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10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: |
Concurrent Morning Breakout Sessions
Rural Tourism…Nature and More (Tanglewood Room) (morning session only)
Rural and Nature tourism represent a large portion of the Texas tourism pie. Hear about the opportunities and challenges from leading practitioners in the field. This well-rounded panel of four represents perspectives from a state agency, a regional tourism group and private enterprise.
Speakers: Stan Meador, X Bar Ranch / Chair of Texas Nature Tourism Council
Claire Spivey, Marketing Director of Wildcatter Ranch and Resort
Kathleen Seal, Regional Coordinator of Texas Forest Trail Region
Shelly Plante, Nature Tourism Coordinator of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Marketing on a Shoestring Budget (Tanglewood Room) (afternoon session only)
Marketing can be a challenge regardless of your budget, but when you are working with little money and limited resources, it takes even more ingenuity, imagination and know-how. If you have been squeezed to make your advertising, promotion and PR budgets go further, this will be a session for you to attend. You never know, something you learn here may make you a hero back home.
Speakers: Steve Atkins, President, The Atkins Group
Stan Meador, X Bar Ranch / Chair of Texas Nature Tourism Council
Lori Tucker, President, Tucker PR
Dan Quandt, Executive Director, South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Latin America Tourism Market – What it Means for Texas and for Your Business (Bellaire Room)
You've been hearing all the statistics for years now. Mexico is the largest provider of international travelers to the State of Texas. Continental Airlines is flying to more Latin American destinations than ever before. Now is your chance to learn the ins and outs about the Latin American travel segment and what it really means to the State of Texas. Most importantly, learn what industry leaders from the CVB, hotel, airport and airline industry are doing to capture and address this hugely diverse market.
Speakers: Genaro Pena, Deputy Director of Marketing, Houston Airport System
Pete Garcia, Vice President, Latin America, Continental Airlines
Patricia Voss, Director of Travel Industry, Texas Region, The Westin Hotels
Jorge Franz, Executive Director of Tourism, Greater Houston CVB
It's More than Just a Bus Ride (Post Oak Room)
There are important tips you need to know when hiring a motor coach for your group tours and events. Hear from the experts - the motor coach operators, those who package the tours, and the destinations that host them - and learn how a motor coach ride can help determine a successful event.
Speakers: TBA
Sponsored by the Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fraud Awareness and Prevention (Sage Room)
Personal and business fraud is becoming an epidemic with identity theft, electronic theft, and preying on the uninformed. At this session, learn how to decrease your chances of becoming a victim - personal and business. This session is where you get your rude awakening.
Speaker: Sandy Sullivan, Senior Vice President/Fraud Management, Frost National Bank |
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11:45 AM – 1:15 PM: |
Awards Luncheon (Galleria I, II, III Room)
Sponsored by the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
Keynote Speaker: Larry Kellner, Chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines
Presentation of Tall in Texas and Lifetime Achievement Awards Presentation of Gene Phillips Scholarship, Clara Wuest-Heidemann, and Heidemann-Wuest Scholarship Awards Scholarship
Awards sponsored by Natural Bridge Caverns, Inc. |
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2:40 PM – 3:40 PM: |
State Agency Briefings (Plaza Ballroom)
The state agencies are our partners in the travel and tourism business. There are always new projects, programs and other changes to be briefed on…especially after a very active legislative session. This is your chance to get a perspective on all the changes, how they might affect you, and ask those burning questions.
Sponsored by AAA Western Magazine Network/AAA Texas Journey
Speakers:
Doris Howdeshell, Director, Texas Department of Transportation - Travel Division
Julie Chase, Chief Marketing Officer, Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism
Walt Dabney, Director of Parks, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Janie Headrick, State Coordinator - Heritage Tourism Program, Texas Historical Commission
Gaye Greever McElwain, Director of Marketing, Texas Commission on the Arts
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