2018 Annual Meeting
Welcome
Welcome to Greater Williamsburg!
Greater Williamsburg is excited to host the 2018 Pennsylvania Bus Association's Annual Meeting! We are proud to highlight our wonderful host venue; DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg and we look forward to showing you the best that our destination has to offer. I want to thank PBA partners for bringing the Annual Meeting back to our area since PBA's last visit in 2002. Although Williamsburg still showcases history, food and fun, there have been many amazing additions to the destination over the years since the last PBA we hosted, and we cannot wait to share these fantastic new opportunities with you for your clients.
During your familiarization tour, you may explore world-class living history museums in Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. You may enjoy amazing shopping opportunities, and enjoy award-winning, local craft beverages that are on the Williamsburg Tasting Trail. We and our partners are planning three great evening events where you may experience our warm hospitality, and during the Dine Around you'll eat at some of the best restaurants in the nation. It is our hope that during your stay you will discover many ways to create unforgettable group tours unique to our destination!
We look forward to your attendance at this year's PBA Annual Meeting and bringing your expertise to our gathering. We look forward to your arrival and wish you a wonderful stay in our beloved destination!
Sincerely,
Karen Riordan
President/CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance
Annual Meeting Deadlines
Friday, May 18, 2018
• PBA 2018 Annual Meeting Registration Due to avoid late fee
Hotel
PBA’s Annual Meeting is taking place at the Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg:
Doubletree by Hilton Williamsburg – SOLD OUT
Cancellation: If a guest does not cancel a reservation by 6:00pm the night prior to the guest’s check-in date, then the hotel may charge one night’s room fee plus applicable taxes.
Courtyard® by Marriott® Williamsburg Busch Gardens Area – ROOMS AVAILABLE
$112 - $134
*room rates subject to change
- For phone reservations, please dial: (757) 221-0700
- For online reservations, please visit the hotel’s website here.
Schedule and Descriptions
| MONDAY, JUNE 18 |
| 11:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Registration Open |
| 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
FAMs 1, 2, 3 (see FAM listings below) |
| 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
Opening Reception: "Virginia Night" and "Welcome to the Neighborhood", sponsored by Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and Virginia Tourism Partners |
| 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm |
Hospitality Suite: Sponsored by Meet AC! |
| TUESDAY, JUNE 19 |
| 6:00 am – 6:45 am |
Power Walk! For the early birds |
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am |
Breakfast On Your Own – Associate Members and Travel Suppliers |
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am |
Operator-Only Breakfast: Sponsored by ABC Companies |
| 7:30 am – 5:00 pm |
Registration Open |
| 8 :00 am – 8:15 am |
Opening Session – Meet Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance Host CVB (all attendees) |
| 8:15 am – 11:30 am |
Education Programs - OPERATORS & ASSOCIATES
includes Bus Manufacturer Roundtable |
| 8:30 am – 11:30 am |
Education Programs – TRAVEL SUPPLIERS |
| 10:30 am – 11:00 am |
Coffee Break |
| 11:30 am – 1:30 pm |
Industry Expo with motorcoaches and vendors (inside & outside) – includes picnic lunch and door prizes (all registrants invited to attend) |
| 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
FAMs 4, 5, 6 (see FAM listings below) |
| 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
Evening Event: Colonial Williamsburg Extravaganza! Sponsored by the Colonial Williamsburg Hotels |
| 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm |
Dine-Around to Williamsburg restaurants of your choice |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 |
| 6:00 am – 6:45 am |
Power Walk! For the early birds |
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am |
Operator- Only Breakfast: Sponsored by Motor Coach Industries |
| 7:30 am – 5 pm |
Registration Open |
| 8:00 am – 8:30 am |
General Membership Meeting – For all attendees
Elections; 2019 Annual Meeting CVB Presentation; other |
| 8:30 am – 9:30 am |
Motivational Speaker Steve Gilliland: Sponsored by Prevost |
| 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
Education Programs - OPERATORS & ASSOCIATES |
| 9:30 am – 11:30 am |
Education Programs - SUPPLIERS [Special session with motivational speaker Steve Gilliland] |
| 10:00 am ongoing |
Break |
| 11:45 am -12:45 pm |
OPERATORS & ASSOCIATES only lunch / Awards: Sponsored by National Interstate Insurance |
| 11:45 am - 12:45 pm |
Travel Supplier luncheon "Prep time for the Sales Retreat" NEW |
| 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
OPERATORS & TRAVEL SUPPLIERS Sales Retreat – Group 1 |
| 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm |
OPERATORS & TRAVEL SUPPLIERS Sales Retreat - Break |
| 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm |
OPERATORS & TRAVEL SUPPLIERS Sales Retreat – Group 2 |
| 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
Evening Event: Busch Gardens Preview |
| 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
After park “Night Cap” Sponsored by Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance! |
| THURSDAY, JUNE 21 |
| 8:00 am – 11:30 am |
PBA Board Meeting with Breakfast Sponsored by Lancer Insurance |
Evening Events
Monday, June 18, 2018: Welcome Reception/Dinner 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: "American Revolution Museum at Yorktown and Virginia Tourism Partners"
Description: Make history on Opening Night at PBA 2018! A fun-filled evening at the new American Revolution Museum at Yorktown awaits on June 18, when you'll experience firsthand the story of America's beginnings. Enjoy networking among colleagues and tourism professionals, unique photo opportunities, appetizing food and beverages, but most of all FUN! Explore immersive exhibition galleries and films, including the experiential film "The Siege at Yorktown," shown on 180-degree surround screens with dramatic special effects, and the award-winning "Liberty Fever" introductory film in the museum theater. Outdoors, step into living-history re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm and Continental Army encampment, where you'll be able to witness an artillery demonstration. We know you'll have a blast! #historyisfun #berevolutionary
Tuesday, June 19, 2018: Colonial Williamsburg "Over the Top" Event 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Williamsburg Inn
Description: Colonial Williamsburg Extravaganza! Five Diamond Event for a Five Star Night! Enjoy an evening at One of The Premiere Hotel's in the Region and the crown jewel of Colonial Williamsburg's hotels.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018: Busch Gardens Preview Closing Evening Event 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Description: Attendees will be greeted for a park preview reception and enjoy a taste of Busch Gardens in the Black Forest Picnic area. Busch Gardens Group Sales Staff will be there to welcome everyone and will give you a description of what they have for your future groups visiting the park. What's NEW and events throughout the year.
FAMs
The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance has arranged some phenomenal FAMs to showcase their area to our motorcoach operators and all others attending the annual meeting. Please sign up during the registration process.
Monday, June 18, 2018 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
FAM 1: "Discover the New World" at Jamestown
Jamestown is a place of beginnings and represents the very foundations of whom and what we are as people and a nation. Walk in the footsteps of Pocahontas and John Smith, see the excavation site and location of James Fort and watch costumed interpreters demonstrate our first industry, glassblowing, at Historic Jamestown. Visit Jamestown Settlement where the story of Jamestown's settlers and the cultures that converged there comes to life through an indoor gallery and four outdoor living history areas. The final stop will be at Billsburg Brewery for a quick taste.
FAM 2: Williamsburg Tasting Trail
Our country's first settlers believed that alcohol served many great purposes from healing the body to giving energy to the weak and elderly! Today you'll sample some delicious and award-winning craft beverages at some of our newest venues.
FAM 3: Behind the Scenes Tour
Enjoy special behind the scenes tours at the Mariners' Museum and the Virginia Living Museum located in nearby Newport News. The Mariners' Museum is home to one of the largest maritime collections in the world and the USS Monitor Center. At the Virginia Living Museum you will discover Virginia's rich natural heritage from the mountains to the sea.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
FAM 4: Colonial Williamsburg's Historic area and Merchant's Square
Experience life in the 18th-century on a tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Become a citizen, engage with the local community and witness the daily struggles between the residents of Britain's largest colony. Afterwards enjoy browsing the shops in Merchants Square, an 18th century style retail village.
FAM 5: A Shoppers Paradise
With 135 stores, Williamsburg Premium Outlets offers 25%-65% savings every day on designer and name brands. Before departing the outlets, we'll make a brief stop at Alewerks Brewing Company's new taste room. Yankee Candle Village, a store unlike any other, is one of the world's largest candle stores and includes a Holiday Park with over 40,000 ornaments.
FAM 6: The Revolution and Riverwalk Landing
See where General George Washington won his greatest victory and Americans achieved independence at the Yorktown Battlefield. Afterwards enjoy free time at Riverwalk Landing and enjoy the expansive view of the York River and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.
Details for a Successful PBA Meeting
Sponsorships Drive the Annual Meeting. Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance along with their partners have done a remarkable job in securing sponsors for the many events scheduled at this year's annual meeting. This is a win-win for everyone since motorcoaches want to familiarize themselves with the area, and the attractions, hotels, and other venues want their business. Thank you everyone for taking advantage of the opportunity to showcase your company.
Industry Supplier Expo
Tuesday, June 19, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
INDUSTRY SUPPLIER EXPO is an opportunity for bus manufacturers and companies which service the motorcoach industry to have one-on-one time with the motorcoach company registrants to show their products, services, etc. The event will be held indoors with table top exhibits this year, and outdoors to accommodate all the beautiful coaches our bus manufacturers like to showcase. SET-UP. Set-up after 9:00 AM and no later than 10:30 AM. One 6' foot draped table is included per display, promotion in the program.
Sales Retreat Travel Suppliers One-On-One with Operator
Wednesday, June 20, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
NOTE: Attendees will be split into two sessions.
A time for motorcoach company tour planners to meet one-on-one with travel suppliers for increased business opportunities for everyone. We will use 5-minute visits to motorcoach operator tables. Travel Supplier FULL registration fees include participation in the Sales Retreat. A separate one-day Sales Retreat registration fee is also available for those unable to attend the full Annual Meeting.
Registration Fees, Cancellation Policy, Definitions
Registration Fees. Registration is required to attend the annual meeting and participate in all business sessions, seminars, Industry Supplier Expo, sponsored meal functions, breaks, FAM trips based on availability, program, Sales Retreat (must designate on registration form), and all handouts. Registrations received after May 18, 2018 will incur a $50 late fee. REGISTRATION FEES. Must be registered to attend all portions of Annual Meeting. "Guest" does not include a company employee
Cancellation Policy. Registration refunds less a $25 cancellation fee will be provided if a notice of cancellation in writing is received by 12:00 pm on May 18, 2018. Please confirm receipt of your cancellation.
PBA fax is 717-236-1391, or email at efarrell@pabus.org or jcarroll@pabus.org.
Guest Registration - The term "guest" means a spouse, family member, or other individual who is NOT a company employee or other individual representing your company. Guests must be registered to attend any portion of the annual meeting. Guests are not permitted to attend the sales retreat.
DEFINITIONS
- Member Rate for Operators—includes company owners and representatives
- Guest—non-company representative not in the motorcoach industry. Not permitted to attend the sales retreat.
- Tour Planners—company representative attending the Sales Retreat only; also permitted to attend evening events pre and post Sales Retreat.
- Child - age 18 or under
- Walk-ins with no prior registration - All individuals must be registered for the annual meeting to attend any or all the events and activities. Those arriving who have not registered will be asked to provide a form of payment to obtain a name badge and registration materials. This includes any last-minute guests or company representatives.
- Companies are encouraged to register for the Industry Expo event which consists of a draped table top inside the facility. Operator members and their representatives are encouraged through incentives to visit all the exhibitors.
- Associate type companies NOT obtaining a Table Top will be charged a flat registration fee.
SPONSORSHIPS
Sponsorship opportunities are available to our Associate and Travel Supplier members. This opportunity provides additional exposure of a company's products and services to our operators. CLICK HERE for a copy of the form.
EDUCATION
To view the educational session for operators, CLICK HERE
To view the educational session for travel suppliers, CLICK HERE
PBA is in the process of finalizing the education program for the motorcoach operators, associate members and travel suppliers attending the annual meeting. A few exciting topics and speakers have already secured as follows:
- Motivational Speaker and back by popular demand is Steve Gilliland who will provide his exceptional insights with the topic "Enjoying the Ride". A special breakout session for the travel suppliers will include the topic "Making a Difference". More on Steve Gilliland can be found at WWW.STEVEGILLILAND.COM.
- Bus Manufacturer Panel is always a favorite of the motorcoach operators attending. Immediately following this session will be the Industry Expo so that you can continue the discussions on what you heard directly with the sales representatives at their demo buses.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact PBA at 717-236-9042, Elaine Farrell, efarrell@pabus.org or Janice Carroll, jcarroll@pabus.org.
MEET THE SPONSORS
PBA Introduces Our Loyal Annual Meeting Sponsors. Thank you to the following companies for their generous sponsorships for the Annual Meeting
ANNUAL MEETING HOSTS!
Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance
SUPER DIAMOND SPONSORS
ABC Companies
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
Motor Coach Industries
National Interstate Insurance
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Colonial Williamsburg Hotels
Motor Coach Industries
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Busch Gardens
Discover Williamsburg
Meet AC
Prevost
GOLD SPONSORS
American Bus Association
Colonial Connections
National Comedy Center
United Motorcoach Association
Wolfington Body Company, Inc.
SILVER SPONSORS
Lancer Insurance
Rohrer Bus Sales
Sands Casino Bethlehem
Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery
TIB Transportation Insurance Brokers
Sponsors as of 5/16/2018
REGISTRATION
To register for the 2018 Annual Meeting, please follow these links depending on the type of PBA member you are:
- Motorcoach Operators and Tour Planners: (Companies that own fleets of buses or work for the company including tour and safety staff along with family members) REGISTER NOW
- Associate Members (bus manufacturers, insurance, fuel, tires, graphics, etc.) REGISTER NOW
- Travel Suppliers (representing the vast travel industry including lodging, restaurants, museums, convention & visitor bureaus and misc. destinations) REGISTER NOW
QUESTIONS? Feel free to call PBA at 717-236-9042 and we will help you walk through the registration process. Or you may email jcarroll@pabus.org or efarrell@pabus.org