BALTIMORE/ATLANTA (Jan. 13, 2005) -- Baltimore-based Travel Technology Source, LLC has formed a new partnership with Market Designs, LLC of Atlanta, making the companies co-owners and co-producers of ResExpo, one of the travel industry’s leading annual business and technology conferences. Themed “Big Ideas in Travel Distribution – From Revolution to Execution,” ResExpo 2005 will be held March 1-3 at Atlanta’s Omni CNN Center.

“Vela McClam-Mitchell and her firm Market Designs have infused a wealth of expertise and industry resources into the design of ResExpo,” said Vickie Singer, president of Travel Technology Source and producer of ResExpo for the past three years. “Together we are expanding the realm and purpose of the 2005 conference beyond what any travel industry event has offered before. Attendees will learn about the most revolutionary concepts and developments to impact the travel distribution industry in years. A powerful line-up of technologists and real visionaries will discuss trends and solutions they are creating, including innovative business strategies, groundbreaking technologies and alternate global distribution systems (GDS).”

Singer and McClam-Mitchell, president and CEO of Market Designs, have fashioned ResExpo 2005 around a concept they call Channel Technostasis – the dynamic process by which technology acts as a catalyst in bringing about a new equilibrium in travel distribution. “This highly fragmented industry is on the verge of applying technology that will correct the imbalances driven by economic pressures, obsolete business models and subsequent industry restructuring,” said Singer. 

According to McClam-Mitchell, “ResExpo 2005 will focus heavily on how travel companies can use advanced technologies and increasing distribution channels to lower their operating costs and increase their revenue potential by transcending travel distribution to a truly seamless and customer-driven process.” She said the conference would preserve its excellent reputation for providing solid content, tool sets and practical information that many companies have put to work within their organizations. “And we’re delivering much more,” she said, “so that professionals at all levels of any travel enterprise have a resource that combines a substantial technology focus along with powerful, executable ideas and opportunities for business development, marketing and new revenue opportunities.” 

Keynote speaker Terry Jones, founder and former CEO of Travelocity.com and CIO of Sabre, Inc., will present what’s next for online travel and technology. Jeremy Wertheimer, president and CEO of ITA Software, will share his vision of a post-GDS world through ITA’s forthcoming GDS alternative. Alex Zoghlin, president and CEO of G2Switchworks, will discuss how his company’s developments will enable disparate travel supplier systems to connect with the diverse systems in use by today’s travel management companies. Mike Hulley, EDS Transportation Leader, will address major IT and business trends shaping travel technology. Kathy Misunas, partner of Essential Ideas, will host a panel discussion entitled, “Multi-Channel Distribution – Revolution or Technostasis?”

Numerous other industry leaders will speak at the conference, moderate panels and host educational workshops. ResExpo 2005 will also offer an exhibitor’s trade show.

About Travel Technology Source

Baltimore-based Travel Technology Source, LLC is a leading travel and technology consultancy service for the global travel industry. The company helps industry stakeholders harness the power of inventive technologies for improved efficiencies, expanded business opportunities and higher profits through a dynamic combination of travel IT expertise and deep industry experience. More information is available at: http://www.res-expo.com

About Market Designs, LLC

Market Designs, LLC is a full-service marketing, financial and technical analysis consulting firm based in Atlanta. The company applies a unique approach to global marketing, and financial and technical analysis through the use of comprehensive market research, proprietary financial and technical modeling tools and a team of distinguished consultants with substantial experience in multi-channel distribution.