176 - Events & Retreats on Cruise Ships! - with Rita Perez

176 - Events & Retreats on Cruise Ships! - with Rita Perez

Author: Jim Cermak September 26, 2022 Duration: 25:44

Ever thought of taking your group or event to an exotic location or to sea? Today you have the opportunity to hear from a cruise specialist for groups!

Rita M. Perez is founder of RitaVentures, a travel agency that specializes in cruise ship retreats, because stronger bonds form on the waves. She has been planning group cruises for the past 11 years, and has earned her CTA, VTA, and MCC industry certifications. Having been featured on Work Culture Consultant and the Normal Lies Podcast, she takes care of all the details, so you can focus on loving on connecting with your communities, while traveling the world.

We Discuss:

  • Why can a retreat on a cruise ship be better for some compared to land venues?
  • What costs are associated with hosting a retreat on a cruise ship?
  • What might an onboard event agenda look like?
  • How groups can connect through travel
  • The first ever purpose-built cruise ship for meetings, conferences and events - MICE

Rita's Top Tips:

  • Events on cruise ships are typically more cost-inclusive than event on land venues
  • Search for a professional travel planner that specializes in onboard events through professional travel associations like ASTA and CLIA.

Her Top Takeaway:

Innovative ideas for alternative venues to host events

Special Free Download!


Connect with Rita Perez:


Don't Miss an Episode!! Join our Email Newsletter for updates and exclusive access to Tips, Tools and Trainings!


Subscribe at your favorite Podcast Platform!


Mentioned in this episode:

Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!

Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity


Jim Cermak hosts Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events, a deep and practical resource for anyone whose business depends on connecting with an audience, whether on a convention floor or through a screen. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a working toolkit built from conversations with seasoned experts and Jim's own extensive experience. Each episode functions like a focused seminar, delivering actionable tips and training that exhibitors, marketers, and show planners can apply immediately to see a real difference in their engagement and return on investment. With a library spanning over 220 episodes, the podcast covers the full spectrum of modern event planning-from crafting a compelling virtual booth experience to mastering the logistics and psychology of a live trade show. You'll hear candid discussions on common pitfalls, innovative strategies that are working right now, and breakdowns of what truly moves the needle for businesses. Beyond the audio, the community around this podcast extends into consulting and collaborative training, emphasizing real-world application. For professionals tired of wasting time and budget on events that don't deliver, this series offers a clear path forward, turning every appearance into a measurable success.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
Podcast Episodes
210 - Charity is Good Business - with Michael Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:49
Professional Auctioneer, Travel Consultant and Charity Consultant Michael Green of Michael Green Auctions joins Trade Show University today to discuss why having a charitable component to your business is Good Business!…
208 - How to Create Strategic Memorability - with Rama Beerfas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
Rama Beerfas, CTSM, MAS - is the Strategic Memorability Specialist at Lev Promotions where she specializes in branded products for trade show and event marketing. Her goal is to recommend products that are relevant to cl…
207 - Finding Your WHY Leads to Success - with Joel Bromley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:02
Find your WHY and Find Success!! Businesses that have more locked in and enthusiastic workers at trade shows will draw in and engage with more attendees. You get more enthusiasm when you find your purpose...Your WHY!Joel…
206 - Adapting Trade Shows for the Future - with Marlys Arnold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
When Marlys Arnold, a passionate trade show organizer for over two decades, started her podcast all the way back in 2006, she reconciled her journalistic and marketing backgrounds to navigate an ever-evolving industry an…
205 - What is a Trade Show Coach & Why You Need One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:50
What is a trade show coach? Why hire one? And what can they do for your business?First of all - They make you Money, Save you Time, Improve Your Attendee and Customer Engagement, and Take the Headaches out of Planning!So…
203 - Trade Show Budget Breakdown & Critical Missing Items [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
In this episode, we are breaking down how businesses spend their trade show dollars based on an article from Exhibitor Magazine. From here you can learn if maybe you're spending too much or too little in an area. Plus I'…