Arizona Hosts ASTA CPC

Arizona and the Valley of the Sun was proud to be the chosen venue for the ASTA Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) meeting at the beginning of June 2005. The Executive Staff and Presidents from each of the US chapters met to discuss the future of ASTA and review various options to increase membership and provide additional services to member agencies.

Presidents talking in the Best Western Headquarters courtyard.Best Western International, Inc., “The World’s Largest Hotel Chain®,” hosted a fully catered Welcome Dinner at their International Headquarters in Phoenix. The event took place at sunset on Thursday, June 2nd, and provided an excellent opportunity for socializing before getting down to business.

We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Best Western International, Inc., especially David Scholefield, Vice President Sales, North America; Sandra Taylor, Director of Worldwide Sales, Special Markets; and Tiffany Vuk, Regional Field Marketing Director for their generosity and hospitality.

Photo Album

The following images are of the evening’s events. To view a larger image, click on the thumbnail.

Sunset through an archway in the Best Western International, Inc. Headquarters courtyard. Courtyard with tables set. Table setting. David Scholefield welcomes Allegheny Chapter President Victoria Sammartino. David Scholefield and Sandra Taylor greet chapter presidents arriving for the dinner at the courtyard gates. Arizona ASTA Chapter President Hope Wallace poses with ASTA President and CEO Kathryn Sudeikis. Rocky Mountain ASTA Chapter President Chris Russo shakes hands with Mark Torpey of Arizona ASTA. Chapter Presidents enjoy hors d'oeuvres and beverages in the courtyard. ASTA Secratary Mary Louise Seifert talks with Arizona ASTA Vice President Helen Wirschem. San Diego Chapter President Antoine Georges shares an amusing tale. Chapter Presidents and Executive Officers mingle over drinks. Upstate New York Chapter President Lila Ford, Vice President Cheryl Hudak, Allegheny Chpater President Victoria Sammartino, Michigan Chapter President Carol L. Wagner discuss the future of ASTA. Chapter Presidents and Executive Officers enjoy the Best Western Headquarters courtyard at dusk. Chapter Presidents meet and mingle before dinner. Arizona Chapter President Hope Wallace and Southern California Chapter President Lynda Burruss catch up. Delaware Valley Chapter President and CPC President Kari Thomas presents Best Western's David Scholefield with a 'thank you' gift for their hospitality. Awaiting dessert. Hope Wallace, Mark Torpey, Helen Wirschem, George Delanoy, Paula Hobble, Victoria Sammartino and her husband after dinner. Lynda Burruss, Guy Bernacchi, Best Western Regional Field Marketing Director Tiffany Vuk, ASTA Vice President Cheryl Hudak, Russell Arpaia, and Karen Roberts listen to remarks by Best Western Vice President of Sales David Scholefield. Chapter Presidents and Best Western representatives discuss the state of the travel industry over dinner. Best Western Director of Worldwide Sales Sandra Taylor, Rocky Mountain Chapter President Chris Russo, President Kathy Sudeikis, and CPC President Kari Thomas. The Chapter Presidents Council dines in the breezy Best Western International Headquarters courtyard. Best Western Director of Worldwide Sales Sandra Taylor bids the Chapter Presidents Council farewell. Best Western Director of Worldwide Sales Sandra Taylor bids the Chapter Presidents Council farewell. Best Western Regional Field Marketing Director Tiffany Vuk bids the ASTA President Kathy Sudeikis and Chris a good night.