June 18 – 21, 2019

Hosted by Atlantic City/Meet AC

Hotel is Resorts Casino Hotel, 1133 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401

PBA’s Annual Meeting committee is working with Atlantic City on showing their area including evening events and FAMs. The meeting is open to motorcoach operators, associate members, and travel supplier members to increase business opportunities. Mark your calendar because this is a must attend event! The popular Industry Expo featuring associate members services and products for the motorcoach operators is in the planning stages as well as the Sales Retreat featuring motorcoach operator tour planners or owners visiting with travel suppliers. Lots of education, networking, and business opportunities at this annual event.

 

2019 Annual Meeting

Welcome

Dear friends,

Are you as excited as I am for another year of attending the Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) 2019 Annual Meeting? It’s a chance to see old friends, make some new ones, and especially show you everything that we have planned for you in Atlantic City!

We are proud to showcase our partners Resorts Casino Hotel, Bally’s Atlantic City, Claridge Hotel, historic Steel Pier and Atlantic City Cruises. It takes a team effort to showcase our beautiful seaside destination and I am very lucky to have an amazing team to work with for PBA’s Annual Meeting.

We invite you to experience all that Atlantic City has to offer with three amazing evening events that will inspire you to relax, sink your toes into the warm sand and watch the waves crash, while enjoying a refreshing cocktail at Bally’ Beach Bar. Feel like a kid again at the Steel Pier and take in the spectacular views visiting the only roof top bar in the City. Beach time anyone? We’ve reserved an afternoon just for you to soak up the sun and play in the surf! You can thank us later. From Ships & Sips and Haunts & Brews to A Foodie Tour to Remember, we have endless fun in store for you! Dine-around night is always exciting, but the problem is how do you decide what restaurant to try? Look no further than our Welcome Desk. Visitor Counselor Lee loves food as much as anyone and will help you make the best choice for an unforgettable AC dining experience.

Thank you Pennsylvania Bus Association for choosing Atlantic City to host your 2019 Annual Meeting.

We look forward to seeing you "down the shore!"

Heather Colache, CTIS
Tourism Account Director, Meet AC

---

Hotel

PBA’s Annual Meeting is taking place at the Resorts Casino Hotel:  

 

---

Schedule and Descriptions

TUESDAY, JUNE 18
11:00 am – 6:00 pm	PBA Registration Open
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm	FAMS: #1 Ships & Sips SOLD OUT, #2 Haunts & Brews, #3 A Foodie Tour to Remember, transportation provided by Prevost
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm	Opening Reception - Bally's Beach Bar sponsored by Bally’s Atlantic City
9:00 pm - 11:00p m	Hospitality Suite sponsored by Visit Williamsburg
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19
6:45 am – 7:30 am	Yoga on the Beach /Rental Bikes! For the early birds
7:30 am - 5:00 pm	Registration Open
7:45 am – 8:30 am	Operator Only breakfast sponsored by MCI
7:45 am - 8:30 am	Breakfast On Your Own – Associate and Travel Suppliers
8:30 am – 8:45 am	Opening Session City Welcome/Meet AC/Executive Director of Tourism - All Attendees, sponsored by Lancer
8:45 am – 9:15 am	General Membership Meeting – Elections, 2020 Annual Meeting CVB Presentation and more - All Attendees, sponsored by Lancer
9:15 am – 9:45 am	Peter J. Pantuso from American Bus Association – National Parks – All Attendees
9:45 am – 10:00 am	Coffee Break
10:00 am – 11:00 am	Motivational Speaker - Craig Dietz - All Attendees sponsored by Rohrer Bus
11:00 am – 11:15 am	Employee & Driver of Distinction Awards
11:15 am – 12:15 pm	Social Media Presentation – All Attendees- sponsored by Meet AC
12:15 pm – 1:45 pm	Industry Expo with motorcoaches and vendors (inside and outside) includes picnic lunch for all registrants. Lunch sponsored by ABC Companies
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm	Enjoy the beach! Resorts will provide umbrella and chair rentals (first come first served.)
6:15 pm - 9:00 pm	Evening Event at Steel Pier – sponsored by Meet AC/Steel Pier
9:00 pm – Midnight	Hospitality Suite – Landshark bar on the beach, sponsored by Shore Funding
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
7:00 am – 7:45 am	Yoga on the Beach /Rental Bikes! For the early birds
7:30 am - 5:00 pm	Registration Open
8:00 am - 8:45 am	Breakfast for Operators sponsored by Prevost
9:00 am – 11:00 am	OPERATORS & TRAVEL SUPPLIERS Sales Retreat – Group 1
11:00 am – 11:15 am	OPERATORS & TRAVEL SUPPLIERS Sales Retreat - Break
11:15 am – 1:15 pm	OPERATORS & TRAVEL SUPPLIERS Sales Retreat – Group 2
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm	LUNCH OPERATORS w/Associates sponsored by Wolfington Bus Sales
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm	LUNCH Travel Suppliers + presenters
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm	Distinctive System Training - Operators
2:30 pm – 5:00 pm	Free Time – Enjoy the beach or explore Atlantic City’s shopping at Tanger Outlets! Please pick up your Tanger Outlet Coupon Book at Registration.
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm	Evening Event - Historic Claridge Hotel
7:30 pm	Dine- Around - restaurants of your choice in Atlantic City
FRIDAY, JUNE 21
9:00 am – 12:00 pm	PBA Board Meeting sponsored by Sardo

Special Events

Tuesday, June 18, 2019:  Bally’s Beach Bar Event 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location:   "Bally’s Beach Bar"

Description: Come sip, meet, and mingle! It’s time for ultimate outdoor fun at Bally’s Beach Bar where margaritas, rum punch and specialty drinks flow from day to night! Smell the fresh ocean air, feel the breeze, enjoy delicious food, and spend the evening at Bally’s Beach Bar! Sponsored by Bally’s Atlantic City. Just a short walk down the Boardwalk, right out of the Resorts doors onto the Boardwalk and follow the signs.

---

Wednesday, June 19 & Thursday, June 20, 2019:  7:00 am – 7:45 am

Location: "Boardwalk & Beach"

Description:: Who said that exercise must be boring? Get your day started with the sound of the ocean as you enjoy a beautiful bike ride along the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk or the relaxation of Yoga on the beach! Subject to availability. Sponsored by Resorts Casino. Meet at the Resorts Boardwalk Exit.

---

Wednesday, June 19, 2019:  Meet AC Event 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Location: "Atlantic City’s Steel Pier"

Description: Feel like a kid again at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier! Channel your inner child with amusement rides you loved as a kid, Boardwalk food that reminds you of warm summer days and chances to win that big stuffed animal you’ve dreamed about. Join your hosts, Meet AC and Steel Pier for an amazing night of networking, comradery and fun at the iconic Steel Pier. As the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, sink into a comfortable chair, roast marshmallows into s’mores and reflect back on the fun evening with your Atlantic City friends. Wear your favorite childhood cartoon t-shirt and dress the part. Several lucky delegates will receive an Atlantic City prize! Steel Pier is just a few feet from the Boardwalk entrance of Resorts Casino, stroll out the door and look left, you can’t miss the observation wheel. Sponsored by Meet AC and Steel Pier.

---

Thursday, June 20, 2019:  Historic Claridge Hotel 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Location:   "Historic Claridge – A Radisson Hotel in Atlantic City"

Description: We invite you to Vue Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Atlantic City’s only rooftop bar on the 23rd floor. Enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the city skyline and ocean, quick bites from our cosmopolitan menu and a hand crafted cocktail on us! Sponsored by Historic Claridge. Board Buses at Resorts Bus Center.

---

Thursday, June 20, 2019:  Dine-Around 7:30 pm

Location:   "Various Restaurants in Atlantic City"

Description: Atlantic City has many amazing restaurants that will make even the most choosey foodie happy! From Celebrity Chefs to Local favorites, seafood fresh from the Atlantic Ocean and Boardwalk munchies, AC has them all! Please refer to your “show me your badge” program guide for discounts and stop by our welcome desk located next to registration for information or to make reservations.

---

FAMs

The Atlantic City Convention & Group Sales 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 as space is limited.

Tuesday June 18, 2019 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

FAM 1: "Ships & Sips (Max 50 people)" SOLD OUT

All you need is love…and chocolate. MaDe Atlantic City Chocolate Bar is a bean-to-bar chocolate shop where we will enjoy a taste of a special MaDe chocolate bar! Next is a stop at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, a fun and hip locale that rapidly became known for both its beer and its burgers, as well as retro video games and pinball machines, pool tables and a jukebox where we will have a tasting and a quick bite! On to the next stop, Little Water Distillery located in the heart of Atlantic City for a tasting of their spirits which include small batch rum, whiskey, vodka and other artisan spirits for thirsty souls in the Garden State and beyond. Ending the tour on calm waters aboard Atlantic City Cruises, sit back and enjoy the ocean breeze, the scent of salt in the air and the beautiful skyline of Atlantic City. Sponsored by Atlantic City Cruises, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Little Water Distillery and Meet AC.

FAM 2: Haunts & Brews (Max 25 people)

Discover tradition, steeped in superstition, and indulge in the distinctive flavors of South Jersey. On this tour you will be treated to the unique history and culture of the southern end of New Jersey. Enjoy the sights of The Towne of Historic Smithville, a one of a kind destination filled with enjoyable activities and tasty treats for everyone. Along with the dining and shopping we will share with you the haunted tales of the Jersey Devil who inhabits the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. To top it all off, you will be taken to taste the signature beer styles of the area at the Garden State Beer Company. We will ferment an afternoon filled with endless fun, excitement and exceptional experiences! Sponsored by the Historic Towne of Smithville & Meet AC.

FAM 3: A Foodie Tour to Remember (Max 15 Operators)

A foodie tour that even the most finicky foodie will love! On this local food tour, we’ll spend our time on Bellevue Avenue in Hammonton, sampling food and exploring the arts. This is the town’s business district and the grandest residential thoroughfare, with elaborate architectural styles lining both sides of the street. Prepare your palate for wine from an award winning winery, innovatively created food, traditional home cooking and charming sweet treats. Then off to hunt! Treasures await you at the Antique Marketplace! Come dig for some rusty gold on two floors of fabulous vintage Americana. This would make a great daytrip from Atlantic City for your groups. Join us for an amazing tasting and treasure hunting journey! Sponsored by On the Town Food Tours & Meet AC. 

If you are not taking a tour please stop the welcome desk and pick up information on shopping and attractions. The “Show Me Your Badge” program allows you to visit attractions a no or little cost.

---

Details for a Successful PBA Meeting

Sponsorships Drive the Annual Meeting. Meet AC and Resorts Hotel and Casino, along with their partners have done a remarkable job securing sponsors for the many events scheduled at this year's annual meeting. This is a win-win for everyone since motorcoach operators and tour planners want to familiarize themselves with the area, local attractions, hotels, and other venues interested in their business. Thank you everyone for taking advantage of the opportunity to showcase your company.

Industry Supplier Expo
Wednesday, June 19, 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm
INDUSTRY SUPPLIER EXPO is an opportunity for bus manufacturers and companies which service the motorcoach industry to have time with the motorcoach company registrants to show their products, services, etc. The event will be held indoors with table top exhibits, and outdoors to accommodate all the beautiful coaches our bus manufacturers like to showcase. 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
Thursday, June 20, 9:00 am –1:15 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 17, 2019 will incur a $50 late fee. “Guest” does not include company staff. 

Cancellation Policy. Registration refunds less a $25 cancellation fee will be provided if a notice of cancellation in writing. Please confirm receipt of your cancellation.

Guest Registration - The term "guest" means a spouse, family member, or other individual who is NOT company staff 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.

EDUCATION

Motivational Speaker, Wednesday June 19, 2019 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Craig Dietz is a dynamic TEDx speaker who inspires and motivates audiences with his extraordinary life story of resiliency and determination. Despite being born without limbs, Craig is continuously seeking out new opportunities to challenge himself. He is currently a licensed attorney and in his spare time enjoys bowling, skiing, playing volleyball, hunting, fishing, jamming on his drums or tooling around the country in his van. Craig’s swimming accomplishments include the 4.4-mile Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, the Midmar Mile swim in South Africa and the 1.5-mile “escape” from Alcatraz swim. Craig currently resides in Harrisburg, PA, with his wife, Christy, and their dog, Rocco.

Diving Deep: Advanced Social Media Strategies, Wednesday June 19, 2019 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
So you’ve mastered the basics of social media and you are ready for more? Join Susan Adelizzi-Schmidt of Suasion Communications Group for a deep dive into what makes a business succeed on social media. Learn advanced social media strategies to effectively engage your audience and build customer loyalty, including the latest on increasing social engagement, finding and engaging influencers, analyzing social media reports, latest trends, and understand why social media is critical to your bottom line and more. Sponsored by Meet AC.

The National Parks… and Beyond, Wednesday June 19, 2019 9:15 am – 9:45 am
Join Peter Pantuso from the American Bus Association to review the changes that impact groups entering U.S. National Parks, beginning October 1, 2019, as well as some of the changes that individual National Park sites have already implemented. These include: Commercial Use Authorization fees and permits, per person fees, management fees, parking and reservation systems, and other significant changes will affect group visitations to the U.S. National Park system. In addition, the presentation will discuss significant legislative and regulatory changes in Washington that will have a direct impact on motorcoach and tour operations.

---

MEET THE SPONSORS

PBA introduces our loyal annual meeting sponsors. Thank you to the following companies for their generous sponsorships for the Annual Meeting

Sponsors as of 5/7/2019