2023 SCHEDULE
Schedule at a Glance
Familiarize yourself with the Dixie Convention Center and other UTC points of interest throughout Greater Zion with our Conference Map.
Opening Night Reception
Wednesday, 9/27/23 5:30 - 9:00 PM
Sponsored by Greater Zion
Join us for an evening dinner at the Greater Zion Visitors Center. Food and beverages will be provided. We will end the evening with a live performance by Tyler James Bellinger, sponsored by BMI.
2023 Full Conference Schedule
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Familiarize yourself with the Dixie Convention Center and other UTC points of interest throughout Greater Zion with our Conference Map
UOT TTAC Meeting - invite only
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Utah Office of Tourism Travel Trade Advisory Committee Meeting (TTAC)
DCC - Entrada B + C
UOT 1:1 Appointments - invite only
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Invite Only
DCC - Entrada B + C
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Invite Only
DCC - Sunbrook C
UADMO - invite only
BigShots Golf
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BigShots Golf, 1108 W Black Mountain Dr, St. George, UT 84790
Swing by for this free social event at BigShots Golf! Food and beverage will be available. Fun networking night to kick off the conference! Learn more.
Sponsored by Greater Zion and Adara
Shuttle service available at the following hotels:
Hilton Garden Inn / Fairfield - First pick up: 5:00 pm | Last drop off: 10:30 pm
Holiday Inn / Hyatt - First pick up: 5:00 pm | Last drop off: 10:30 pm
La Quinta / Hampton (SunRiver Exit) - First pick up: 5:00 pm | Last drop off: 10:30 pm
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
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DCC - North Lobby
Sponsored by Discover Davis & TripAdvisor
UTC Check-in / Registration
UTC Exhibitor & Marketplace Move-In
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UCC - Garden Room and Loading Dock
UTC Exhibitors and Marketplace can contact DCC with any move-in questions or specific booth needs.
Utah Tourism Industry Association Membership Meeting
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Join UTIA for our bi-annual full membership meeting. All attendees are welcome to join.
DCC - Entrada A, B, and C
Utah Office of Tourism Board of Tourism Development Meeting
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Join UOT for their monthly Board of Tourism Development Meeting. All attendees are welcome to join.
DCC - Entrada A, B, and C
Utah Tourism 101
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Whether this is your first UTC, you are new to the Tourism Industry in Utah, or perhaps you are looking for ways to improve your UTC experience. Join our Utah Tourism 101 pre-conference session as we talk through best practices for engaging in the industry, making the most out of your UTC experience, and some tips and tricks to building your tourism network.
This will also be the kick-off session for the UTC Mentorship Program.
Sponsored by Explore Utah Valley
DCC - Entrada A, B, and C
TourismWorks Silent Auction Opens
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DCC - Garden Room
The Annual Tourism Works Silent Auction is open and ready to accept bids. The Silent Auction will remain open throughout the conference with bidding closing Friday, Sept 30th at 12:50 PM.
Bidding instructions can be found here.
Destination Discovery Activities
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All activities will leave from Dixie Convention Center unless otherwise noted. See below.
Destination Discovery activities allow you to immerse in the many activities St. George and Greater Zion have to offer.
See a full list of Destination Discovery Activities | Register
Sponsored by Greater Zion
Destination Discovery ATV & Jeep Adventure Tour: Shuttle departing DCC at 11:00 am | Return to DCC at 4:00 pm
Destination Discovery Viva Via Ferrata: Shuttle departing DCC at 10:30 am | Return to DCC at 4:00 pm
Sponsor + Exhibitor Thank You
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For sponsors and exhibitors
Thank you to sponsors and exhibitors. UTC would not be possible without our sponsors and exhibitors! Join UTC organizers, fellow sponsors, and exhibitors for a quick social before kicking off the conference.
Exhibitors, if you are taking the shuttles to the opening reception please be sure to be on the FIRST shuttle leaving from the Dixie Convention Center at 4:45PM.
Greater Zion Visitor Center, 111 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770
Sponsored by UTIA
Shuttle to Opening Reception + Dinner
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Shuttles to the Opening Reception and Dinner will depart from the following hotels:
Hilton Garden Inn / Fairfield - Pick up: 5:30 pm | Last drop off: 10:00 pm
Holiday Inn / Hyatt - Pick up: 5:30 pm | Last drop off: 10:30 pm
La Quinta / Hampton (SunRiver) - Pick up: 5:30 pm | Last drop off: 10:00 pm
Attendees are welcome to carpool and/or drive themselves to the opening reception.
Sponsored by St. George Shuttle
Opening Reception + Dinner
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Greater Zion Visitor Center, 111 E Tabernacle Street, St. George, UT 84770
Join us for an evening dinner at the Greater Zion Visitor Center. Food and beverages will be provided. Plan to stay after dinner and concert, for Rooftop music, desserts, and drinks. Learn more.
Sponsored by Greater Zion
Dinner Concert: Tyler James Bellinger
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Greater Zion Visitor Center
Tyler James Bellinger is a singer/songwriter who has amassed over 27 million plays on Apple and Spotify in the last two years, thanks to his solo works and being a member of the band KNGDAVD . As part of KNGDAVD, his single, ‘Blood on Our Hands’ has been featured in Guinness’ 200th anniversary commercials, and the trailer for the movie “The Public.” KNGDAVD’s single "You Never Know" was featured in the Marvel TV show Cloak and Dagger, and their song "Say My Name" is featured in the fourth season of Netflix's “Lucifer.”
Bellinger wrote Australian singer Meg Mac's US Single "Don't Need Permission" and Spanish pop artist Blas Canto’s song "Save Me". As a solo artist Bellinger’s single “Giving You Up” was featured on NBC’s “Songland” and recently passed 9 million plays, Bellinger is currently featured on over 25 Apple Music playlists including “A List Pop” and “Today’s Easy Hits." Bellinger is currently writing on new projects for Ryland James, Rozes, Takis, Xriss and was recently featured on “make me feel the night" with Robin Schulz!
Sponsored by BMI
Thursday, September 28, 2023
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Dixie Convention Center - Lion's Den (Inside Convention Center near Wildlife Museum)
Get your flow on, by starting your morning off with a pre-meeting Sunrise Yoga session. Mats will be provided.
To register use the same link as the conference registration
Sponsored by Utah Association of Counties
Sunrise Activity: Sunrise Yoga
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DCC - North Lobby
Sponsored by Discover Davis & TripAdvisor
UTC Check-in / Registration
Opening Breakfast
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DCC - Ballroom
Sponsored by Park City Chamber of Commerce
TourismTALKS: Natalie Randall
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DCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Natalie Randall, Executive Director, Utah Tourism Industry Association
Join Natalie Randall, Executive Director of UTIA as she welcomes the industry to the 2023 Utah Tourism Conference.
TourismTALKS: Greater Zion Groundbreakers
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DCC - Ballroom
Speakers:
Brittany McMichael, Director, Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office (Co-Moderator)
Joyce Kelly, Executive Sales & Film Manager, Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office (Co-Moderator)
Patrick Manning, Managing Partner, Black Desert Resort
Kevin Smith, CEO, Tuacahn Center for the Arts
Nicki Pace Richards, Owner, George’s Corner Restaurant
Shayne Wittwer, CEO, Wittwer Hospitality
Brett Burgess, President CRS Development
Nate Wells, General Manager, Zion Canyon Village
If you had suggested to early explorers that one day tourism would be one of the largest industries in Greater Zion, they would have laughed you off the expedition trail. Today, Greater Zion is a Land of Groundbreakers, the generations of people who have churned this place into a Land of Opportunity. Let these standout tourism groundbreakers inspire you with their legacies, their feats of pioneering spirit and the new ground they’re breaking as we continue to grow and flourish. Tourism makes groundbreakers of all of us – both physically and metaphorically.
Sponsored by Greater Zion
TourismTALKS: New Utah
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DCC - Ballroom
TourismTALKS: Vicki Varela
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DCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Vicki Varela, Managing Director, Utah Office of Tourism
Join us as we hear from Vicki Varela the Managing Director for the Utah Office of Tourism as she shares office updates and initiatives.
TourismTALKS: Deep Connections
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Deep Connections: the secret power of successful organizations and great human achievements.
DCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Jean Oelwang, Co-Founder, Plus Wonder & Virgin Unite & Partnering Author
Some of the most successful leaders, boards, organizations, and collaborations have a secret power, their partnerships. It’s not just their skills or experiences that matter most, it is their ability to partner: to forge deep connections. Explore the core threads that weave through extraordinary partnerships and collaborations. Delve into how you can become a better leader through the relationships you nurture. Explore the deep connections at the center of most great human collaborations.
Networking Break: Trail Mix Bar
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Featuring a Make Your Own Trail Mix Bar, Sponsored by Bryce Canyon Country
DCC - Garden Room + Lobbies
The UTC Networking Lounge is the place to recharge between UTC keynotes and breakout sessions. Take some time to network with your fellow conference goers as well as visit our many conference exhibitors and Made in Utah Marketplace. Be sure to also take some time to listen in to the live on site recording of the Destination Marketing Podcast hosted by Relic.
Breakout Session 1 | 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
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Speaker: Brad J. Anderson, Senior Training Architect and President / Blueprint Creation
Join Brad Anderson, from Blueprint, for this interactive session on recognizing and delivering memorable sales and customer service to the four different personality styles of customers.
This session includes a fun discussion on recognizing and understanding our customer in person, and over the phone. By the end of this session you will know your personal style, know the four main customer styles and learn some quick and simple ideas on how you and your team can sell more by creating a memorable experience for our customer.
DCC - Entrada B + C
Sponsored by Vibrant Management
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Speakers: Anna Loughridge, Public Relations Manager / Utah Office of Tourism
Marrissa Mallory, Senior Vice President / J/PR
Audrey Thompson, Senior Director / J/PR
From psychedelic retreats and adaptogenic menus to set-jetting and all-electric road trips, why do some travel trends last, while others fizzle? From the unusual and extreme, to accessible and appealing—trends can create opportunities for brand and destination visibility…if you can only capitalize on them quickly. Join UOT PR & J/PR for a discussion on the nature of media and consumer travel trends, and the art of creating experiences and crafting storylines that might just land your destination or product in the headlines.
What you’ll learn:
What defines a “trend?” How they percolate. Why do some last and others fizzle?
How to determine whether an emerging trend aligns with your brand/destination
How to capitalize on an emerging trend for PR & marketing
How to help shape the trends for media, rather than follow them
DCC - Sunbrook A + B
Sponsored by Marriott Business Council
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Speaker: Caroline Hargraves, Director of Marketing and Economic Development, Utah Department of Agriculture
Panelists: Heather Carter, Nature Hills Farms | Tamra Watson, Utah Department of Agriculture & Food Shane Tooke, Water Canyon Winery
The breakout session on agritourism aimed to highlight the growing intersection between agriculture and tourism, shedding light on the immense potential and benefits of agritourism for communities and travelers seeking unique experiences. The session featured a diverse panel of experts providing insights and experiences in this emerging field.
DCC - Sunbrook C
Sponsored by Park City Chamber of Commerce
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Speakers: Judy Stowers, Southwest Regional Director, IRONMAN
Join IRONMAN executives for an inside look at attracting events to your area. It’s no longer just about the race or event, but the place and the face(s). Learn how to sell your destination to the events you want, gather tips on how to match your locale to the needs of the competitors, how to make a case for an event spend, and how to ascertain if an event is right for you and your communities. Whether you’re looking for big league events or smaller scale competitions, take away some valuable insights for race, place and face.
DCC - Entrada A
Sponsored by Visit Salt Lake
Opening Lunch
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DCC - Ballroom
Sponsored by Hanson Dodge
Tourism Works Silent Auction Feature
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DCC - Ballroom
Join us for a preview of what is being auctioned off for this year's Tourism Works Silent Auction.
Sponsored by Miles
Tourism Trailblazer
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DCC - Ballroom
TourismTALKS: Utah. America’s Film Set
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DCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Virginia Pearce, Director, Utah Film Commission
In the last 10 years, visitors drawn to Utah’s image in film and television have spent over $6 billion in our state. 2024 will mark the 100th anniversary of film in Utah and Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission will talk about the love affair the world has with Utah’s uniquely western landscapes and why our state continues to draw both filmmakers and film lovers.
Sponsored by Visit Ogden
TourismTALKS: Increasing "More" Unity in the Outdoor Community and Beyond
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UCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Earl B. Hunter, Founder + President, Black Folks Camp Too
Join us as we hear from Earl B. Hunter as he shares how to make an impact on creating more unity in the outdoor community and blazing the path to unity.
Sponsored by Relic
Networking Break: Ice Cream
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Sponsored by Ski Utah
DCC - Garden Room + Lobbies
The UTC Networking Lounge is the place to recharge between UTC keynotes and breakout sessions. Take some time to network with your fellow conference goers as well as visit our many conference exhibitors and Made in Utah Marketplace. Be sure to also take some time to listen in to the live on site recording of the Destination Marketing Podcast hosted by Relic.
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Speaker: Earl B. Hunter, Founder + President, Black Folks Camp Too
DCC - Sunbrook A + B
Sponsored by Box Elder County Tourism
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Moderator: Rachel Bremer, Global Markets Director, Utah Office of Tourism
Panelists: Jenni Bridgman | Heather McGillivray | Amy May | Top Dong | Sarah Harwardt | Mansi Oza | Olivier Barthez | Eve Messulam | Corey Marshall | Kate Wienburg
DCC - Entrada B + C
Sponsored by Visit Cedar City - Brian Head
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Speakers: Bill Malone, CEO of the Park City Chamber and Visitor Bureau
Sara Toliver, President/CEO, Visit Ogden
Jennifer Wesselhoff, President & CEO / Park City Chamber of Commerce | Convention & Visitors Bureau
Dallin Koecher, Executive Director, Heber Valley Tourism
It's not just about heads in beds any longer. DMO's are wearing more hats than ever before and changing their operations and outlooks. A few industry experts will share some of the new roles they have stepped into , and how it helps them make their economies stronger.
DCC - Sunbrook C
Sponsored by Sojern
Breakout Session 2 | 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Breakout Session 3 | 4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
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Speaker: Brad J. Anderson, Senior Training Architect and President, Blueprint Creation
While many customers opt to make their buying decision online, many may still take the time to call us directly. The importance of converting inquiry calls into additional business is imperative. Join us in this interactive session, delivered by Brad Anderson with Blueprint, for some easy to implement tips and suggestions for turning a caller into a buyer. As a special treat, Brad will even make some live test calls in the session to some of our competitors for an opportunity to critique the experience from a customer perspective.
DCC - Entrada B + C
Sponsored by Vibrant Management
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Speakers: Courtney Kiehm, Senior Social Media Strategist, Sparkloft
Elisabeth Barker, Senior Social Media Strategist, Sparkloft
Claire Fisher, Senior Account Director, Sparkloft
In this session, Sparkloft Media will share an overview of today's major social media platforms, including platform best practices, and content inspiration. Whether your DMO, organization, or business is just launching its social media presence, or needs a refresher on the ever-changing social landscape, Sparkloft will share marketing trends and tips to help you customize your social media strategy, formulate your destination’s voice, and manage active accounts.
DCC - Sunbrook A + B
Sponsored by Visit Ogden
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Speakers: Hannah Barry, Stargazing Zion
Matthias Schmitt, Stargazing Zion
Discuss the symbiosis of business growth and sustainability of dark skies, one of the unique elements in promoting Utah visitation.
DCC - Sunbrook C
Sponsored by Greater Zion
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Speaker: Autumn Gillard, Cultural Resource Manager, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah
This session will focus on understanding local tribal relationships with the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah and how it coincides with the tourism in the area.
DCC - Entrada A
Sponsored by Bryce Canyon Country
Partner Brochure Exchange
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DCC - Vendor Parking Lot
Contact: Ben Dodds, UOT
Annual partner brochure exchange is the opportunity for tourism offices, visitor centers, businesses and other partners to exchage visitor brochures.
Please sign up by using the same link as conference registration. Details on the exchange will be organized by UOT closer to the conference date.
Managed by: Dave Hansford, UOT
Women In Tourism Dinner - Sold Out
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Please reference RSVP for details”
Sponsored by Visit Salt Lake
Destination Dinner + Pub Crawl
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Enjoy a free evening exploring St. George.
Recommendations of where to eat can be found by visiting: greaterzion.com/dining-in-greater-zion/
Evening Social | Game Night
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Hilton Garden Inn St. George, 1731 S Convention Center Dr., St. George, UT 84790
Sponsored by Utah.com
Friday, September 29, 2023
Sunrise Activity: Sunrise Walk and Guided Meditation
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Meet at the Red Hills Desert Garden - 375 Red Hills Pkwy, St. George, for a Guided Meditation and Sunrise Walk.
To register use the same link as the conference registration
Sponsored by Utah Film Commission
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DCC - North Lobby
Sponsored by Discover Davis & TripAdvisor
UTC Check-in / Registration
Tourism Hall of Fame Breakfast
Tourism Hall of Fame Award Ceremony
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DCC - Ballroom
Join us as we honor our Tourism Hall of Fame inductees.
Donald James Cannon, Utah Travel Council
Mike Deaver, Utah Office of Toursim
Kelly Day, Utah Office of Tourism
Joan Hammer, Director, Box Elder County Tourism
Awards sponsored by Ripe
TourismTALKS: Lieutenant Governor's Address
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DCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Lieutenant Governor Deidre M. Henderson, State of Utah
TourismTALKS: Making “Space” in the Outdoors
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DCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Natalie Britt, President & CEO, Zion National Park Forever Project
An honest and informative talk acknowledging the real challenges facing public lands in Utah and the creative solutions being discovered in the Zion regional landscape through creating space for collaboration and cross-pollination.
Using the eastern gates of Zion National Park and the new Discovery Center as a map and guide, participants will walk through a vision that began more than a decade ago. President & CEO Natalie Britt will dive into the values and inspirations that sent Zion Forever Project on a mission. One that brought together federal agencies, Native American tribal leaders, state officials, local governments, academic institutions, non-profit partners, community stakeholders, and business owners. All with the goal of finding real actionable solutions to regional challenges while also seeking to find a balance of commerce and conservation.
Through a series of focused planning meetings and community engagements, partners worked to create imaginative educational programming and much-needed accessible trails and recreation experiences. Working alongside tribal representatives, the group is creating new interpretive experiences. With demonstrations sharing traditional practices, modern insights, and an often difficult and sensitive history from their own voice.
This approach of making inclusive space is creating a new model of “contributive commerce” facilitating new economic opportunities, living wage jobs, and fostering a community where everyone understands that caring for our parks will always be a group effort.
TourismTALKS: State of Lodging
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DCC - Ballroom
Speaker: Melissa Mitton, Director, State & Local Government Affairs, AHLA
Join the American Hotel and Lodging Association's (AHLA) Western State and Local Government staff for an update on the state of lodging nationally and at a regional scale.
Sponsored by AHLA
Networking Break: Smoothies
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Sponsored by the Carbon County Tourism
DCC - Garden Room + Lobbies
The UTC Networking Lounge is the place to recharge between UTC keynotes and breakout sessions. Take some time to network with your fellow conference goers as well as visit our many conference exhibitors and Made in Utah Marketplace. Be sure to also take some time to listen in to the live on site recording of the Destination Marketing Podcast hosted by Relic.
Breakout Session 4 | 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
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Speakers: Joshua Aikens, Chief of Staff, Zonos
Cody Ferdinando, Search Engine Optimization Specialist, Zonos
In this presentation, we'll explore the multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector, specifically in the context of Utah's tourism. Starting with an overview of AI and its potential in tourism and marketing, we'll delve into its benefits such as improved efficiency, personalized marketing, and enhanced travel experiences.
We'll then navigate the potential pitfalls and ethical implications associated with AI, including data misuse, potential biases, and concerns of stakeholders. Next, we'll discuss worst-case scenarios and real-world mishaps involving AI in tourism, along with strategies to mitigate these risks. Concluding, we'll provide a recap, future outlook, and call for balanced AI adoption, followed by an engaging question-and-answer session.
DCC- Sunbrook C
Sponsored by Visit Ogden
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Speakers: AJ Templeton, Assistant Professor, Southern Utah University
Rochelle Blatter, Donor Relations and Donor Events Coordinator, Utah Tech University
Jessica Ballard, Professional in Residence: Event & Hospitality Management, Utah Valley University
Kyle Aldridge, Social Media Director, Vibrant Management
Elijah Wade, Wittwer Hospitality
Learn from education and industry experts, as well as experienced interns, on how to develop an internship offering that works for you and the students, while filling a critical role in your organization. This panel discussion will walk through the needs of interns, creation of an ongoing internship program, and even ultimately crafting a pipeline to full-time employment. Explore expectations from both sides and how internships can indeed be effectively symbiotic.
DCC - Entrada B + C
Sponsored by Best Western
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Speakers: Breck Dockstader, Vibrant Management
Maxwell Key, Account Manager, Viator
Nicholas Doble, Area Manager, Booking.com
Shayne Wittwer, Wittwer Hospitality
Join this session to learn about the benefits of partnering with Online Travel Companies.
DCC - Entrada A
Sponsored by Wittwer Hospitality
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Speakers: Caren Werner, Regional Film Specialist, Visit Ogden
Maria Twitchell, Executive Director, Visit Cedar City | Brian Head
Virginia Pearce, Director, Utah Film Commission
Join the Utah Film Commission for a practical breakout session where you can actively plan a community celebration for the 100th anniversary of film in Utah. We'll cover topics like event conceptualization, programming ideas, marketing strategies, and community engagement. Whether it’s hosting a screening of an iconic film shot in Utah, bringing a curated exhibition to your community, or installing a historical marker of a popular filming destination to drive tourism to your county, this session is YOUR chance to receive one-on-one consultation from UFC staff to learn how your community can celebrate this milestone.
DCC - Sunbrook A + B
Sponsored by Visit Park City
Closing Luncheon
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DCC - Ballroom
Sponsored by Discover Davis
TourismWorks Silent Auction Closes
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DCC - Ballroom
Thank you for supporting the Tourism Works Political Acition Commmittee (PAC) with your generous bids.
Collection of items can completed in the registration desk. Final bidding awards can be found online here.
Sponsored by Utah Tourism Industry Association
Exhibitor Pass Drawing
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DCC - Ballroom
Win a Ski Utah Yeti Pass! Open to all attendees who visit UTC Exhibitors and complete the Bandwango Exhibitor Pass.
Must be in attendance at time of drawing to win!
Forever Mighty Challenge Drawing
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DCC - Ballroom
Embrace the Forever Mighty principles and share on Instagram for you chance to win a Pair of Delta tickets!
Take a picture of a Forever Mighty behavior and share on Instagram
Follow and tag @utahtourism & @delta
Use hashtags: #utahtourism23 & #utahtourismFM
Must be in attendance at time of drawing to win.
Sponsored by Delta Airlines
Live Broadway Performance with Tuacahn
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DCC - Ballroom
Sponsored by Tuacahn
Closing Remarks
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DCC - Ballroom