FTA Summit Networking Activities

October 22 – 26, 2016 • Westin La Paloma • Tucson, Arizona

Recap | Agenda | FAM tours | Summit Attendees | Gallery | Networking Activities

Choose Your Favorite Way to Meet Other Industry Influencers!

You go to conference for professional development, absorb the great content, stay on top of industry trends, and a myriad other reasons. But one of the BEST opportunities at any professional gathering is the NETWORKING. Thus, the FTA has built into the Summit ample time to actively meet with other delegates, be they media, buyers, industry suppliers, or even ‘just’ another like-minded professional who’s also passionate about family travel.

Rather than just a simple, quick biz card exchange, these events allow you to spend real time getting to know your fellow delegates on a deeper level. After all, with these activities you’re having a shared experience together. So it’s more than networking – it’s truly bonding with new industry friends!

These events are first come, first served by way of sign ups in advance. We encourage you to sign up now to avoid disappointment!

Important: Some options require a fee which will be paid for by you, at the activity. These fees are not paid by FTA.

Monday, October 24:   2:30 – 5:30pm

Discover Scuba Diving with PADI – Presented by Planet Scuba, Tucson

Have you always wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater?  If you want to try scuba diving, but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is for you.  PADI dive shops will offer this program right at The Westin La Paloma’s Pool!  While not a scuba certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.  Participants must be at least 10 years old.  No prior experience with scuba diving is necessary, but you need to be in reasonable physical health.  All participants are required to sign a release form on-site.

Location:  Adult Pool at the Waterfall Area, Westin La Paloma
Time:  3:00pm – 4:00pm
Fee:  Complimentary
Max:  18

Cooking Demonstration with Executive Chef Russell, Westin La Paloma

A farm to fork presentation that combines local ingredients and culinary craft designed to inspire you to share with your friends and family at home. 

Location:  Westin La Paloma
Time:   2:30pm – 3:15pm
Fee:  Complimentary
Max:  20

Hiking at Sabino Canyon, Self-Guided Hiking Trails

Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in Tucson’s Coronado National Forest and is home to spectacular desert landscapes and abundant wildlife.  Choose to either hike to the mouth of the canyon following marked trails (complimentary) or join a narrated, educational 45-minute, 3.8 mile open air tram tour into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains (fee for tram tour – to be paid by individual/not covered by FTA).

Location:  Sabino Canyon
Time:  3:00pm – 5:00pm
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Fee:  Hiking is Complimentary.  Tram tour is available but for a fee of $10 (not provided by FTA)

Tucson Botanical Gardens Tour

Tucson Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis of 5.5 acres with 17 residentially-scaled specialty gardens. The Gardens has a seasonal, live tropical Butterfly Exhibit, Butterfly Magic. Eclectic Gift Shop, Monthly Rotating Art Exhibits, and Birdhouse Café.

Location:  A 10-15 minute drive from The Westin.
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Time:  3:00pm – 5:00pm
Fee:  Complimentary

The Mini Time Museum of Miniatures

Discover the magical world of miniatures at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, where visitors are seemingly transported to different lands and times through the stories told by over 300 miniature houses and room boxes, expertly displayed in over 10,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space. The Museum’s permanent collection boasts antique dollhouses dating to 1742, contemporary fine-scale miniatures and enchanting collectibles. Frequent temporary exhibits, special programs and events mean there is always something new to see. The Chicago Tribune has claimed; “The magic of this place cannot be overstated.”

Location:  15 Minute Drive from The Westin
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Time:  3:00pm – 5:00pm
Fee:  Complimentary

La Encantada Shopping Center

La Encantada is an upscale two-level, outdoor specialty center that celebrates the splendor of old-world Spanish traditions alongside modern sophistication. The first and only luxury shopping center in Southern Arizona, La Encantada delivers world-class upscale brands to Tucson, including Brooks Brothers, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Bahama, Michael Kors, Kate Spade New York, Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, Apple Store, and Tiffany & Co. Includes gift bag, shopping coupons, and personal greeter.

Location:  Two miles from The Westin
Transportation:  Provided by FTA / The Westin
Time:  3:00pm – 5:00pm
Fee:  Complimentary

Horseback Riding at White Stallion Ranch

White Stallion Ranch owns one of the largest private herds of horses in Arizona with extensive riding program to accommodate the experienced horse owner, the first-time rider and all riders in between.  Each guest is carefully matched with a specific horse based on experience, height, weight and riding ambitions.  Ride through the  unspoiled desert, rugged mountains and cactus that have brought Hollywood filmmakers to the ranch for over 70 years.

Location:  Twin Peaks Road, Tucson?
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Time 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Fee:  Complimentary
Max:  15

NOTE: Due to the limited number of people that can enjoy the horseback riding per day, FTA Delegates are limited to signing up for ONE day of horseback riding (not both days)

On Your Own Options

Grab a few other FTA Summit delegates to book a round of golf or tennis, a fitness class or even some spa time directly with the Westin http://www.westinlapalomaresort.com/ (Note that most of these activities will require Summit delegates to pay the Westin’s standard fees.)

Tuesday, October 25: 9:30am – 12:00pm

Discover Scuba Diving with PADI – Presented by Planet Scuba, Tucson

Have you always wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater?  If you want to try scuba diving, but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is for you.  PADI dive shops will offer this program right at The Westin La Paloma’s Pool!  While not a scuba certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.  Participants must be at least 10 years old.  No prior experience with scuba diving is necessary, but you need to be in reasonable physical health.  All participants are required to sign a release form on-site.

Location:  Adult Pool at the Waterfall Area, Westin La Paloma
Time:  9:45am – 11:45am
Fee:  Complimentary
Max:  18

Cooking Demonstration with Executive Chef Russell, Westin La Paloma

A farm to fork presentation that combines local ingredients and culinary craft designed to inspire you to share with your friends and family at home. 

Location:  Westin La Paloma
Time:   11:00am – 11:45am
Fee:  Complimentary
Max:  20

Hiking at Sabino Canyon, Self-Guided Hiking Trails

Sabino Canyon is a natural desert oasis located in Tucson’s Coronado National Forest and is home to spectacular desert landscapes and abundant wildlife.  Choose to either hike to the mouth of the canyon following marked trails (complimentary) or join a narrated, educational 45-minute, 3.8 mile open air tram tour into the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains (fee for tram tour – to be paid by individual/not covered by FTA).

Location:  Sabino Canyon
Time:  10:00am – 11:30am
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Fee:  Hiking is Complimentary.  Tram tour is available but for a fee of $10 (not provided by FTA)

Tucson Botanical Gardens Tour

Tucson Botanical Gardens is an urban oasis of 5.5 acres with 17 residentially-scaled specialty gardens. The Gardens has a seasonal, live tropical Butterfly Exhibit, Butterfly Magic. Eclectic Gift Shop, Monthly Rotating Art Exhibits, and Birdhouse Café.

Location:  A 10-15 minute drive from The Westin.
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Time:  10:00am – 11:30am
Fee:  Complimentary

Mini Time Museum of Miniature

Discover the magical world of miniatures at The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, where visitors are seemingly transported to different lands and times through the stories told by over 300 miniature houses and room boxes, expertly displayed in over 10,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art exhibit space. The Museum’s permanent collection boasts antique dollhouses dating to 1742, contemporary fine-scale miniatures and enchanting collectibles. Frequent temporary exhibits, special programs and events mean there is always something new to see. The Chicago Tribune has claimed; “The magic of this place cannot be overstated.”

Location:  15 Minute Drive from The Westin
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Time:  10:00am – 11:30am
Fee:  Complimentary

La Encantada Shopping Center

La Encantada is an upscale two-level, outdoor specialty center that celebrates the splendor of old-world Spanish traditions alongside modern sophistication. The first and only luxury shopping center in Southern Arizona, La Encantada delivers world-class upscale brands to Tucson, including Brooks Brothers, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Bahama, Michael Kors, Kate Spade New York, Crate & Barrel, Anthropologie, Apple Store, and Tiffany & Co. Includes gift bag, shopping coupons, and personal greeter.

Location:  Two miles from The Westin
Transportation:  Provided by FTA / The Westin
Time:  10:00am – 11:30am
Fee:  Complimentary

Horseback Riding at White Stallion Ranch

White Stallion Ranch owns one of the largest private herds of horses in Arizona with extensive riding program to accommodate the experienced horse owner, the first-time rider and all riders in between.  Each guest is carefully matched with a specific horse based on experience, height, weight and riding ambitions.  Ride through the  unspoiled desert, rugged mountains and cactus that have brought Hollywood filmmakers to the ranch for over 70 years.

Location:  Twin Peaks Road, Tucson?
Transportation:  Provided by FTA
Time 10:00am – 11:30am
Fee:  Complimentary
Max:  15

NOTE: Due to the limited number of people that can enjoy the horseback riding per day, FTA Delegates are limited to signing up for ONE day of horseback riding (not both days)

On Your Own Options

Grab a few other FTA Summit delegates to book a round of golf or tennis, a fitness class or even some spa time directly with the Westin http://www.westinlapalomaresort.com/ (Note that most of these activities will require Summit delegates to pay the Westin’s standard fees.)