did. The seminars were very useful and advanced as well. Thanks again!” 
Heather A. Hughes, Corning Museum of Glass