IGLTA LAUNCHES ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR 26TH ANNUAL CONVENTION
OIA Newswire

Toronto conference will explore how focusing on diversity through technology can maximize marketing efforts in a sluggish economy.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., December 8, 2008 - Online early bird registration is now available for the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association's (IGLTA) 26th Annual Convention, which will take place May 7-10, 2009, in Toronto, Canada, at the newly-renovated downtown Hilton Toronto. Members and non-members are encouraged to register today at www.iglta.org/convention to receive the following early bird registration discounts:

· Small Business Members: $250 Small Business Non-Member: $400
· Large Business Members: $500 Large Business Non-Member: $650

Note: Small businesses are those with ten or less employees in their entire organization.

Special early bird rates are also available at each category level for those interested in purchasing exposition tables at the consumer show, which is scheduled for the evening of May 9, 2009, in the gay village. Early bird registration ends on Wednesday, December 31, 2008, and online pre-registration will officially close on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Additionally, registration between January 1, 2009 and April 1, 2009 will offer a mid-price as well.

Themed "Seek Chic," this year's conference will explore how - despite tightening economic conditions worldwide - gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) tourism continues to grow, representing promising avenues of opportunity in a time when every marketing dollar counts. The convention's diverse slate of educational workshops and sessions will therefore focus on technology as a cost-effective way of growing outreach to GLBT travelers worldwide. The conference will also feature popular annual offerings, including a consumer trade show, the organization's gala dinner and awards ceremony, and networking receptions for convention first-timers, women, tour operators/travel agents and media.

"We are looking forward to an incredible convention in the beautiful city of Toronto," said IGLTA Executive Director John Tanzella. "Our hosts want all IGLTA members and friends to know that this will be the best convention the organization has ever had, both in terms of logistics and content. Anyone interested in the lucrative niche of gay and lesbian travelers needs to join us in Canada."

Toronto was chosen as the 2009 convention host city not just because of its supportive, longtime relationship with IGLTA, but because the city's diverse population and historic support of its GLBT community mirrors IGLTA's ongoing mission to elevate the importance of diversity in travel and tourism. In addition to a vibrant gay village, the city boasts over 100 cultures and an annual influx of over 100,000 immigrants who travel from around the world to make a home in this unique melting pot.

"A diverse and cosmopolitan city, Toronto is thrilled to welcome the IGLTA," said President and CEO of Tourism Toronto David Whitaker. "Our tourism partners in the Village, throughout our city and across Ontario promise a chic experience in one of North America's most exciting destinations."

Located in the shadow of the city's iconic CN Tower at 145 Richmond Street West, the newly-renovated Hilton Toronto is offering IGLTA convention attendees a special rate of $189 CDN per night. More information on the host hotel is available online at www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/TORHIHH-Hilton-Toronto-Ontario/index.do, and reservations can be made directly with the hotel by calling +1.416. 869.3456.

IGLTA's 25th Annual Convention & Anniversary Celebration was held April 29-May 4, 2008, at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. Attracting guest speakers like legendary American author Armistead Maupin and 500 travel industry professionals and media from 25 countries, the conference was the largest and most successful in the organization's history. Other conventions have been held in locales that include Washington, D.C. Montreal, San Francisco, Cologne, Manchester, Munich, and Sydney.

More information about this year's convention, special air travel offers and links to the online registration system can be found online at www.iglta.org/convention. Full Story. [12/8/08]