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.

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.

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.

Effective communication with stakeholders is a cornerstone of success in the destination organization industry. This session will provide a deep dive into the strategies and best practices for engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local communities, government entities, tourism partners, and visitors. We will explore techniques for conveying your organization's vision, managing expectations, and fostering strong, collaborative relationships. Participants will learn how to tailor communication approaches to various stakeholders, navigate sensitive issues, and ensure alignment of interests. Join us to refine your communication skills and enhance your ability to drive successful outcomes in the dynamic world of destination management.

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.

Revolutionizing Meeting Sales and Business Operations with Simpleview Data Engine

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

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

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 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.