¡°It¡¯s like speed dating on crack,¡± one tour director said of the interview opportunities afforded by the International Tour Management Institute¡¯s Symposium.

Another tour director told e-Travel Blackboard he managed to corner his prey (read: a hiring tour operator) at breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton Sacramento.

But as hard as they work, ITMI certified tour directors know how to have fun and how to give (be it time, money or smiles).

In an optional certification program presented by Airline Ambassadors founder Nancy Rivard, generous tour directors donated some $1700 unbidden!

More money was raised (this time for Tourism Cares) at the impressive closing gala at the California State Railroad Museum amid conga lines, networking and wining and dining.