
Agenda
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
Sunday Night at Winter Chautauqua: Explore Gainesville Like a Local!
2:00 – 4:00 PM | CHECK-IN AND SPONSOR SET-UP
Check in and Registration at Marriott in Downtown Gainesville for attendees spending the night. Sponsors will check in and set up at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier, ensuring everything is in place for the conference the following day.
4:30 – 6:30 PM | COOLBUS TOURS
Hop aboard one of Explore Gainesville’s new COOLbuses for a guided tour through Downtown GVL! Along the way, we’ll highlight Gainesville’s impressive public art, new industry developments, and the story behind our COOLbuses. This is a great opportunity to see the city through a local lens while connecting with fellow attendees! Drop-off and pick-up for the Tour will be located at the Courtyard Marriott.
5:00 – 8:00 PM | EVENING FESTIVITIES
The evening continues at the Courtyard Marriot outdoor plaza with a variety of activities designed for networking and entertainment, including:
-
Olympic-Themed Games – Test your competitive spirit with challenges (loosely) inspired by Gainesville’s Olympic legacy.
-
Spirit Pull – Take a chance and win a surprise bottle to enjoy.
-
Music & Karaoke – Sing along or enjoy the entertainment while mingling.
-
Networking & Socializing – Connect with industry peers in a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
Drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening.
MONDAY, MARCH 10
7:30 - 8:30 AM | Sponsor/Vendor Set-up at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier.
8:00 - 9:00 AM | Attendee Check-in/Registration at The Boathouse at Lake Lanier.
9:00 - 10:00 AM | KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Gloria Syfan
Update from Jay Markwalter, Tourism Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
10:00 - 10:15 AM | Break - Sponsored by Discover Dahlonega
A: ENTERTAINMENT TOURISM IN GEORGIA - Lynda Lee Smith
Lynda Lee Smith, Founder and Chairperson of the Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia, discusses what destination marketing organizations can do to help bring music, theater, and e-Gaming to their destination. Discover what the future holds for these events and ideas that your peers discussed in Town Hall style meetings held during 2024!
B: 2025 NEGMTA MARKETING OUTLINE & PANEL DISCUSSION
Board Member and Marketing Chair Margaret Mclean is joined by a panel of fellow tourism professionals to discuss the 2025 NEGMTA Marketing Co-op plan as well as potential marketing/collaboration opportunities available between destinations, including podcasts, online influencers and more.
C: THE GOLD MEDAL MINDSET: BUILDING YOUR INNER ARMORY TO CONQUER LIFE AND BUSINESS - Ilke Lander
Ilke Lander, Entrepreneur and Owner of Paradise Hills Winery, Resort and Spa delivers an inspirational story of success in spite of difficulties and setbacks. In the spirit of the Olympics, this empowering session will guide you through the three essential steps to reach your personal and professional gold medal. Learn how to break patterns, build an unstoppable self, and battle forward to Gold. With these strategies, you’ll create an inner armory to overcome any challenge and dominate the game of life and business. Are you ready to step onto the podium of success?
11:15 - 11:30 AM | Break - Sponsored by Discover Dahlonega
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Lunch Break
AGRITOURISM AND YOUR COMMUNITY - Panel Discussion
Cheryl Smith, Agritourism Manager at Georgia Department of Agriculture, is our moderator as we welcome GPB's David Zelki of "A Fork in the Road" series along with several local farm and orchard owners to discuss various aspects of Agritourism.
A: ENTERTAINMENT TOURISM IN GEORGIA - Randy Davidson
Randy Davidson, CEO and Founder of Georgia Entertainment, discusses the rising interest in various Georgia destinations. What are the needs to know and how do you prepare your destination to take the next step.
B: ROLE OF PUBLIC ART IN YOUR COMMUNITY - Angela Sheppard
Gainesville City Assistant Manager Angela Sheppard, along with the Gainesville Public Art Commission, showcases an incredible display of local art around the city and discuss the importance of aesthetics at your destination to provide a vibrant visual experience for residents and visitors alike.
C: DIGITAL MEDIA SOLUTIONS - Ayla Crippen
Ayla Crippen with Gray Digital Media brings her many years of experience to discuss the multiple ways digital media can be used to reach new customers and retain current ones. Learn about ideas, strategies, and how to interpret reports and more.
2:15 - 2:30 PM | Break - Sponsored by Discover Dahlonega
A: THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS - Laurie Rowe
Laurie Rowe with Laurie Rowe Media presents the importance of a strong PR presence for destinations.
B: HOTEL/MOTEL TAX DO'S AND DON'TS - Tyler Reinagel
Dr. Tyler Reinagel is the Associate Vice President of Economic Development at Kennesaw State University.
C: CREATING VISITOR PROFILES - Chris Cavanaugh
Chris Cavanaugh, President and Founder of Magellan Strategy, provides an engaging presentation about finding your market in tourism and hospitality. Learn about marketing strategy, research, planning, facilitation and more.
4:00 - 5:00 PM | Wrap-Up, Silent Auction Winners, and Door Prizes
SCHEDULE STILL IN PROGRESS, ALL SESSIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
BREAKOUT SESSION I | 10:15 - 11:15 AM
LUNCH - Sponsored by Accent Creative Group
BREAKOUT SESSION III | 2:30 - 3:45 PM
BREAKOUT SESSION II | 1:15 - 2:15 PM
BREAKFAST - Sponsored by Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds & Lake Chatuge Lodge