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. 

We begin our Social Inclusion Summit with a warm welcome, celebrating Spokane's culture and indigenous community.  

Seven Secrets brings a new perspective to Social Inclusion, looking at hospitality through the lens of 16 different identity factors, and setting the stage for broader, bolder and braver conversations. It addresses DEI fatigue, “what about me”-ism, and the huge challenges of understanding all of the ways identity impacts tourism and making all people feel safe, seen and welcome. In development for 6 years, the Social Inclusion Summit has been chosen for Seven Secrets’ global premier. 

Kenny Porpora

Co-Founder

HospitableMe

 

 

 

 

In this session, we will delve into the vital role of developing and sustaining meaningful relationships with local communities and underrepresented populations. Featuring members from the Spokane artisan community, attendees will hear inspiring stories that showcase the importance of trust and authenticity to create mutually beneficial relationships and lasting impact. 

Bethany Letcher (Moderator)

Director of Convention Services

Visit Spokane

Skyler Oberst

Executive Director

Spokane Arts

Rose Noble, CDME

CEO

Visit Spokane

 

 

Join us for an insightful session dedicated to empowering destination organizations as they work with local government entities. This session will cover essential topics such as crafting compelling messages, navigating legislative processes, securing funding, and developing robust advocacy strategies.

In hearing from Spokane's government representatives, you'll be equipped with knowledge and confidence to develop a strong foundation to champion inclusion in your own government.

Lisa Simpson (Moderator)

Sr. Director of Partner Services & Engagement

Visit Spokane

Alex Gibilisco

Manager of Equity & Inclusion Initiatives

Spokane City Council

Darya Pilram

Economic Recovery Corps Fellow 

 

 

This powerful immersive experience will honor and celebrate Spokane's Indigenous community.

Spend the afternoon participating in traditional activities, listening to stories, and learning about the rich heritage, customs, and contemporary issues facing Spokane's Indigenous people.

This hands-on exchange will provide invaluable insights into how you can incorporate Indigenous perspectives and practices into your destination's offerings in a respectful and inclusive way.

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. 

Accessibility Under the Sun: Fort Lauderdale and Wheel the World

Location: Room 100C

Explore how Greater Fort Lauderdale is setting new standards in accessibility, making the destination more inclusive for travelers with disabilities. This presentation will focus on our partnership with Visit Lauderdale, where we assessed and enhanced the accessibility of 70 local hotels, restaurants, and attractions, ultimately leading to the county receiving the Verified Destination seal. We’ll dive into the tangible impact this has had on attracting travelers with disabilities, as well as the success of dedicated marketing campaigns. Learn how prioritizing accessibility can boost a destination’s appeal and improve the overall visitor experience.

• Arturo Gaona, Chief Partnerships Officer, Founding Team, Wheel the World
• Andres Villagran, Head of Marketing, Wheel the World

Community Engagement: The Key to Authentic LGBTQ+ Engagement

Location: Room 206CD

How do you build and maintain a supportive workplace? How do you build awareness and preference among LGBTQ+ visitors? With the increasing pushback and politicalization of the LGBTQ+ community, destinations and brands are being challenged in new ways. This session explores the power and process of engaging with your local LGBTQ+ community - a solution that’s waiting literally in your backyard. 

• Billy Kolber, Co-Founder, HospitableMe

Destination Wayfinder

Location: Room 100C

Join Miles Partnership as we introduce the Destination Wayfinder, an industry-led framework designed to guide tourism leaders in enhancing community-centric stewardship. In this session, we'll explore how DMOs are using stewardship and inclusion principles to transform challenges into opportunities for collaboration and growth. Discover how to ensure your day-to-day efforts contribute to community well-being and cultural vitality for generations to come.

• Juan Vargas, DEI Account Director, Miles Partnership

Unlocking Potential: Navigating Supplier Diversity and Inclusive Procurement for Sustainable Business Impact and Growth

Location: Room 100C

Tourism industry leader and corporate venture entrepreneur, Barbara Karasek, will explore the crucial role of supplier diversity in fostering innovation, equity, and long-term business success. In this session, Barbara will lean on her 25+ years of experience in global corporate supplier diversity practices with brands such as the US Olympic Committee, NASCAR, and SeaWorld Entertainment/Universal Parks & Resorts to share how inclusive procurement practices can open new doors, reduce risk, and enhance supplier resilience. Through case studies and expert insights, we’ll discuss best practices for destinations and partners in identifying and partnering with diverse suppliers, navigating challenges, and creating a culture of inclusivity. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to integrate supplier diversity into their business model, driving sustainable growth and measurable impact. Whether you're looking to expand your supplier base or refine your procurement processes, this session will provide the tools and inspiration to transform your approach to supplier diversity and inclusive procurement for meaningful results.

• Barbara Karasek, CEO, Paradise Advertising & Marketing Inc. and CEO, AiOpti Media

Fostering a Gender-Inclusive Destination

Location: Room 206CD

Creating a gender-inclusive destination is no small feat — and it can feel especially hard to take on when you don’t have industry colleagues to brainstorm and share ideas with. If this is a pain point for your DMO, attend this session to hear from fellow DMOs who have made gender-inclusivity a substantial part of their DEI mission. Together, they will explore some of the ways their organizations are impacted by political responses to inclusion and how they can use their position to influence decisions, reflect their values, and foster destinations that are welcoming for all.

• Cara Frank, Chief of Staff, Simpleview

Accountability in Action: DI’s Top 5 Social Inclusion Resources

Location: Room 100C

In this session, we’ll dive into five creative and engaging ways to help you stay on top of your social inclusion goals. Discover practical tools and engaging resources that keep your organization transparent, focused, and committed to driving real change. Whether you’re just starting or leading the charge, this session will leave you inspired to keep inclusion front and center in an empowering way. 

• Sophia Hyder Hock, Chief Inclusion Officer, DI
• Ava Wells, Social Inclusion Manager, DI

The Davenport Grand will have an accessible room, #733, available for tours from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM today. Join the hotel staff to learn about the inclusive features and the accessibility goals of the hotel collection. Hotel guest elevators will be unlocked for the 7th floor during this time, so that you may tour the room at your leisure.

Our afternoon will kick off with an engaging and reflective session designed to deepen your understanding from Tuesday's immersive offsite experience. This interactive session will provide a structured opportunity for attendees to break out into small groups and share insights.

Participants will be encouraged to consider the experiences of underrepresented populations in their own communities, identifying parallels and unique challenges. Together, we will explore actionable strategies to support and uplift underreprestend populations, ensuring they are recognized and valued as integral members of a destination's social and cultural fabric.

Dive deeper into the heart of workplace inclusion with this insightful look into the critical role of emotional intelligence and effective communication. This session will explore how these elements impact both physical and digital employee experiences and emphasize the importance in building a cohesive and supportive workplace culture. Participants will engage in reflective exercises to assess their current practices and identify areas for improvement. Through discussions and expert guidance, you will learn practical strategies to enhance emotional intelligence, improve communication skills, and promote collaboration across diverse teams.

Lauren Bruggemans

Director of Sustainability & Community Engagement

Visit Greater Palm Springs

Meredith Darden, CDME

Chief Operating Officer

Visit Corpus Christi

 

 

 

Shift your focus inward with this essential session on fostering inclusivity within your organization's workforce. Designed for people-centered leaders, this session will leverage data and real-world examples to discuss and address common gaps and challenges in retaining diverse talent. Participants will collaborate on how to create supportive environments that value diverse perspectives and experiences, enhancing employee satisfaction and loyalty. In turn, you'll be one step further in ensuring your destination's workforce is diverse, innovative, and prepared for future growth.

Nicole Fitzpatrick

Community Relations Manager

Louisville Tourism 

Theresa Cunningham

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Community Engagement

San Diego Tourism Authority

 

 

 

Conclude your journey towards inclusivity with this powerful and applicable session focused on accountability.  Participants will leave with a understanding of how to move beyond good intentions and take concrete steps to formalize their inclusion strategies and foster welcoming visitor experiences.

James Leppan, CDME

Senior Manager, Destination Development

Explore Edmonton

Sarah Jackson

Strategic Communications Advisor

Explore Edmonton 

Brian Borkovec

Director of HR & Operations

Destination Madison 

Karen Kuhl

Executive Director

Cayuga County CVB, Inc.