WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

7:30 - 8:15 AM
Workshop Registration, Continental Breakfast
Breakfast sponsored by Kingsville CVB and King Ranch

8:15 - 8:25 AM
Welcome and Introductions

8:25 - 9:00 AM
Online Marketing Guidelines for Tourism Destinations
Learn the latest research on digital marketing trends and how consumers use the Internet to research, plan, and book travel.  Also learn the Seven Guidelines for successfully marketing your tourism destination or business online.
Speaker: Leah Woolford, Founder and CEO, USDM.net

9:10 - 10:05 AM
Morning Breakout Sessions (Concurrent)

• Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
  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 at home.
  Speaker: Dan Quandt, Executive Director, South Padre Island CVB
  
• From Camo to Fido - Putting Tourism to Work for Your Town
  Buda, Texas is an example of how small Texas communities can successful leverage tourism as an effective strategy for economic development. A committed city leadership, dedicated partnerships, and an energized community spirit have helped Buda diversify and expand its economy through initiatives as diverse as Cabela's and the Annual Wiener Dog Races. Learn from a local economic development professional how your community can take the tourism path to economic prosperity.
  Speaker: Warren Ketteman, Executive Director, Buda Economic Development Corporation.
  
• Ins and Outs of Using Hotel Occupancy Tax as a Funding Source
  Learn how the hotel occupancy tax compares to other sources of funding, how to be sure an expenditure is eligible for this type of funding, and how to get the most bang for your buck. Alternative sources of funding will also be discussed, such as sales tax and venue tax.
  Speaker: Justin Bragiel, Deputy General Counsel, Texas Hotel & Lodging Association

10:15 - 11:10 AM
Morning Breakout Sessions (Repeated)

11:20 - 12:20 PM
State Agency Briefings
Texas state agencies are your partners in the travel and tourism business. They offer a wealth of projects and programs that provide tourism opportunities for you and your community. Don't miss this chance to learn how you can take advantage of state programs that can boost your tourism efforts.
Speakers: Brenda Harper - Director, Travel Services Section, Texas Department of Transportation - Travel Division
Louri O'Leary - Travel Research Manager, Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division
Marlett Bahn and Nancy Deviney - Texas Tropical Trail Region, Texas Historical Commission Heritage Tourism Program
Brenda Tharp - Administrator of Performing Arts and Accessibility, Texas Commission on the Arts
Darcy Bontempo - Marketing Director, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

12:25 - 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by the McAllen CVB
Join in round table discussions with other workshop attendees and speakers. This is your opportunity to discuss state, regional and local issues with your peers and experts in the Texas tourism industry.

1:25 - 2:20 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions (Concurrent)

• GO TEXAN/Certified Retirement Community Program
  Speakers: Natalie Houghton, Marketing Coordinator for Rural Texas Communities and Sherri Gothard-Barron, Program Coordinator, GO TEXAN Rural Communities/ Certified Retirement Communities, Texas Department of Agriculture
  
• Researching Your Target Market - Learn What Sets You Apart
  This presentation features the latest state research on travel to Texas and the South Texas region. Learn about the economic impact of travel to your area, was well as key demographics and travel motivators and preferences for visitors. This session will help you better understand your key targetmarkets and how to more effectively market to them.
  Speaker: Louri O'Leary - Travel Research Manager, Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division
  
• How to Go Green Without Breaking the Bank
  Sustainability means, among other things, conserving water, energy and money. This session will teach you why and how to start a green movement in your community, working with hotels, restaurants and general businesses. You'll learn how to encourage participation with elected officials and other community leaders, and how to market the efforts to encourage awareness,support and community pride.
  Speaker: Nancy Millar, Vice President, McAllen Convention and Visitors Bureau

2:30 - 3:25 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions (Repeated)

3:25 - 3:40 PM
Afternoon Refreshment Break
Sponsored by Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council

3:40 - 4:15 PM
General Session - Texas Tourism: What Does the Future Hold?
Learn how emerging industry and economic trends will impact the future of travel and tourism in Texas and the South Texas region.
Speaker: Nelson Gumm - President AJR and Associates

4:15 - 4:30 PM:
Open Discussion, Q&A, Adjourn

Register Online (Kingsville only)

Download Printable Registration Form (PDF)