International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Returns to Lauderdale for 28th Convention

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (March, 2011) - The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association returns to the region where it was founded for its 28th Annual Global Convention, May 10-15, 2011, and presents its most elaborate lineup of educational sessions in its 28-year history.

The theme for the Fort Lauderdale event, "Unleashed," refers to reaching your ultimate business potential - programming has an emphasis on social media and travel technology trends in the rapidly growing and evolving LGBT tourism industry.

Travelers will find something for every type of travel business interested in the LGBT market, from travel agents and tourism bureaus to accommodations and media, with presentations from industry heavyweights like Google, TripAdvisor, MMG Worldwide and Topguest. Learn the best uses of mobile phone apps; how to develop an effective social media platform, website or blog for your business; and strategic ways to reach the LGBT media.

"The LGBT travel market has grown so much in the past few years, we really wanted to step up our programming to continue giving our membership a competitive edge," says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. "Whether you're just entering the gay market or a seasoned professional, we've created sessions to cover the spectrum of LGBT travel and business development in a 2.0 world."

Confirmed presenters to date: Air Canada Vacations, AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, renowned LGBT lecturer/author Brian McNaught, Boutique Marketing, Catalyst Canada/Red Door Wellness & Adventure, CM by Carlos Melia, Community Marketing Inc., DMAI, Gay Cities, GayTravel.com, Google, Hilton Hotels, IBM, LAN Airlines, MMG Worldwide, Peace Point Entertainment Group, Pink Banana Media, Red Roof Inn, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, the Scene Marketing Group, Topguest, Solimar International, Sweet, Swift Tourism, TAM Airlines, Tourism Flanders, TripAdvisor, Tripping International, and Uniworld.

In addition to individual breakouts, panel discussions will address such topics as LGBT research trends, accommodations entering the LGBT market, reaching lesbian travelers, the rising popularity of river cruises, and travel media.

For specific session descriptions, please visit www.igltaconvention.org. Sessions are listed under "Information." Media queries, please email [email protected].

Late registration rates kick in April 15, so now is the time to register for IGLTA's premier educational and networking event of the year. The convention is open to both members and non-members of the association.

IGLTA is the leading global organization dedicated to connecting businesses in the LGBT tourism industry. Its membership spans 85 countries and consists of accommodations, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, destinations, media and other key players in the tourism industry. IGLTA was founded in 1983. For more information, visit www.lgbt.travel and follow us at www.facebook.com/iglta, www.twitter.com/iglta, and www.foursquare.com/iglta.