11:30am - 12:45pmNetworking
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Sponsored byMadden Media
Buffet Lunch Menu
Market Style Chopped Salad
-Romaine, Queso Fresco, Roasted Corn, Black Beans, Tortilla Strips, Cherry Tomato, Chipotle Ranch Dressing, Honey Ancho Vinaigrette
Grilled Chicken (GF, DF, CN)
-Black Mole (contains peanuts) and Toasted Sesame Seeds
Green Chili Tamales (Veg, GF)
-Accompanied by Fire Roasted Salsa (V, GF), Salsa Verde (V, GF)
Calabacitas (V, GF)
-Mexican Squash, Grilled Peppers, Fire Roasted Corn, Cilantro
Cilantro Lime Rice (V, GF)
Desserts
Chocolate Chili Rice Pudding (Veg, GF)
Prickly Pear Cheesecake (Veg)
Beverages
Coffee and Tea Service
GF = Gluten Free; DF = Dairy Free; CN = Contains Nuts; Veg = Vegetarian; V = Vegan
12:00pm - 12:10pmExperience
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JW Marriott
12:30pm - 12:45pmExperience
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Get inspired in just 15 minutes! Join us in the AI Playground for quick, high-impact demos showing how AI can spark ideas, solve problems, and supercharge your work. See real-world examples in action, ask questions, and leave with practical tips you can use right away.
1:00pm - 1:25pmConcurrent Session: Take Off Talk
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Leisure and business travelers aren’t competing audiences—they’re connected ones. This session shows you how to break down internal silos and reframe your strategy to capture both. Using psychographics and AI, you’ll uncover what motivates your audiences, tailor campaigns accordingly and strengthen your brand’s impact at every touchpoint.
1:00pm - 1:45pmConcurrent Session: Presentation
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Travel sentiment is shifting quickly—are you keeping up? New data reveals how Americans are rethinking where they go, why they travel and what they expect from brands and destinations. This session unpacks the latest findings on evolving values, motivations and planning habits—and how to turn them into competitive advantages in a dynamic market. Walk away with real-world insights and actionable strategies to stay ahead of what’s next.
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Sponsored bySimpleview, a Granicus Company
By invitation only. Learn more.
Innovative DMOs are using AI to deliver on their core mandate with a proven three-pillar strategic framework:
1. Pivot internal culture to embrace AI
2. Optimize destination/partner marketing and community messaging for AI search
3. Capitalize on chat as the new marketplace, including in-destination
Three key takeaways:
1. Step-by-step AI strategy map for DMOs vetted by destination leaders, boards and stakeholders
2. Actionable strategy for scaling AI adoption organization-wide
3. Inspiring case studies from DMO CEO/CMOs
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What if your media strategy could prove its economic impact with measurable results? VISIT FLORIDA has reimagined how destinations measure success—going beyond traditional models to create a more flexible, insight-driven approach. Take a closer look at how targeted audience engagement and KPI alignment can turn media programs into powerful economic engines. Get the latest trends, tools and takeaways to apply this thinking to your own campaigns.
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What gives a career in travel lasting meaning—and how do we help others find it, too? In this dynamic, multi-generational panel, seasoned pros and rising leaders share the pivotal experiences, mentors and moments that shaped their journeys. From the impact of representation to the value of mentorship, discover how these changemakers are investing in the next generation and reimagining what leadership in our industry can look like. Expect honest stories, actionable advice and inspiration to grow your own career while opening doors for others.
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Pre-Registration Required
Driving long-term impact starts with rethinking how we lead and manage our destinations. This roundtable conversation dives into the evolution from traditional marketing to destination management and how culture, leadership and systems must evolve to keep up. Come ready to share, learn and collaborate with others navigating similar challenges, and leave with insights to inspire meaningful transformation at home.
To foster more focused, meaningful conversation, registration is capped at 60 participants.
Advance RSVP required through your personalized schedule.
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Amid mounting pressures, Hawaii brought together government, industry and community voices to chart a new path for tourism governance. Commissioned earlier this year, the Hawaii Tourism Governance Study offers a bold, comprehensive approach to managing tourism in ways that center community well-being, restore trust and support long-term sustainability. Developed in collaboration with the governor, key legislators, stakeholders and residents, the study now serves as a model for DMOs seeking to evolve how they develop, manage and promote tourism with greater accountability and purpose.
2:00pm - 2:25pmConcurrent Session: Take Off Talk
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Creative teams thrive when leaders protect their most valuable asset—energy. Designed for senior marketing leaders, this session explores how to build a high-impact team culture without burning out your people—or yourself. Tiffany Kerr, a recovering agency workaholic, former big-tech creative and now destination CMO, shares her approach to moving beyond reactive momentum and into intentional systems that foster deep work, strategic clarity and sustainable leadership.
2:00pm - 2:45pmConcurrent Session: Presentation
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Every traveler deserves to feel welcomed—and that starts with accessibility. In this eye-opening conversation, accessibility advocate Cory Lee (Curb Free with Cory Lee) and caregiver-turned-entrepreneur Meegan Winters (AbleVu) will share firsthand insights into what makes a destination stand out for travelers with disabilities. Discover examples of destinations already getting it right and walk away with tools to better serve travelers with disabilities, build a reputation for inclusivity and tap into a $50 billion+ market.