Expedia CruiseShipCenters is gearing up once again for its annual national conference at sea. This year, the franchise company is welcoming attendees from Nov. 8 through Nov. 15  onboard the Ruby Princess.

The theme for the annual event, which is attended by franchise partners, vacation consultants and travel industry executives, is “2020 Vision: Bigger Better Stronger Together,” focusing on the company’s growth over the next five years through investments in technology, marketing and franchise programs. 

The theme emphasizes Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ goal to continuously improve and drive results toward their mission to “empower franchisees with a proven system to grow a profitable and valuable business,” according to a statement.

The week-long conference contains an action packed agenda featuring executive keynote presentations, workshops and panel discussions aimed at sharing best practices and helping franchisees prepare for an exciting year ahead. Attendees will leave with insight into new and improved tools and support to help them drive greater sales, profitability and business value. In addition to keynote presentations to be delivered onboard by industry moguls, Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President, Sales and Trade Support & Services for Celebrity Cruises and John Chernesky, Vice President, North America Sales for Princess Cruises, corporate keynote presentation highlights also include:

 “2020 Vision” – President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Matthew Eichhorst, will highlight the upcoming changes in the cruise industry and the growth plan of Expedia CruiseShipCenters as it expands across North America, including the changes in investments to support the business needs of Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchisees to focus on individual store sales growth and profitability.

 “Your Path to Profit Growth” – Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Geraldine Ree, will discuss the details of the investments Expedia CruiseShipCenters is making to ensure franchisees have long term support and a proven system to achieve ambitious profit growth and in turn, increase the value of their business.

“Our Brand: Ready to Lift Off” – Vice President of Marketing, John Mast, will share insight on how to take marketing to more households in more communities, more often, in 2016. Detailed investments in industry publications and regional media will be shared, along with plans to deliver an expanded set of highly targeted promotions to improve creative and offers across all media both in Canada and the United States.