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Sandor Retires from Group Travel Family

SALEM, Ohio — The Group Travel Family announced the retirement of John Sandor, who presided over 500 TravelTalks meetings and contributed to at least 40 conferences such as the Select Traveler Conference, the Going On Faith Conference, Boomers In Groups, the African American Travel Conference and the Small Market Meetings Conference.

“My first thank-you goes to Charlie Presley for believing in me and giving me the chance to represent his company,” Sandor said. “I have had an amazing run producing the shows in what can only be called an unbelievable variety of venues. I also thank the various assistants who traveled with me all over the country as we successfully held the meetings in spite of the odd and amazing locations. Some of the venues included a bowling alley, cruise ship, various river boats, myriad casinos, a ski train, presidential libraries, all types of museums and too many hotel ballrooms to remember.”

Sandor also thanked the many travel industry representatives from all over the country who have become not only business associates but also personal friends.

“I have enjoyed working together and applaud you all for the road warrior mentality that keeps you going,” he said.

Sandor said some of his most memorable events are a “ghost” encounter aboard the Queen Mary Liner in California; a private tour of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; meeting an astronaut at the Boeing Museum in Seattle; and staying in a Hudson River view room at the Thayer Hotel on the grounds of West Point in New York.

“What a wonderful way to see the country and get paid every day for the privilege,” Sandor said.

Sandor took the stage as emcee at TravelTalks events and acted as the behind-the-scenes general at other Group Travel Family conferences, where he managed all audiovisual presentations.

“I tip my hat to John,” said Group Travel Family founder Charlie Presley. “He is a man who will never be completely replaced. His skill sets are great, but the true value of John is his heart. When John said something would get done, you could go to the bank on it.”

Though Sandor’s working days are done, he plans to continue his lifestyle of travel.

“My future travels are now set to complete my bucket list of destinations with my love and traveling companion, my wife, Marlene.”

Anyone wishing to keep in touch may contact John at pretzldog@aol.com.