Meet the LA Times Travel Writers at the Los Angeles Convention Center Jan. 28-29
The culture of the world is featured at the LA Times Travel Show, Jan. 28-29.
The world comes to Southern California for the annual Los Angeles Time Travel Show, Jan. 28-29 at the LA Convention Center.
There are prize giveaways, demonstrations, presentations by industry celebrity and experts, live entertainment and, of course, the booths from destinations and travel services from all over the planet.
But one of the best things about this show – and one that distinguishes itself from any other of its kind – is the ability to meet the people behind the stories of the Times’ excellent Travel section. Christopher Reynolds – whose Southern California Close-Ups series provided even long-time locals with insights into the the various cities that make up Los Angeles – “Web Buzz” columnist Jen Leno, the humorous and quirky clever Chris Erskine and Travel Editor Catharine Hamm are all giving presentations.
Or, just go to the Times Pavilion and chat with them about various travel topics (the cruise industry is sure to be getting a lot of attention in the wake of the Costa Concordia incident),
Another cool aspect of the show is the other speakers – which include Arthur Frommer, Lisa Ling, “Man vs. Food” host Adam Richman, Sightseeing Sam’s neighbor (when he’s home and not traveling the world) Johnny Jet and European budget and backpack guru Rick Steves, among many others – give their presentations both Saturday and Sunday.
In the “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” category, there is a cocktail demonstration at the Travel in Style Stage Saturday and Sunday from 11-11:45 a.m.
And then there are the destinations from practically all over the globe, among them: China National Tourist Office Ecuador Tourism, Guam Visitors Bureau, India Tourism, Tourism Ireland, Korea Tourism, Mexico Tourism, South Africian Taiwan Tourism Bureau and Thailand Tourism. As you might expect, there are booths from cities and areas throughout California and the West, as well.
Activities include a zip line, rock climbing, a Kids World (new for 2012), a culinary stage, plus live cultural performances on the Cultural Sounds Stage.
Among the most popular areas, to be sure, are the booths with the giveaways and free trips. These include a seven-night stay at the Placencia in Belize (booth 946) and two nights in the Sonoma Wine Country (booth 327, no doubt this will be big among wine-loving Californians). In all there are 16 such prizes at the 2012 show.
A mobile guide will help people make their way around the show floor.
Sightseeing Sam’s LA Times Travel Show Adventure actually starts on Friday with Trade Day, a full day of industry conferences. Tickets for this event are $30.
The Los Angeles Times Travel Show Details:
• Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Tickets: $10, with $2 on-line discount using the code SUP
• Parking at the Civic Center: $15
• Event website: latimes/travelshow