Exhibitor Trade Show

Visit the exhibitor trade show booths that will be located adjacent to the conference.

Welcome Reception sponsored by Alpen Sierra, MeringCarson, National Geographic Adventure & Traveler Magazines, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort/Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Opening Remarks
Carl Ribaudo, Strategic Marketing Group

Mountain Travel Research
Ralf Garrison, The Advisory Group

Inspiring Travelers through Experiences
Glen Harvell, VP & General Manager, Travelocity on Location

Having great travel experiences is not only about how you get to your destination or where you stay. It is about inspiring travelers to create lasting memories of what you did at your destination and sharing them with friends, family and the world! This presentation will discuss Travelocity's vision for enabling great experiences for all its customers.

Energy Break sponsored by Alpen Sierra, MeringCarson, National Geographic Adventure & Traveler Magazines, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort/Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort and Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Reno-Tahoe International Airport Update
Tom Medland, Reno-Tahoe International Airport

California & Nevada Branding Discussion
Greg Carson, MeringCarson and B.C. LeDoux, The Glenn Group

Lunch sponsored by Alpine Meadows/Homewood Mountain Resort and SKI & SKIING Magazines

Destination and Brand Authenticity
Brian Baker, Cultivar Marketing

Destinations have long been focused on the importance of their brands; particularly the power they have in influencing travel decision making. Of late, many DMOs are now working jointly with their municipalities and other citywide stakeholders to ensure not only brand and messaging continuity, but brand authenticity as well. Authenticity has become a critical element for marketers as more and more travel decisions rely on social media networks for real and unbiased information. Learn more about the basics of core value branding, its application to destinations and see examples of successful destinations and their efforts to find and market their brand authenticity.

The Conversation Economy
Christian Spencer, Fuze Group

In the emerging "Conversation Economy" how is the user experience evolving from one of information and transaction to the new model of interaction and communication? This session will explore case studies and cover the guiding principles that are critical in defining this new era in online user experience.

Energy Break

The Changing World of Tourism - Differentiation & Authenticity
Carl Ribaudo, Strategic Marketing Group

A Taste of Suisun Valley Wines

Join us for a complimentary wine tasting featuring Suisun Valley wineries. Participants will include King Andrews Vineyards & Shale Peak Vineyards, Bask Cellars, Forlorn Hope, Sunset Cellars, Trahan, Vezer Family Vineyard, Winterhawk and Wooden Valley Winery.