Stop by the Visit Spokane Hub for an opportunity to connect with Spokane team members, select a locally made welcome gift, and snap a selfie in front of our fun Spokane backdrop. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a gift from a local leather maker, the fastest growing tea company in the nation, or an item made by refugee/immigrants. We look forward to interacting with attendees and assisting in ensuring everyone has a memorable experience in our dynamic destination. 

Visit Spokane is excited to welcome attendees to the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. Located just 8 minutes west of downtown and nestled in the historic neighborhood of Browne’s Addition, the “MAC” preserves and cultivates the heritage of the Inland Northwest people through collections, exhibitions, and programs that bring their stories to life. We will have access to museum exhibitions in two buildings and The Campbell House, a Kirtland K. Cutter English Tudor Mansion constructed in the early 1900s and preserved such that you will feel as though you are stepping back in time. Enjoy food from Feast World Kitchen, a restaurant and catering company that serves as an incubator space to empower immigrant chefs who craft authentic, global cuisine. A variety of beverages made in the Spokane region will be served as well. Buses will leave from the Convention Center at 4:45. Please note that the Campbell House is not an accessible experience due to its preserved historical state. However, the newly refurbished Carriage House next door is and offers displays and historical storytelling about the property.

Stop by the Visit Spokane Hub for an opportunity to connect with Spokane team members, select a locally made welcome gift, and snap a selfie in front of our fun Spokane backdrop. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a gift from a local leather maker, the fastest growing tea company in the nation, or an item made by refugee/immigrants. We look forward to interacting with attendees and assisting in ensuring everyone has a memorable experience in our dynamic destination. 

Strong governance is essential for the effective operation and sustainability of destination organizations. This session will focus on the importance of revitalizing your organization's bylaws and leadership framework to align with current best practices and evolving industry standards. We will discuss the key components of effective governance, including the structure and roles of the board, leadership succession planning, and the establishment of clear policies and procedures. Participants will gain practical insights into updating bylaws, enhancing board effectiveness, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Join us to strengthen your organization's governance and leadership, ensuring a robust foundation for future growth and success.

Bill Geist

Chief Instigator

DMOProZ

 

 

 

 

In this session, we will explore the growing emphasis on supporting employee mental health and financial well-being. We'll discuss the importance of wellness programs, initiatives aimed at reducing stress and burnout, and strategies for fostering a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, we'll cover the do's and don'ts of Medicare to help employees navigate their healthcare options. Join us to learn how employers can prioritize these crucial aspects to create a healthier and more supportive workplace environment.

Kirsten Bohlen

Sales Operation Manager

Marsh McLennan Agency

 

 

 

 

This session will delve into the importance of continuous learning and development programs in enhancing employees' skills and competencies. We will highlight the value of upskilling and reskilling to adapt to changing job requirements and discuss various career growth opportunities available within organizations. Additionally, we will focus on the critical aspects of leadership and management training, succession planning and providing insights on how to cultivate strong leaders and managers. Join us to discover how investing in employee development can drive both individual and organizational success.

Derrick “D.O.” Oliver

Human Resources Business Partner

STCU 

Derek Tyree

VP Organizational Development Strategist

STCU

 

 

 

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, the traditional approach to problem solving—identifying an issue, applying a known solution, and moving on—often falls short. This is particularly true for leaders who are increasingly faced with complex, adaptive challenges that don’t have clear-cut solutions. These challenges require more than just technical fixes; they demand a shift in mindset, an ability to navigate ambiguity, and a readiness to engage stakeholders in new ways. In this session, we’ll explore together, the pitfalls of conventional problem-solving methods and introduce strategies for addressing the nuanced, multi-dimensional issues that arise in destination organizations. As a group, we’ll discuss how to differentiate between technical and adaptive challenges, and why recognizing this distinction is critical for leaders tasked with steering their organizations through change. Participants will work together in small groups to work through challenges and develop practical insights on how to rethink their approach to problem solving, allowing them to tackle their toughest challenges more effectively and sustainably.

Eva Marquette

Owner

Freshvue

 

 

 

 

This session will explore the dynamics of the growing gig economy and the increasing reliance on a contingent workforce, including freelancers, contractors, and temporary workers. We will discuss best practices for managing these non-traditional work arrangements, covering essential policies, legal considerations, and effective integration into existing organizational structures. Participants will gain insights into creating a flexible and adaptable workforce strategy that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the gig economy. Join us to learn how to optimize your approach to managing a diverse and evolving workforce.

Linda Odell, SHRM-CP

Director of People & Culture

Visit Sacramento

Lindsay Lodrini

Director of Human Resources & Culture

Destinations International

 

 

 

This session will focus on the importance of liability insurance for organizations, exploring how it can safeguard your business against unforeseen events and potential legal claims. We will discuss the different types of liability insurance, what they cover, and why they are essential for protecting your organization's assets and reputation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into assessing their insurance needs, understanding policy options, and ensuring they are adequately covered. Join us to learn how to prepare your organization for the unexpected and mitigate risks effectively.

Veronica Stevens

Marketing Representative

Cochrane & Company 

Jamison Wagner

Marketing Representative

Oregon Mutual Insurance

LeAnne Tope

Account Manager Lead

Alliant Americas

 

 

Start your morning immersed in the healing experience of a sound bath. Resonant sounds of singing bowls soothe and relax body and mind. Limited to 35 participants!

Stop by the Visit Spokane Hub for an opportunity to connect with Spokane team members, select a locally made welcome gift, and snap a selfie in front of our fun Spokane backdrop. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home a gift from a local leather maker, the fastest growing tea company in the nation, or an item made by refugee/immigrants. We look forward to interacting with attendees and assisting in ensuring everyone has a memorable experience in our dynamic destination. 

Leveraging CRM Data for Actionable Sales Strategies

Location: Room 100A

Join us as we share ways destination marketers and sales teams can leverage the power of their CRM's Group Pace and other reporting to increase sales effectiveness, assist lodging partners with pricing strategies, and unlock other methods to improve the destination's performance.

• Brent Foerster, Executive Vice President, Tempest

Revolutionizing Meeting Sales and Business Operations with Simpleview Data Engine

Location: Room 100A

Dive into a compelling discussion about the transformative capabilities of the Simpleview Data Engine for your meeting sales team and overall business operations. This session will highlight a real-world example and success story — showing how destination organizations like Visit Dallas can utilize this innovative tool to streamline operations, enhance data-driven strategies, and drive growth. Whether you’re familiar with the Simpleview Data Engine or exploring it for the first time, you’ll gain valuable insights into harnessing data to propel your destination’s meetings and events efforts forward.

• Ryan George, CEO, Simpleview
• Michael Rudowski, Vice President of Research & Insights, Visit Dallas

Placemaking Action Plans: Research and Data have become the Guiding Force in Business Operations, Storytelling, and Placemaking

Location: Room 206AB

Today's DMO has become data-driven from start to finish, guiding every aspect from marketing and sales to destination management, stewardship, operations and placemaking. Advanced tools now empower DMOs to make informed decisions, assessing key pillars of a destination and shaping strategies to create vibrant, livable, and attractive places for residents, workers, visitors, and businesses alike. Discover how one DMO leveraged data to evaluate and restructure both the DMO and Sports Commission to serve their community's needs most effectively.

• Jay Burress, Executive Vice President of Tourism, Hunden Partners

Investing in Our Future: An Operations Plan for Revenue Growth and Community Impact

Location: Room 100A

Join us for an engaging session that delves into a compelling case study inspired by the successful renewal of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) by Visit Huntington Beach. In partnership with Tourism Economics, a detailed analysis was conducted on TBID funding increases, leading to the development of a robust operational strategy that effectively demonstrated the value of district renewal to stakeholders. Attendees will walk away with valuable insights into the approaches that led to success, the challenges faced, and the common pitfalls to avoid when creating a resilient district. This session will also introduce a new tool designed to support future destination organization efforts, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of both residents and city leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a real-world example of how strategic planning can drive revenue growth and community impact.

• Chuck Davison, CDME, Vice President, Attribution Solutions, Tourism Economics
• Nicole Llido, VP of Administration & Community Engagement, Visit Huntington Beach 

In today’s hyper-connected world, cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it's a strategic necessity. This session provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving global threats that challenge organizations across sectors, from ransomware and data breaches to sophisticated state-sponsored attacks. We will also examine the complexities of managing multiple security providers and the best practices for navigating fragmented solutions. Through real-world case studies, participants will gain actionable insights on how to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, mitigate risk, and implement resilient, effective solutions tailored to their organization's unique needs.

John Hansman

President & CEO

Truit

 

 

 

 

In this session, we will examine the integration of advanced HR technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, into human resource processes. We'll explore how these technologies can streamline HR operations, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making capabilities. From automating repetitive tasks to providing data-driven insights for strategic planning, participants will learn about the latest tools and innovations that are transforming the HR landscape. Join us to discover how to leverage technology to optimize your HR functions and drive organizational success.

Todd Brook

CEO

Unchained

 

 

 

 

In today’s rapidly evolving industry, deploying an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system has become crucial for destination organizations aiming to streamline operations, enhance data visibility, and drive innovation. Join our expert panel as we explore the transformative benefits of ERP systems, with insights from industry leaders who have successfully implemented these solutions. This discussion will cover key areas such as operational efficiency, embedded AI capabilities, cloud platform consolidation, data-driven decision-making, and strategic alignment across business functions.

Vimal Vyas, CDME (Moderator)

VP, Data, Security and Digital Innovation

Greater Raleigh CVB

Karen Fisher, CDME

CFO

Visit Pittsburgh

Louisa Fan

Senior Solution Consultant

Oracle NetSuite

Bart Blaisdell

CFO

Visit Salt Lake

 

Explore diverse revenue generation strategies tailored for operations teams in this comprehensive session. We will delve into various opportunities, including ad sales, in-kind partnerships, and the rental of specialized office spaces like AV/studio facilities. Discover how shared revenue models with local partners, product sales, and specialized offerings such as Threshold 360 videos and Wonder Maps can create new income streams. We'll also discuss the potential of charging municipalities for a centralized mapping system and leveraging data-as-a-service models. This session is designed for professionals in IT, finance, HR, and operations, offering insights into maximizing revenue while enhancing organizational value.

Donald Lilley (Moderator)

Director of Technology and Business Intelligence

Visit Baltimore

Chuck Davison, CDME

Vice President, Attribution Solutions

Tourism Economics 

Cara Frank

Chief of Staff

Simpleview 

Brent Foerster

Executive Vice President

Tempest