Next session begins April 21, 2025
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THE TRAINING PROGRAM
This training course provides a comprehensive overview of the tour directing profession, equipping participants with essential skills to excel in the industry.
It includes:
(1) A learning hub with 24/7 access to asynchronous online modules, the discussion forum, and unit assignments.
(2) Weekly synchronous learning sessions with live virtual instructors.
(3) Recommended five day in-person practicum with live, immersive instruction and practical evaluations.
WHAT IS A TOUR DIRECTOR?
As a type of project manager/customer service representative, the tour director is responsible for leading a group of travelers on a multi-day sightseeing tour. The group travels together, eats together, and experiences the activities of the tour together. The tour director wears many hats. They are in charge of logistics, researching and delivering commentary, keeping track of guest food allergies and requests, partnering with the motorcoach driver, and more. It’s definitely a challenging job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
TOUR CONNECT 2025 CONFERENCE
The best place to interview for a job in your new career is at our annual TourConnect conference and career expo. Not only will you learn about job opportunities and fundamental skills in our educational sessions, you’ll also network with and learn from experienced professionals who’ve been in the industry for years. Best of all, you’ll have several opportunities to interview with the top tour companies in the U.S. who are all attending seeking new talent like you.
We will have a fantastic lineup of education sessions on diverse topics which will provide valuable insights and practical knowledge as you get started in your new career. Plus, there will be plenty of opportunities for fun, networking, and exploring the local area! Think of it as a 4-day celebration of starting your new career.
By registering for the TourPrep training, you will receive a special discount to attend TourConnect 2025.
- If you complete only the online course, you will receive an $150 discount on conference registration.
- If you complete both the online course and the in-person practicum, you will receive a $300 discount on conference registration.
TourConnect 2025 – Baltimore/Washington, D.C. region
THE DETAILS
Online Learning Modules:
Over eight weeks, students will complete asynchronous online learning modules, consolidated into 8 Units. Knowledge checks will be at the end of every module and must be passed with a score of 80% or greater to proceed to the next module. In addition to the modules, each unit will consist of a discussion forum prompt, where students must post a response and engage with a peer, and a practical assignment that applies course content to real-world tour directing tasks that must be completed before proceeding to the next unit.
Virtual Classes:
Weekly, live online classes will be given by one or more of our instructors during the eight weeks. The two-hour classes will build on the content learned in the online learning modules for the unit assigned that week. Instructors will also answer learner questions and provide resume writing assistance.
Course Pacing:
Students are expected to complete one course unit per week. All coursework, discussions, and assignments for that week's assigned unit are due each Saturday. A full course calendar will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Course Grading:
Students will be assessed on their acvite participation in the live sessions, discussion forum, and on unit assignments via a rubric. All rubrics will be provided to students at the start of the course. In additionl to successfully complete the online course, students must complete and pass all modules, knowledge checks, and the final assessment.
1:1 Coaching Session:
Each learner will schedule a one-on-one coaching session with one of our instructors. This time will allow learners to ask questions and for guidance specific to their personal goals.
Optional In-Person Practicum:
The full training program will culminate in an in-person practicum. The practicum will consist of five days of live, immersive instruction, in-the-field training and practical evaluations. Learners will apply what they learned in the online course and put their newly acquired skills into practice! We highly recommend participating in this practicum as it will provide you with the training and skills to be ready to start your exciting new career. Graduates of the full training program will receive an IATDG Tour Director Certificate. With IATDG's stamp of approval, potential employers will know you have the required skills for the job!
Course Schedule:
~ Online Course Begins: Monday, April 21, 2025
~ Live Virtual Orientation: Monday, April 21, 2025, 7:00pm Eastern
~ Live Virtual Classes:
-- April 26, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
-- May 3, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
-- May 10, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
-- May 17, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
-- May 24, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
-- May 31, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
-- June 7, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
-- June 14, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
~ In-Person Practicum: June 22 - 26, 2025, New York City
~Tentative Practicum Schedule:
-- June 22 - 23, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, Classroom Days
-- June 24 - 25, 8:00 am - 9:00 pm, City Exploration Days
-- June 26, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, City Exploration Day
Program Cost:
Please see the registration page for our various registration package options.
Magna pharetra
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1. Job Postings:
Stay in the loop with exciting opportunities in the tour and travel industry. IATDG actively sends out job postings to our esteemed community of tour directors and guides.
2. Personalized Profiles:
Showcase your skills and expertise! Our website hosts profiles for tour directors (TDs) and tour guides (TGs). These profiles, complete with resumes, serve as a valuable resource for tour operators seeking specific skills, location expertise, and more.
3. TourConnect: Yearly Job Fair & Educational Conference:
Elevate your career at TourConnect, IATDG's annual conference. This event serves as both a job fair and an educational conference. Tour directors have the opportunity for face-to-face interviews with tour operators, opening doors to new career opportunities.
Simultaneously, all attendees can participate in the conference’s educational programing, fostering networking and skill enhancement for tour directors, tour guides, and tour operators alike.
4. Annual Conference Discounts:
Membership has its perks! IATDG association members enjoy exclusive discounts on our annual conference—an enriching gathering that fosters networking, learning, and collaboration.
5. Continuous Education:
Elevate your knowledge and skills throughout the year. IATDG provides ongoing educational opportunities for tour directors and guides, ensuring they stay informed, relevant, and equipped to deliver exceptional tour experiences.
6. Mentorship and Resume Assistance:
Navigate your career path with confidence. IATDG offers mentorship programs connecting you with experienced tour directors and tour operators. Additionally, our services include resume assistance, helping you put your best foot forward in the competitive tour industry.
7. Always Available Support:
Questions? We've got answers. IATDG ensures that someone is always available to address queries and provide the support our members need. Your success is our priority, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.
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