2024 Schedule of Events

Visit the U.S. Travel Hub to engage with knowledgeable staff and connect with fellow travel professionals. The Hub will have specialty coffee service Monday & Tuesday from 11 to 2 pm, as well as plenty of space for meaningful conversations and strategic networking. The U.S. Travel Hub is where connections are made, ideas are born, and the future of travel is shaped.

In this keynote, Sekou challenges our traditional view of growth. Ever since we were little, we’ve been obsessed with growth. But in order for the transformational leader to keep reaching the proverbial "next level," you must first transform your concept of the word "growth" in a sustainable way. Prepare to supercharge your resiliency through an energetic and inspiring keynote like no other.

Don’t leave Columbus without strolling through the pop-up shop experience, perfect for those searching for locally made artisan objects, retail and fashion items, goodies, and souvenirs. With a rotating slate of vendors each day, shoppers will get a peek at Columbus’ diverse and unique local businesses, including those from the Experience Columbus Minority Business Program.

Join Jeni Britton, Founder & Chief Brand Officer of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, for a conversation on creating a personal brand and how to create, grow, and taste-test what works for you. From humble beginnings, setbacks, and challenges, Jeni’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the art of building an iconic brand. In this session, Jeni will share her insights on strategic decisions, creative processes, and values. Learn how to move from scoop to success by gaining insight into creative thinking, brand development, and authenticity.

This session tackles a surging request for destinations: workforce development. Learn a clear framework for making informed decisions on your DMO’s role by exploring real-world scenarios from destinations who successfully managed it themself, those who delegated, and those who found a collaborative approach. Gain valuable insights into factors to consider, such as workload, resources, and existing skillsets. By the end, you'll be equipped to confidently navigate this decision and determine the best path for you and your team.

Don't miss the presentation of the State Tourism Director of the Year award!

Hear from content & social media experts Beautiful Destinations – a social media phenom with over 50 million followers and Wendy's Corporation – known for its authentic (and sometimes sassy) approach to building a brand on social media. Through sharing real-world examples, our experts will divulge actionable insights on content strategy that drives business impact and how you can best leverage social media for your own marketing success. This session promises to equip you with the tools and inspiration needed to navigate the evolving landscape of social media and content marketing. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your destination’s digital presence and content strategy.

Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming Columbus into a fashion hub, shares insights on leveraging community and identity to enhance a destination and its marketing strategy. Through his initiatives, he has not only boosted local businesses and talent but also positioned Columbus as a vibrant cultural center. Yogi explores how fostering a sense of community can elevate a destination’s profile, and how by harnessing local talent, promoting authentic experiences, and celebrating cultural diversity, cities can distinguish themselves in the competitive travel landscape. Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit will then join Yogi on stage with an additional perspective on how Detroit has leaned into its own heritage, as the two leaders embark on an engaging conversation. Attendees will gain practical strategies for fostering community pride and leveraging local strengths to attract visitors.

Global travel forecasts reveal a huge opportunity for U.S. destinations to grow international visitation volume and spend. However, the post-pandemic global travel landscape is markedly changed from just five years ago. Changing consumer interests, motivations and buying habits coupled with industry consolidation and new competitors are challenging both experienced and new-to-international destinations to evolve their own international marketing and sales strategies. Join Future Partners and a panel of destination leaders for a discussion on the changing international landscape and how they’re meeting these “chopportunities” through innovative partnership, product development and marketing.