Connections Schedule
September 10-12, 2024
In Auburn, Alabama
Our Speakers
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![Zeek Coleman]()
Zeek Coleman
Vice President, Americas, Tourism Economics
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![Tomiko Harvey]()
Tomiko Harvey
Vice President
Black Travel Alliance -
![Curt Cottle]()
Curt Cottle
Sr Policy Advisor/Team Lead for Outreach and Engagement,
National Travel and Tourism Office
U.S. Department of Commerce -
![Calvin Stovall]()
Calvin Stovall
Chief Experience Officer of ICONIC Presentations, LLC
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![Anne DarConte]()
Anne DarConte, CAE
Senior Advisor
HillStaffer -
![Tom Rosenfield]()
Tom Rosenfield, J.D., CAE
President
HillStaffer -
![Tami Reist]()
Tami Reist
President/CEO, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
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![Emily Gonzalez]()
Emily Gonzalez
Destination Strategy Director, Madden Media
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![Laine Garner]()
Laine Garner
VP Sales, Membership and Education, Louisiana Travel Association
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![Sarah Benoit]()
Sarah Benoit
Lead Instructor, JB Media Institute
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![Timothy Bush]()
Timothy Bush, CDME, TMP, CDTP
Chief Marketing Officer,
Visit Lake Charles
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![Anna Blount]()
Anna Blount
Vice President, Research, Longwoods International
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![Dr. Whitney Knollenberg]()
Dr. Whitney Knollenberg
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, NC State University
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![Michael Rudowski]()
Michael Rudowski
Vice President of Research and Insights, Visit Dallas
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![Cody A. Gray]()
Cody A. Gray
President & CEO, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism
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![Chris Klauda]()
Chris Klauda
Senior Director on the Product Analytics & Insights team at
STR, Inc.
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![Leslie Walker]()
Leslie Walker, CHSP
Program Manager, Tourism ALL-a-Bama
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![Rashelle Minix]()
Rashelle Minix
Executive Director, Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau
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![Maria Henson]()
Maria Henson
Sr. Director of Market Research & Insights, Visit Orlando
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![Ashley Shroeder]()
Ashley Shroeder
Director of Destination Analytics for Future Partners
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![Mayor Ron Anders]()
Mayor Ron Anders
Mayor, Auburn, Alabama
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![Ben Berthelot]()
Ben Berthelot
President & CEO of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
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![Lee Sentell]()
Lee Sentell
Director, Alabama Tourism Department
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![Katie Williams]()
Katie Williams
Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Tourism for The Classic Center, Athens, Georgia
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![Fallon Tullier]()
Fallon Tullier
Research and Technology Manager for Visit Baton Rouge
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![Jennifer Moore]()
Jennifer Moore
President & CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau
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![Marlo Dorsey]()
Marlo Dorsey
CEO, VisitHATTIESBURG
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![Sarah Hill]()
Sarah Hill
Marketing Manager, Visit The Northshore
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![Nerissa Okiye]()
Nerissa Okiye
Tourism Director, Martin County
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![Jack Johnson]()
Jack Johnson
Chief Advocacy Officer, Destinations International
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![Robyn Bridges]()
Robyn Bridges
President & CEO, Auburn-Opelika Tourism
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![Chelsea Ketron]()
Chelsea Ketron,TMP
Director of Marketing
Visit Kingsport -
![Jake Steinman]()
Jake Steinman
Founder & CEO, TravelAbility
Daily Schedule
Monday, September 9, 2024
Pre-Conference
Meetings
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9:00 am - 11:00 am: Executive Committee Meeting
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Board of Directors Meeting.
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6:30 pm - Board of Directors Dinner at Botanic.
About Botanic: Step into the enchanting world of Botanic, where culinary excellence meets whimsical wonder. More than just a restaurant, Botanic is a delightful fusion of creativity and artistry, inviting you to embark on a sensory adventure. Our upcoming Board dinner is the perfect opportunity to experience this culinary gem for yourself.
Sponsored by Atlanta-Journal Constitution
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Registration/ Boardroom
ROUNDTABLES
8:00 am - Noon
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Location: Camellia
Moderator: Melanie Beauchamp, Assistant Commissioner Rural Tourism and Outreach;Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Session Description:
Engage in informal and detailed discussions covering a range of topics specific to state tourism offices and the industry. These discussions may include workforce development, grants management, budgeting, legislative impacts, research, rural outreach, sales initiatives, and marketing strategies.This session offers an excellent networking and the opportunity to gain valuable insights and resources that can benefit your organization. Sessions will take place on September 10 and September 11.
MORNING ACTIVITIES
9:00 am - Noon
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Location: Legacy Ballroom
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Southeast Tourism Society Service Providers and Partners are invited to join the STS staff for coffee, pastries, and insights from President & CEO, Monica Smith, on the STS membership. Information regarding the latest membership and event updates will be provided, followed by a Q&A session.
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Location - Legacy
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10:00 am - 11:15 am
Anne DarConte, CAE, Senior Advisor; HillStaffer
Tom Rosenfield, J.D., CAE, President; HillStaffer
Join Anne and Tom for a status report and discussion of federal proposals of interest to STS members. Then learn how STS leaders can prepare for success, after the election, by building relationships with the Freshman Class of the 119th Congress.
MIXER
11:30 am - 12:15 pm
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Are you attending Connections for the first time? Join us for an opportunity to meet other new members and first-time attendees for an overview of STS and learn about how to make the most of your STS membership.
All attendees are welcome to attend this networking event.
Location: Piccolo
12:30 pm - 2:15 pm
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Join us as we celebrate the 2024 class of Travel Marketing Professionals.
Sponsored by: North Little Rock Tourism
Location: Grand Ballroom
Followed by dessert
Location: Legacy Ballroom
GENERAL SESSION
ONE
2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
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2:30p - 3:45p
Welcome - Lee Sentell, Director; Alabama Tourism Department
General Session: Can the Travel Industry Defy Economic Gravity?
We’ll dive into the state of the economy, the mindset of travelers and expectations for travel’s trajectory in the year to come. Join us for a journey into the essential connection between travel and the economy.
Zeek Coleman, Vice President, Americas; Tourism Economics
Sponsored by: OmniTrak Group
Location: Auditorium
Breakout Sessions
SESSION ONE
Breakouts
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Learn the importance of Influencer Marketers and how they can help promote your destination.
Tomiko Harvey, V.P. & Director of Partnerships; Black Travel Alliance
Location: Auditorium
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Our fireside chat speakers will share stories to show the effectiveness of advocacy which requires the development of authentic relationships to engage in conversations that support leaders, legislators and our communities. We are going to share how you can maximize the impact of our advocacy work.
Kalene Griffith, President & CEO; Visit Bentonville
Tami Reist, President & CEO; Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
Ben Berthelot, President & CEO; Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission
Location: Terrace
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Sponsored by Future Partners
This panel aims to explore the best practices for transforming raw tourism data into actionable insights that can drive strategic decisions and enhance the visitor experience. The panel will offer a unique perspective by including representatives from organizations of varying sizes, providing a diverse range of insights and strategies tailored to different organizational scales.
Moderated by Ashley Schroeder,Future Partners
Rashelle Minix, Tourism Director; Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau
Maria Henson,Sr. Director of Market Research & Insights; Visit Orlando
Jennifer Moore,President & CEO; Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors BureauDon't miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts and gain valuable knowledge on how to effectively turn tourism data into actionable insights that can enhance your organization's strategy and operations.
Location: Oak Room
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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Sponsored by: Auburn-Opelika Tourism, and Ithaka Hospitality Partners
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Enjoy an extraordinary night at the Rane Culinary Science Center, where you'll indulge in rooftop dining with panoramic views and culinary masterpieces that will tantalize your taste buds.The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, located in the heart of Auburn, is a beacon of culinary excellence and innovation. This state-of-the-art facility is not only a training ground for the next generation of chefs but also a gastronomic destination for visitors. At its core is 1856 – Culinary Residence, a premier restaurant named in honor of Auburn University's founding year. Here, a rotating Chef in Residence guides students in creating both à la carte lunches and sophisticated tasting menus, fostering an ever-evolving epicurean journey.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
9:00 am - 5:00 pm Registration/ Boardroom
BREAKFASTS
8:00 am - 9:00 am
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Location: Camellia
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Location: Legacy Ballroom
GENERAL SESSION
TWO
9:00 am - 10:15 am
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Success Principles of Iconic Leadership: Attendees will learn how to employ the ICONIC Framework™ to illustrate the undeniable link between leadership and organizational performance.
Calvin Stovall, Chief Experience Officer; ICONICPresentations, LLC
Location: Auditorium
Special Event
10:15 am
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On September 11, 2001, the world witnessed an event that forever changed the course of history.
This day is not only a time to recall the deep sorrow and profound loss but also to recognize the unity and determination that emerged in the aftermath. It is a moment to reflect on the enduring spirit of compassion and solidarity that brought communities together across the globe. We pay tribute to the heroes who responded with selfless courage and to those who continue to serve and protect our freedoms.
As we observe this solemn anniversary, let us commit to fostering a world of peace, understanding, and hope. May the memory of those we lost on 9/11 inspire us to work towards a future where such tragedies are never repeated, and may we always remember the importance of coming together in the face of adversity.
10:15 am – 10:45 am Coffee Break
Legacy Ballroom
Breakout Sessions
SESSION TWO BREAKOUTS
11:00 am - Noon
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Sponsored by Expedia Media Group Solutions
Have you ever wondered, “how do they do it?” or “how do they make those decisions?” Perhaps you ask yourself “how do they keep up with all of the changes happening?” This session, this is your chance to hear about media buying strategies directly from three distinct destinations where they will share their challenges, opportunities, and how they use strategic media placements to make a difference in/for their communities. Do you handle all of your media in-house, perhaps you have a blended program with some agency support, but you handle other tactics, or, you have an Agency of Record who helps guide decisions. Find out best-practices, best-things-to-avoid, and pick up some tips to improve your next fiscal year media buying process.
Moderator: Emily Gonzalez, Destination Strategy Director;
Madden MediaPanel
Robyn Bridges, President, Auburn-Opelika Tourism
Katie Guasco, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit The Northshore
Jennifer Vigil, President & CEO, Destination Panama City
Location: Auditorium
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Laine Garner, VP Sales, Membership, & Education;
Louisiana Travel AssociationJoin us for an engaging and insightful session designed to boost your expertise in tourism group and convention sales. This session is tailored for professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry looking to enhance their sales strategies, maximize group bookings, and secure lucrative convention contracts.
Location: Terrace
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Sponsored by Dean Runyan
University researchers throughout the southeast will present the findings and implications of their research. This session will focus on research related to mobile technology, academic and practitioner partnerships, and workforce empowerment in the tourism industry.
Location: Oak Room
LUNCH
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
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Join us for our Annual Meeting and Election of Officers and Directors, where we will review the past year's accomplishments, discuss plans for the upcoming year, and elect new officers to lead our organization.
All conference attendees are invited to attend.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Breakout Sessions
SESSION THREE BREAKOUTS
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
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Google is preparing for SGE (the Search Generative Experience) which will shift how people use Google and how search results display. Every brand that relies on organic search traffic to drive locals and visitors to their website will be affected. It will cause all of us to reevaluate our approach to SEO, user experience and content marketing strategy. How can you be ready?
Sarah Benoit, Co-founder & Lead
Instructor; JB Media Institute
Location: Auditorium
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By definition, work-life balance involves the minimization of work-related stress and the establishment of a stable and sustainable way to work while maintaining health and general well-being.
Tami Reist, President & CEO;
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist AssociationLocation: Terrace
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Sponsored by Longwoods
This session aims to explore three case studies of taking data and insights and turning them into actions that result in a better visitor and community experience.
The session will present distinctive viewpoints by featuring representatives from organizations of various sizes, offering a broad spectrum of insights and strategies that cater to different organizational capacities.
The panel will feature:
Katie Williams, VP Sales, Marketing and Tourism; The Classic Center
Marlo Dorsey, CEO; VisitHATTIESBURG
Fallon Tullier, Research and Technology Manager; Visit Baton RougeSeize this chance to learn from leading experts and acquire essential insights on effectively translating tourism data into practical strategies and initiatives.
Location: Oak Room
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm Networking Break
Sponsored by 365 Degree Total Marketing
Legacy Ballroom
Breakout Sessions
SESSION FOUR BREAKOUTS
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Dive into travel and tourism's brightest minds! Join your fellow STS members for a session brimming with inspiration. Get a sneak peek at the ingenious marketing campaigns submitted for the 2024 Shining Example Awards. Hear directly from your peers as they unveil the secrets behind their award-worthy creations – campaigns that are making a real difference in their communities. Then, attend the Shining Example Awards dinner to find out if any of the presentations spotlighted are winners.
Moderator: Timothy Bush, Chief Marketing Officer; Visit Lake Charles
Sarah Hill, Marketing Manager; Visit the Northshore
Chelsea Ketron,TMP, Director of Marketing; Visit Kingsport
Nerissa Okiye, Tourism Director; Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
Location: Auditorium
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Join us for an insightful session exploring the evolving landscape of inclusive travel. This session will delve into the latest trends, innovations, and best practices that are shaping a more accessible and inclusive travel industry as well as how one DMO has measured the ROI on accessibility.
Jake Steinman, Founder & CEO;TravelAbility
Leslie Walker, Program Manager;Tourism All-a-Bama
Location: Terrace
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Sponsored by STR
Chris Klauda, Senior Director, Product Analytics & Insights; STR
What tools can DMOs use to give them a "crystal ball" to try to predict what the future looks like for tourism, etc.
Location: Oak Room
GENERAL SESSION
THREE
4:15 - 5:15 pm
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Sponsored by Downs & St. Germain
Beverages sponsored by SETTRADMOs have more data and research available to them than ever before. For all the benefits of this multitude of information, it is challenging to understand what data and research is most efficient for the array of challenges, opportunities, and advocacy needs of our industry. As the data landscape becomes increasingly complex, it is vital for destination leaders to have a future-ready destination data toolbox - a set of data tools that they feel confident in reaching for when they need to make destination strategy decisions. Join us for an open and honest discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of data and research sources and the best ways forward in truly being a data-driven DMO.
Facilitator: Whitney Knollenberg, Professor; North Carolina State University
Panelists:
Anna Blount, Vice President of Research; Longwoods International
Michael Rudowski, Vice President of Research and Insights; Visit Dallas
Cody Gray, President & CEO; Louisiana's Cajun Bayou Tourism
Location: Auditorium
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
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An industry fixture since 1985, The STS Shining Example Awards recognizes 13 individuals or organizations in 10 categories for their outstanding contributions to travel and tourism in the Southeast United States.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Breakfast
8:00 am - 9:30 am
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8:00 am - 9:30 am: Breakfast Buffet
Implementing the National Travel and Tourism Strategy
A focus on the Administration's efforts to increase American jobs and grow the economy through travel and tourism, while supporting a more robust, equitable and sustainable industry as it comes back from the pandemic.
Curt Cottle, Senior Policy Advisor/Team Lead for Outreach and Engagement; National Travel and Tourism Office
U.S. Department of CommerceLocation: Grand Ballroom
CLOSING GENERAL SESSION
9:30 am - 10:30 am
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9:30 am - 10:30 am: Closing General Session
Sponsored by Young Strategies
Being Known, Valued and Empowered
In 2019, Destinations International proposed that the tourism industry, and destination organizations in particular, should be recognized as a "community shared value." The era of focusing solely on the number of visitors or “heads in beds” is now over. It is imperative that investment in tourism promotion is not regarded as a secondary priority or a luxury to be reserved for times of surplus. Travel and tourism are essential to a community's survival, on par with education, healthcare, emergency response, and utilities. For tourism to flourish as a common good, it must be regarded as a valuable and indispensable component of the local way of life by all members of the community. Destination branding and promotion are not just important—they are fundamental. It is essential that our industry recognizes residents as the ultimate customers and understands the importance of harnessing the power of travel to achieve broader community goals. We are not just marketers; we are stewards of our communities. This presentation will take the concept of community shared value to its natural and essential conclusion—a vision where we as destination stewards are fully known, deeply valued, and truly empowered.
Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer; Destinations International
Location: Grand Ballroom
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*Schedule subject to change