By Kimberly Shumack
Alabama’s tourism industry will converge on the state’s beautiful beaches for the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Sept. 16-18. Held at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, this three-day conference offers industry updates, numerous educational sessions, and networking opportunities for participants from across the state.
“Hosting the Governor’s Conference is a wonderful honor for our area,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues and in the down time, showing them the wonderful attractions, accommodations and restaurants that attracted over four million visitors last year to our sugar-white shores.”
Key speakers will address the crowd on a variety of topics ranging from marketing to law:
•Larry Mersereau, a noted marketing and branding consultant, will present “Stand Out! Differentiate or Disappear,” and “How to Get Maximum Return from your Marketing Dollars.”
•Debra Carter, president of Hotel Resources, will present “Internet Prospecting for Meetings.”
•Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, will present “Tourism 101,” and “The ABTTs of Finances and Grants.”
•Marlene Colucci, executive vice president of public policy for the American Hotel and Lodging Association, will present “Federal Government Affairs Issues.”
Also, a hospitality and tourism law panel will feature Andria Ryan, a lawyer with Fisher and Phillips LLP;Tommy Thornton III, a lawyer with Carr Allison; and Bryance Metheny, a lawyer with Burr and Forman LLP.
Meanwhile, breakout sessions will address specific industry segment issues such as those of attractions, hotels and visitors bureaus.
Several vital meetings are going to be held during the conference. The Alabama Travel Council will hold its annual meeting and its board of directors’ meeting. Also, the ABTT plans to conduct its annual update and advisory board meeting. Finally, the Alabama Tourism Partnership will have its update and legislative session.
Also, the 2007 Tourism Industry Scholarship Award Winners will be announced at the AACVB luncheon, while the conference will lead up to the ABTT Awards Banquet on Tuesday night.
For more information, visit www.algovernorsconference.com.
