Agenda

Click here for a PDF version of the program.

The Indiana Tourism Conference agenda is subject to change. 




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MondayMarch 20th, 2023
6:00 PM8:00 PM
Opening Reception at the RV/MH Hall of Fame
Description

Come early to the conference and enjoy the unique experience of touring the RV/MH Hall of Fame. Attendees will not only be immersed in this interactive and fascinating museum, but also have the opportunity to network with other attendees, enjoy appetizers, drinks and taco bar. Transportation to and from the hotels is provided. Registration is free, but required for planning purposes.


TuesdayMarch 21st, 2023
8:30 AM10:05 AM
Opening General Session
Description

Join us as we welcome two dynamic speakers:

Vince Kadlubek, founder of MeowWolf, is most passionate about co-creating fully-realized alternative realities that bring paradigm-shifting transformation and inspiration to the world.

Matt Heller with Performance Optimist has spent over 20 years working in operations and human resources in the entertainment industry and his passion lies in helping others lead well.

Speakers Matt Heller, Performance Optimist Consulting, Vince Kadlubek, Meow Wolf
10:05 AM10:25 AM
Break and Vendor Booths Open
Description

Break sponsored by Simpleview 

10:25 AM11:15 AM
Breakout Session: From Hunches and Hopes to Data Led Insights and Outcomes for the Contemporary DMO
Description

Three DMOs will share how they took insights for events, credit card spend, and geolocation data to make the best use of their marketing budgets and ultimately create positive change in their communities. They didn’t just rely on hunches and hopes - they used the near real time data to understand where visitors are coming from, how they are moving throughout their destination, and the overall economic impact of the visitor economy to make data-led decisions.

Moderator: Melissa Luebbe, Chief Engagement Officer of Zartico

Speakers Melissa Luebbe, Kim Fox, Amanda Eckelbarger, Ashley Ledford
10:25 AM11:15 AM
Breakout Session History of Tourism
Description

Join this discussion that covers innkeepers tax collection, history of Indiana tourism on a statewide level and covers the alphabet soup of the industry.

Speakers Carrie Lambert, Jaime Bohler Smith
11:20 AM12:10 PM
Breakout Session: Increasing Your Media Coverage
Description

In this session, you will learn how to earn media coverage in print, digital and social spaces and the importance of the relationship between tourism and media. 


Speakers Jennifer L. Rubenstein, Edible Indy
1:15 PM2:05 PM
Breakout Session Placemaking and the Arts
Description

Artists and art exist everywhere. Learn how communities across the state are working alongside their art communities through cultural districts, awarded grants and events that add vibrant experiences for not only the community, but the visitor as well.

Moderator:  Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission


Speakers Lakesha Green, Miah Michaelsen, Andrea Zwiebel, Terri Trowbridge, Adrienne Nesbitt
1:15 PM2:05 PM
Breakout Session: Don't Stay in Your Lane
Description

This session will build on the message of creativity and personal expression by encouraging participants to tap into their own version of creativity. We will explore individual strategies for identifying strengths and new ways of approaching situations.

Speakers Matt Heller, Performance Optimist Consulting
2:20 PM3:15 PM
Another Look at the Crystal Ball: An Update on the Latest American Traveler Sentiment and Trends
Description

Do you want to know what travelers are thinking and how they are behaving?  What’s the latest trends and on the horizon when it comes to domestic leisure travel?  Amir Eylon, President & C.E.O. of Longwoods International, a thought-leading market research consultancy, returns with his ever-popular updates on American travelers!  This session will offer the latest insights as well as predictions for the future of leisure travel.

Speakers Amir Eylon, President & CEO, Longwoods International
3:15 PM3:35 PM
Snack Break and Vendor Booths Open
Description

Break Sponsored by ADARA 

3:35 PM4:25 PM
Breakout Session Panel of our People: Digital Marketing Version
Description

Digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are an integral part of the marketing landscape in the tourism industry. Hear from content creators at DMOs and attractions across Indiana about everything from content planning to time management and simple tips and tricks that can help you maximize your efforts on these important channels.

Speakers Kyle Johnson, Jake Brown, Aissatou Balde, Leah Koch-Blumhardt
3:35 PM4:25 PM
Breakout Session Q&A with Meeting Planners
Description

Attendees will get the opportunity to hear from meeting planners on what they are looking for, challenges they are facing and ways local tourism entities can work together with them. This session is a partnership with MPI: Indiana Chapter and will feature meeting planners from a non-profit, a large convention and a corporate entity.

Speakers Vince Slack, Andy Longo, Megan Heronemus
4:30 PM5:00 PM
6:00 PM7:00 PM
7:00 PM9:00 PM
Dinner and Indiana Tourism Association Awards
Description

Join us as we celebrate the 2023 Indiana Tourism Academy graduates, announce the 2024 Indiana Tourism Academy class and celebrate the winners of the 2023 Indiana Tourism Awards.  Dessert bar and networking will follow the ceremony.  Emcee: Gerry Dick, Indiana INdiana Business 

Speakers Gerry Dick
WednesdayMarch 22nd, 2023
9:00 AM10:00 AM
INnovators - Indiana's Impactful Individuals
Description

Come learn from true innovators in our state as they share about how they have worked in their community to foster growth, partnership and collaborations.

Speakers Bethany Hartley, Jill Boggs, William Knox
10:00 AM10:15 AM
10:15 AM11:15 AM
Breakout Session: The Ultimate Digital Marketing Update with Dave Serino Two Six Digital
Description

The number of digital marketing platforms has not changed much in recent years, but how we use them efficiently and effectively has. By discussing trends in the travel and tourism sector and touching on some important tactics in the fields of content marketing, paid advertising, audience building, analytics, social media platforms, search engine optimization and email marketing, we'll provide you with the insight and knowledge needed to position your organization for future digital marketing success.

Speakers Dave Serino
10:15 AM11:15 AM
Breakout Session: Open Conversation with Hoteliers
Description

Join three local hoteliers as they discuss current successes and challenges in their industry and how the local tourism entities can work alongside them for a stronger visitor experience.  Moderator: Sonya Nash 

Speakers Sima Patel, Jennifer Lambert, Joel Miller, Sonya Nash
11:15 AM12:30 PM
Closing Luncheon Sponsored by Visit Evansville
Description

Get ready to Explore Evansville March 11-13, 2024, as the Indiana Tourism Conference heads to Southwest Indiana.


Speakers

To see the list of speakers at the conference, please check out the Speakers page!

Sponsors

    Host City Sponsor
    Tuesday Lunch Sponsor
    Wednesday Lunch Sponsor
    Lanyard Sponsor
  • AAA Living
    Supporting Sponsor
    Conference Bag Sponsor
    Vendor Booth
  • McDaniels Marketing
  • AAA Living
  • Indiana State Festivals Association
  • Ohio Magazine/Long Weekends
  • Indiana Destination Development Corporation
  • Travel Indiana Magazine
  • Zartico
  • Edible Indy
  • Epsilon
  • Indiana Arts Commission
  • STR
  • Simpleview
  • Shrpa
  • Effectv
    Friend Sponsor
  • Taylor Trusty
  • Market Street Group, Inc.
    In Kind