If you’re a travel advisor who works in the United States, your rights as a small-business owner or independent contractor have been defended and — in many cases, protected — by Eben Peck, executive vice president of advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Peck will share what it’s like on the Hill in Washington, D.C., where he works hand-in-hand with members of Congress to make sure the rights of travel advisors are top of mind for lawmakers.

Listeners will also hear about Peck’s upbringing in Boston, where he attended the oldest public high school in the country (with an impressive alumni list that includes founding fathers and former presidents). He’ll reflect on lessons learned during his first job in construction, and how he transitioned to politics, government affairs and advocacy over the course of his career.

Peck also speaks on the benefits of ASTA membership, and the problems the association still faces with awareness and membership (of the 160,000 travel industry employees ASTA serves, only 17,000 are members).

INSIDE THIS EPISODE

1:00: Meet Eben Peck, executive vice president of advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).

1:35: Peck shares more about his role at ASTA.

2:30: Peck details a career win (protecting the rights of Independent Contractors in California when Assembly Bill 5 was introduced) and a career challenge (securing loans for travel agencies under the CARES Act.).

5:30: How does Peck develop relationships with lawmakers? Does politics ever get in the way of progress?

9:30: Peck details his childhood in Boston, where he attended the oldest public high school in the country. He also speaks of his relationship with his father, who helped him develop a love of history.

14:00: Who was a young Eben Peck, fresh out of college? What were his goals and ambitions?

15:30: Peck talks about his first job outside of school at Turner Construction. 

18:00: Peck moves to Washington, D.C. and lands his first job in government in Senator Olympia Snowe’s office before heading to the Corporation of Public Broadcasting.

27:00: Why should travel advisors become members of ASTA? What are the benefits of membership? Are there any ASTA events coming up?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

From TravelAge West: How the Travel Industry Is Taking Action Against AB5 (Assembly Bill 5) 

American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)

ASTA Membership

ASTA’s Advocacy Portal

ASTA’s Professional Development Resources

ASTA’s Calendar of Events

Eben Peck's LinkedIn

Reach Peck via Email: [email protected]

Reach Peck via Phone: (703) 739-6842

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.