The Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.) held its 61st Semi-Annual Conference at the Westin Downtown Denver September 26th – 29th. This fall conference featured a number of networking and educational opportunities as well as a volunteer event. The conference was hosted by keynote speaker Mark Jackson, former Denver Bronco’s wide receiver.

Forever remembered by most NFL fans, Mr. Jackson made his mark in Bronco history during the 1986 AFC Championship Game with “The Catch.” Relatively unheralded out of Purdue University, Mark was drafted in the 6th round of the 1986 draft after an All-Big Ten Conference college career for Jackson, yet was named Denver’s most valuable player for his performance in the 87’ AFC Championship Game. He went on to play an incredible nine-season career appearing in three Super Bowls.

Now Mark “The Drive” Jackson is a “Lifestyle Trainer”. “Never before have I more enjoyed going to work”, Jackson said in an article found in the Rocky Mountain News Business section. Jackson is helping common people to obtain uncommon results through his Lectures and Trainings. He believes EVERYONE has a Champion inside just waiting to be discovered!!!

With his champion mindset and inspirational attitude, it was only fitting that Mr. Jackson host the fall C.A.R.E conference and motivate attendees to achieve more through business.

Kick Off
Conference attendees experienced a unique, sports-game themed event with ample opportunities to network in and out of the confines of the luxurious hotel space. RTX, a timeshare and vacation ownership exchange company, was the generous host of the Speed Networking Session once again. This high-energy networking event has become a focal point of the conference and provides attendees with the opportunity to meet new prospects and potential clients. C.A.R.E. continued its Saturday morning kick-off with its C.A.R.E. Gives Back event volunteering at the Washington Street Community Center. This great neighborhood resource meets many needs of families, seniors, children and adults. The group of almost 20 volunteers painted, landscaped, cleaned and organized the not-for-profit organization’s facility in Denver.

The C.A.R.E. Board of Directors, with great assistance from the conference committee, opted to re-arrange the program to take advantage of some unique venue options. After Sunday morning roll call, attendees met at Coor’s Field, home of the Colorado Rockies for their final home game of the season. Conference goers shared a hospitality suite along the right field in the “Warning Track” venue. Feedback from many who attended stated that this was the best networking event of any conference ever attended.Panel DiscussionsThe conference boasted a number of exceptional educational sessions including a panel discussion titled Know Your Customer, Know Your Guest moderated by Don Killingback of Endless Vacation Rentals. This discussion focused on the evolution and emerging trends in the travel industry as well as the importance of being on the cutting edge of technology, and the value of personalized and concierge services. According to Killingback “In the fast moving travel environment the importance of understanding AND delivering on the needs and desires of today’s travelers is critical to retaining and expanding customer bases.”

Former Denver Bronco Mark “The Drive” Jackson presented How would you like to have more Miracles in your business in a keynote session that shared the principles of teamwork that apply not only to sports, but life in general.

C.A.R.E. President Linda Mayhugh moderated a Q&A session offering feedback regarding questions that are frequently asked of her and other Board or Committee members.

Additionally, Paul Mattimoe, CEO of the Perspective Group presented an informational session on How to Increase Revenue Through Effective Reputation Management.

That’s a Wrap
The conference concluded with an announcement that the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel will be the site of C.A.R.E.’s Spring 2017 Conference from May 6th – 9th; as well as nominations for two open Board of Directors positions. Nominations from the floor included Jim Kwock of Timeshare Kahuna as an incumbent nominee and Corina Violette of RTX – Resort Travel and Xchange for the second open position. Elections for these two board positions will be held May 21-24, 2016 at the Spring C.A.R.E. Conference in Asheville, NC.

About C.A.R.E.C.A.R.E. (www.care-online.org), established in 1985, is the vacation industry’s premier trade association. Its member companies, comprised of Resort Developers, Management and Exchange companies, HOA’s, Travel Clubs and Wholesalers, provide each other with opportunities for vacation fulfillment, exchanges and revenue enhancement through increased inventory utilization and yield management. C.A.R.E. members are required to comply with a strict Code of Standards and Ethics and benefit from outstanding professional and personal development opportunities at their semi-annual conferences.Contact: Bonnie Kosco, 800-636-5646