OpenTravel Alliance Announces 2011 North American Advisory Forum Final Agenda

The OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel) announces final agenda and keynote speaker for the 2011 North American Advisory Forum, to be held April 25-27 in Las Vegas.

OpenTravel Alliance is pleased to announce its keynote speaker for the 2011 North American Advisory Forum is Henry Harteveldt, Vice President and Principal Analyst, Forrester Research, who will address the current evolution of distribution in the travel industry.

Agenda Highlights include:                

• Is Cache King?  How can transaction loads be effectively managed without compromising user experience?  Participating companies include InterContinental Hotels Group, Expedia, Sabre Hospitality and Amadeus 


• Common Services Model The cost-saving, revenue-generating common services model for reservations can create a win-win for suppliers, distributors and solution providers.  Participating companies include IBM, AMTRAK and Travelport 


• Distribution in the Long Tail   Emerging travel segments, including golf, hostels and tours and activities, are embracing online distribution, and addressing ‘legacy’ challenges as they move from novice to established players in the online world.


• Airline Merchandising   In the airline industry, traditional distribution models have come under fire as being inadequate in today’s merchandised world.  Participants on this panel will bring a broad perspective on what can be a bewildering conversation.  Participating companies include T2Impact, Sabre Travel Network and Datalex.

For a full agenda, visit the Advisory Forum web site.

Please note speaker listings are subject to change.

Early bird registration discount is available through March 25 and room block discounts are available through April 4, 2011.  This event is open to member and non-member companies.

About OpenTravel

OpenTravel creates, expands and drives adoption of open specifications, including but not limited to the use of XML, for the electronic exchange of business information among all sectors of the travel industry.  OpenTravel is comprised of companies representing airlines, car rental firms, hotels, cruise lines, railways, leisure suppliers, service providers, tour operators, travel agencies, solutions providers, technology companies and distributors. Tens of thousands of OpenTravel message structures are in use, carrying tens of millions of messages between trading partners every day.  To learn more about OpenTravel visit www.opentravel.org.