Explore The Program

✍️ 11:00 a.m. – Registration Opens at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center sponsored by American Technology Rentals
200 Civic Center Dr, Charleston, WV 25301

Don’t forget—registration is open until 5 PM today! Be sure to collect your name badge and welcome bag when you sign in. We look forward to seeing you and ensuring you have everything you need for an incredible experience!

⚾️ 4:00 p.m. – ‘Night at the Ballpark’ with the Charleston Dirty Birds
GoMart Ballpark, 601 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301

Step up to the plate for an evening of excitement at GoMart Ballpark with the Charleston Dirty Birds taking on the Long Island Ducks! Enjoy a thrilling baseball game while savoring a spectacular field dinner. This fun-filled event promises a memorable night of sports, great food, and lively atmosphere. Join us for an unforgettable experience at the ballpark and cheer on your favorite team in style! Registration for this event closed on September, 2nd.

🚌 Shuttles starting from the Convention Center begin looping at 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

➡️ Convention Center | Front Entrance at 100 Quarrier St. (also serving guests of Holiday Inn)

➡️ Marriott | Corner of Clendenin & Lee St. (also serving guests of Embassy Suites)

➡️ Four Points | Front Entrance, 600 Kanawha Blvd E side

➡️ GoMart Ballpark | 601 Morris St, Charleston

✍️ 5:00 p.m. – Registration Closes at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center sponsored by American Technology Rentals
200 Civic Center Dr, Charleston, WV 25301

✍️ 7:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Registration Open at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
200 Civic Center Dr, Charleston, WV 25301

🍴 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast served at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

📣 9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. – Keynote – Welcome to Charleston with Tim Brady from the Charleston CVB
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

📣 9:10 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. – Keynote – The State of Tourism in West Virginia with Secretary Chelsea Ruby
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Take an in-depth look at the current state and future prospects of tourism in West Virginia. This session will offer valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the state’s tourism landscape. Secretary Ruby will discuss strategic initiatives, economic impacts, and innovative approaches driving growth in the industry.

📣 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. – Keynote – The Lost Art of Being a Little Weird with Jacquelyn Blackwell from Atlas Obscura
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

We’re living in a golden age of travel, a time when incredible food, craft beer, and beautiful vistas can be found in many destinations with many providers and attractions. So, how do you set your destination or business apart? Atlas Obscura’s Jacquelyn Blackwell argues that you have to be willing to go niche, and yes, a little weird. In this talk, she’ll share some examples of viral stories and best-selling experiences that entice travelers by appealing to their innate sense of curiosity, as well as some tips for uncovering your own weird and wild wonders.

☕️ 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. – Coffee Break sponsored by TripAdvisor
Elk River Atrium, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

📣 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. – Keynote – Innovators’ Showdown moderated by Dominique Raineri sponsored by Sojern
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Discover the cutting-edge ideas shaping West Virginia’s tourism industry at The Innovators Showdown. This session will showcase a selection of innovative programs and projects developed by visionary West Virginians. Each presenter will have 7 minutes to share their groundbreaking concept with conference attendees, highlighting practical solutions that can be adapted and implemented in various regions and organizations.

🍴 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. – Lunch served at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Discover insights from students around the state while they share their experiences from the first-ever Governor’s School for Tourism. Then, test your knowledge and compete in fun trivia games sponsored by the National Coal Heritage Area.

⏰ 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Individual Appointments *Require Pre-Registration

• International Tourism Appointments* with Sean Bayliss from Brand USA and Gisa Kusserow-Hanson from AlliedTPro
  • Room 210, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Tailor solutions to attract diverse travelers and learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of international tourism while increasing your destination’s international connectivity.

• Social Media Audit Appointments* with Sarah Harmon, Paige McElroy and Victoria Blickenstaff from the West Virginia Department of Tourism
  • Room 211, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Get a comprehensive review of your current social media presence and strategize actionable steps to optimize your social media strategy and enhance your online presence effectively.

• Economic Development & Workforce Appointments* with Amanda Legg from the West Virginia Department of Tourism Meghan Smith from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and Kristen Beverage/Louis Argento from Partner Community Capital
  • Room 212, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Discuss economic development and workforce opportunities available in West Virginia. Together, you’ll develop actionable plans to drive sustainable economic growth for your organization or community.

💡 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Learning Labs Round 1

• Learning Lab A – Engaging Your Audience: Marketing Plan 101: Crafting Strategies That Spark Success with Destiny Workman and Kaycee Lantz from the West Virginia Department of Tourism sponsored by Bandwango
  • Ballroom A, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Dive into the foundational principles of marketing with this engaging session designed for beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Explore key concepts such as market research, branding, and strategy development. Learn how to craft compelling messages, identify target audiences, and leverage various marketing channels to achieve your goals. If you’re looking to refine your skills or start from scratch, this session will provide you with practical tools and insights to elevate your marketing game.

• Learning Lab B – Creating Your Vision: Social Media Strategy: Making Impactful Social Media Plans with Sarah Harmon from the West Virginia Department of Tourism
  • Ballroom B, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Unlock the secrets to effective social media management in this dynamic session. Take a glance into the essentials of creating a winning strategy, from setting clear goals and understanding your audience to selecting the right platforms and measuring success. Discover best practices for content creation, engagement techniques, and leveraging analytics to refine your approach. Whether you’re a newcomer or looking to enhance your existing strategy, this session offers actionable insights to boost your social media presence and drive meaningful results.

• Learning Lab C – Elevating Your Reputation: Mastering AllTrails’ Editor for Engaging and Updating Trail Information with John Ribes from AllTrails
  • Room 215, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Discover how to enhance your trail’s visibility and appeal with AllTrails’ powerful editor in this hands-on session. Learn the ins and outs of updating, adding, and maintaining trail information to ensure it stands out to adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Through interactive demonstrations and practical tips, you’ll gain the skills to create compelling and accurate trail descriptions, showcase stunning visuals, and keep your content fresh and engaging. Join us to elevate your trail’s reputation and make a lasting impact in the outdoor community.

• Learning Lab D – Building Pathways for Tourism Careers: Student & Educators Collaborative Breakout
  • Room 216+217, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Please note: This is a two-part breakout session; participants are encouraged to attend from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Part 1) and to return for the second hour from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to continue the conversation.
  • This interactive, facilitated session will include presentations from students who attended the Governor’s School for Tourism, as well as facilitated discussion around the topic of creating pathways for tourism careers. College and high school administrators will break up into groups to actively work on creating and enhancing these pathways.

☕️ 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Afternoon Refreshment Break sponsored by Expedia
Elk River Atrium, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

💡 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Learning Labs Round 2

• Learning Lab A – Engaging Your Audience: Marketing Plan 101: Crafting Strategies That Spark Success with Destiny Workman and Kaycee Lantz from the West Virginia Department of Tourism sponsored by Bandwango
  • Ballroom A, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Dive into the foundational principles of marketing with this engaging session designed for beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Explore key concepts such as market research, branding, and strategy development. Learn how to craft compelling messages, identify target audiences, and leverage various marketing channels to achieve your goals. If you’re looking to refine your skills or start from scratch, this session will provide you with practical tools and insights to elevate your marketing game.

• Learning Lab B – Creating Your Vision: Social Media Strategy: Making Impactful Social Media Plans with Sarah Harmon from the West Virginia Department of Tourism
  • Ballroom B, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Unlock the secrets to effective social media management in this dynamic session. Take a glance into the essentials of creating a winning strategy, from setting clear goals and understanding your audience to selecting the right platforms and measuring success. Discover best practices for content creation, engagement techniques, and leveraging analytics to refine your approach. Whether you’re a newcomer or looking to enhance your existing strategy, this session offers actionable insights to boost your social media presence and drive meaningful results.

• Learning Lab C – Elevating Your Reputation: Mastering AllTrails’ Editor for Engaging and Updating Trail Information with John Ribes from AllTrails
  • Room 215, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Discover how to enhance your trail’s visibility and appeal with AllTrails’ powerful editor in this hands-on session. Learn the ins and outs of updating, adding, and maintaining trail information to ensure it stands out to adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. Through interactive demonstrations and practical tips, you’ll gain the skills to create compelling and accurate trail descriptions, showcase stunning visuals, and keep your content fresh and engaging. Join us to elevate your trail’s reputation and make a lasting impact in the outdoor community.

• Learning Lab D – Building Pathways for Tourism Careers: Student & Educators Collaborative Breakout
  • Room 216+217, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Please note: This is a two-part breakout session; participants are encouraged to attend from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Part 1) and to return for the second hour from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to continue the conversation.
  • This interactive, facilitated session will include presentations from students who attended the Governor’s School for Tourism, as well as facilitated discussion around the topic of creating pathways for tourism careers. College and high school administrators will break up into groups to actively work on creating and enhancing these pathways.

🍻 6:00 p.m. – ‘Night at the City Center’ Hosted by the Charleston CVB
Slack Plaza, 182 Summers St, Charleston, WV 25301

Join us for an unforgettable evening hosted by the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Experience the vibrant local culture with an array of artisans showcasing their crafts, enjoy a selection of drinks and delicious local food, and be serenaded by talented local musicians. This event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of Charleston while networking with fellow attendees in a lively, relaxed setting. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the best of Charleston’s artistic and culinary scene!

🚌 Shuttles starting from the Convention Center begin looping at 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

➡️ Convention Center | Front Entrance at 100 Quarrier St. (also serving guests of Holiday Inn)

➡️ Marriott | Corner of Clendenin & Lee St. (also serving guests of Embassy Suites)

➡️ Four Points | Front Entrance, 600 Kanawha Blvd E side

➡️ Slack Plaza | 182 Summers St

🍴 7:00 p.m. – Dinner On Your Own

Take a look at a few restaurant options close to the conference!

✍️ 7:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Registration Open at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
200 Civic Center Dr, Charleston, WV 25301

🍴 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – Networking Breakfast at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Kickstart your day with our Networking Breakfast, featuring interactive activities and engaging discussions on key topics. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while participating in hands-on activities that will spark conversations and help you build valuable relationships.

📣 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. – Keynote – Tourism By The Numbers moderated by George Zimmermann from Longwoods International and paneled by Adam Sacks from Tourism Economics, Anna Blount from Longwoods International and Bram Gallagher from AirDNA
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Anna Blount from Longwoods International, Panelist
Adam Sacks from Tourism Economic, Panelist
Bram Gallagher from AirDNA, Panelist

This session will provide a deep dive into key statistics and trends impacting the tourism sector. Hear from industry experts as they unpack data on visitor behaviors, economic impacts, and emerging trends. Learn how to interpret these numbers to refine your strategies, enhance visitor experiences, and boost your destination’s appeal. Perfect for tourism professionals and data enthusiasts alike, this session will equip you with actionable insights to stay ahead in a data-driven world.

☕️ 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. – Coffee Break sponsored by Great Lakes Publishing
Elk River Atrium, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

📣 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – Keynote – Pitching Your Destination & Finding Your Personal Voice with Andrew Nelson from National Geographic
Ballroom C, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Unlock the secrets to effective destination pitching while discovering how to express your unique perspective in this interactive session. Learn how to craft persuasive and engaging pitches that highlight the best features of your destination, capturing the interest of potential visitors and partners. At the same time, explore techniques for finding and honing your personal voice, ensuring that your messaging resonates authentically. Through expert insights and practical exercises, you’ll gain the skills to deliver standout presentations and build a distinctive, memorable narrative for your destination.

🍴 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Lunch On Your Own & Experience Charleston Activities *Some Activities Require Pre-Registration

• Scootin’ Around the City with Active Southern WV*
  Join Active Southern WV’s Community Captain Sam Nygaard for an exciting tour of downtown Charleston, showcasing the capital city’s vibrant public art scene on Bird electric scooters! This unique excursion will start at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and explore nearby murals, sculptures, and other artistic gems. You can register in advance here.

• Exploring Elk City with Country Road Tours*
  Explore the eclectic Elk City District on foot with Country Road Tours! This unique walking journey will start at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and take you through vibrant art scenes, local distilleries, and historic landmarks, revealing a lesser-known yet captivating side of Charleston. Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot before they’re all taken! You can register in advance here.

• Experience the Carriage Trail with FestivALL
  Join FestivALL for a short hike along Charleston’s historic & scenic Carriage Trail! As you stroll, local artists and musicians will guide you. The trail leads to a stunning overlook of the city. Enjoy the convenience of a continual shuttle loop to the destination—no sign-ups are required. Just be sure to mark this experience on your conference schedule!

• Discover the Culture Center and State Museum
  Discover the Culture Center and State Museum at your own pace and immerse yourself in West Virginia’s rich history. This indoor experience offers a deep dive into the state’s heritage. Enjoy the convenience of a continual shuttle service looping from the convention center—no reservations needed. Just be sure to include this in your conference schedule!
  
  
  🚌 Shuttles will be on a continual loop until 2:00 p.m. from:
  
  ➡️ Charleston Convention Center | Front Entrance, 100 Quarrier St.
  
  ➡️ Culture and History Museum | WV Capitol Building,1 900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Building 9
  
  ➡️ Slack Plaza | 182 Summers Street
  
  An additional shuttle will be looping from:
  
  ➡️ Charleston Convention Center | 100 Quarrier St.
  
  ➡️ Sunrise Carriage Trail | 746 Myrtle Rd

⏰ 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Individual Appointments *Require Pre-Registration

• International Tourism Appointments* with Sean Bayliss from Brand USA and Gisa Kusserow-Hanson from AlliedTPro
  • Room 210, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Tailor solutions to attract diverse travelers and learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of international tourism while increasing your destination’s international connectivity.

• Social Media Audit Appointments* with Sarah Harmon, Paige McElroy and Victoria Blickenstaff from the West Virginia Department of Tourism
  • Room 211, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Get a comprehensive review of your current social media presence and strategize actionable steps to optimize your social media strategy and enhance your online presence effectively.

• Economic Development & Workforce Appointments* with Amanda Legg from the West Virginia Department of Tourism, Meghan Smith from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and Kristen Beverage/ Louis Argento from Partner Community Capital
  • Room 212, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Discuss economic development and workforce opportunities available in West Virginia. Together, you’ll develop actionable plans to drive sustainable economic growth for your organization or community.

• Cooperative Advertising Appointments* with Destiny Workman & Kaycee Lantz from the West Virginia Department of Tourism
  • Room 213, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Learn how to participate in our Cooperative Advertising Program, which is a public-private partnership program that allows industry partners to tap into state advertising funds and resources to promote themselves and steer travelers in their direction.

💡 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Learning Labs Round 1

• Learning Lab A – Engaging Your Audience: Insights and Strategies from Journalists and Content Creators Panel moderated by Andrew Nelson from National Geographic and paneled by Kristin Repchick, Social Media Content Creator | Dobrina Zhekova, Journalist & Digital Media Expert |Meg St-Esprit, Freelance Journalist sponsored by WV MetroNews/WVRC
  • Ballroom A, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Dive into the art of captivating your audience with this expert-led panel featuring prominent journalists and content creators. Discover the latest trends and techniques for crafting compelling stories and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. Our panelists will share their unique perspectives on storytelling, audience engagement, and leveraging multimedia platforms to enhance your reach. Whether you’re looking to refine your content strategy or explore new approaches, this session offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to elevate your communication and connect more effectively with your audience.

• Learning Lab B – Creating Your Vision: The Art of Capturing the ‘Right Shot’
  with Kylee Krizmanic & Hilary Braaksma from DotDash Meredith | Chase Heilman & George Ferris from Starboard & Port
  • Ballroom B, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Elevate your photography skills with this immersive session focused on mastering the art of capturing the perfect shot. Explore techniques and strategies for translating your vision into stunning visuals, from understanding composition and lighting to selecting the ideal settings. Our expert instructors will guide you through hands-on exercises and share insider tips to help you capture moments with precision and creativity.

• Learning Lab C – Elevating Your Reputation: Innovation & Technology Trends Panel
  with Pat Strader from Digital Relativity, TJ Fletcher from Madden Media and Mallory Smith from Tripadvisor sponsored by Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
  • Room 216+217, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Join leading experts as they explore cutting-edge trends and groundbreaking innovations shaping the industry. Gain insights into emerging technologies, strategic advancements, and how they can enhance your organization’s reputation and competitive edge. This session will provide strategies and ideas to help you leverage technology for growth and visibility.

☕️ 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. – Afternoon Refreshments sponsored by WV News
Elk River Atrium, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

💡 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Learning Labs Round 2

• Learning Lab A – Engaging Your Audience: Insights and Strategies from Journalists and Content Creators Panel moderated by Andrew Nelson from National Geographic and paneled by Kristin Repchick, Social Media Content Creator | Dobrina Zhekova, Journalist & Digital Media Expert |Meg St-Esprit, Freelance Journalist sponsored by WV MetroNews/WVRC
  • Ballroom A, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Dive into the art of captivating your audience with this expert-led panel featuring prominent journalists and content creators. Discover the latest trends and techniques for crafting compelling stories and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. Our panelists will share their unique perspectives on storytelling, audience engagement, and leveraging multimedia platforms to enhance your reach. Whether you’re looking to refine your content strategy or explore new approaches, this session offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to elevate your communication and connect more effectively with your audience.

• Learning Lab B – Creating Your Vision: The Art of Capturing the ‘Right Shot’
  with Kylee Krizmanic & Hilary Braaksma from DotDash Meredith | Chase Heilman & George Ferris from Starboard & Port
  • Ballroom B, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Elevate your photography skills with this immersive session focused on mastering the art of capturing the perfect shot. Explore techniques and strategies for translating your vision into stunning visuals, from understanding composition and lighting to selecting the ideal settings. Our expert instructors will guide you through hands-on exercises and share insider tips to help you capture moments with precision and creativity.

• Learning Lab C – Elevating Your Reputation: Innovation & Technology Trends Panel
  with Pat Strader from Digital Relativity, TJ Fletcher from Madden Media and Mallory Smith from Tripadvisor sponsored by Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
  • Room 216+217, Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
  • Join leading experts as they explore cutting-edge trends and groundbreaking innovations shaping the industry. Gain insights into emerging technologies, strategic advancements, and how they can enhance your organization’s reputation and competitive edge. This session will provide strategies and ideas to help you leverage technology for growth and visibility.

🚌 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Shuttles to Night at the Museum

Shuttles will be on a continual loop from:

➡️ Convention Center | Front Entrance, 100 Quarrier St. (also serving guests of Holiday Inn)

➡️ Marriott | Corner of Clendenin & Lee St. (also serving guests of Embassy Suites)

➡️ Four Points | Front Entrance, 600 Kanawha Blvd E side

➡️ Clay Center | Front Entrance, 1 Clay Square



⭐️ 6:00 p.m. – ‘Night at the Museum’ Stars of Almost Heaven Awards Dinner sponsored by Madden Media
Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301

Wear your best cocktail attire for an enchanting evening at the Clay Center. Celebrate the best of Almost Heaven as we honor outstanding achievements in tourism. Enjoy an elegant dinner surrounded by captivating exhibits, local artisans showcasing their craft, and live performances by talented local musicians. This special event offers a unique blend of culture, creativity, and community, making it a night you won’t forget!

Live music sponsored by Destination by Design
Awards Dinner Beverages sponsored by DotDash Meredith

🚌 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Shuttles from Night at the Museum

Shuttles will be on a continual loop from:

➡️ Clay Center Front Entrance, 1 Clay Square

➡️ Convention Center | Front Entrance, 100 Quarrier St. (also serving guests of Holiday Inn

➡️ Marriott | Corner of Clendenin & Lee St. (also serving guests of Embassy Suites)

➡️ Four Points | Front Entrance, 600 Kanawha Blvd E side

👋🏼 Check Out

Thank you for joining us!