

Speakers
Jay Markwalter
Jay Markwalter is the Statewide Tourism Director for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, where he leads the Tourism Division, including a Regional Tourism team dedicated to tourism industry relations and the state’s nine Visitor Information Centers committed to serving travelers. A tourism industry veteran and marketing expert, Jay’s experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and in leadership roles in downtown development and tourism for destinations across the state. He has consecutively been named one of the most influential Georgians by Georgia Trend and JAMES Magazine. Jay is a Georgia native, a University of Georgia alumni, and a Leadership Georgia graduate.
TOPIC: Explore Georgia Tourism Update


David Zelksi
David Zelski is the Creator, Host and Co-Executive Producer of Anglers & Appetites that airs on Fox Sports South, Fox Sports Sun and Destination America. Anglers & Appetites began airing in 2014 and consists of 32 half-hour episodes. Zelski began his career with Georgia Public Broadcasting as a reporter and Anchor for the show "Lawmakers".
David Zelski was the Co-Creator and Host of "Georgia Traveler" on Georgia Public Broadcasting. "Georgia Traveler" began airing in 2006 and continued for 9 seasons, ending in 2016. Zelski was the only host that remained with the program throughout the show's existence.
TOPIC: Agritourism and Your Community - Panel Discussion
Tyler Reinagel
Dr. Tyler Reinagel is the Associate Vice President of Economic Development at Kennesaw State University. His office is responsible for engagement with economic and community partnerships throughout metro Atlanta and the State of Georgia, including work with Chambers of Commerce, local and regional economic development offices, and non-profits in the region to invest KSU more effectively in community economic development efforts. This includes experiential learning for KSU's 45,000+ students, integration of faculty research and innovation into sustainable economic development initiatives, and strengthening relationships with partners in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
Prior to joining KSU, Dr. Reinagel served as Director of Planning and Research at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, faculty at Western Carolina University, and in public service and outreach at the University of Georgia. A native of Woodstock, GA, he earned his B.A. in American Studies from Fordham University in The Bronx, and his M.P.A. and Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia.
TOPIC: Hotel/Motel Tax Do's and Don'ts


Ayla Crippen
Ayla Crippen is a Media Executive at Gray Destinations Marketing. A subsidiary of Gray Digital Media. She has extensive knowledge of digital marketing tailored towards small to medium size businesses. She helps business owners and marketing professionals understand and use the
internet to acquire and retain customers. As an expert in digital marketing, she has managed thousands of digital campaigns across the United States. Her expertise is in digital marketing including search engine marketing, search engine optimization, streaming television, streaming audio, programmatic display and video, social media, and email marketing.
Ayla’s extensive career in media advertising has garnished her the reputation of “Trusted Advisor”. Her clients are very dedicated and loyal to her advisement of their marketing strategies
and execution.
TOPIC: Digital Media Solutions
Chris Cavanaugh
Cavanaugh has been a nationally recognized expert on tourism marketing and planning since entering the sector 30 years ago. He has been engaged as a consultant by numerous destinations, attractions, and many other travel and tourism clients. He has a diverse range of destination consulting experience and expertise, having worked with both large, urban destinations as well as much smaller rural communities. Prior to founding Magellan in 2004, Cavanaugh worked for The Biltmore Company in Asheville, most recently as vice president of marketing. He had a background in consumer packaged goods marketing prior to Biltmore. Cavanaugh is a past member and chair of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, which oversees the work of the Explore Asheville CVB, and he served as interim CEO of Explore Asheville in 2020. He is a past recipient of the North Carolina Travel Industry Association (NCTIA) Tourism Excellence Award and the Southeast Tourism Society's (STS) Shining Example Award and Dorothy Hardman Spirit of Hospitality Award for his work, and in 2023 he was selected to Visit North Carolina’s Winners Circle.
TOPIC: Creating Visitor Profiles


Laurie Rowe
Laurie Rowe is the president of Laurie Rowe & Company, a boutique PR agency specializing in earned media for tourism destinations in the Southeastern U.S. With a keen eye for uncovering hidden gems, her work elevates these unique locales and equips journalists with the inspiration and information they need to craft compelling narratives, ultimately offering travelers insights into meaningful experiences. Drawing on her sales experience and destination marketing background, Laurie founded Laurie Rowe Communications (LRC) in 2006, growing it to represent over 60 destinations and festivals. Laurie has served on multiple boards and was honored with the Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference Larry Allen Tourism Leadership Award, recognizing an individual who demonstrates excellence in leadership skills and abilities. She has also contributed as an instructor and board member for the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College. Today, Laurie Rowe & Company is proud to partner with Travel South USA, the Official Regional Destination Marketing Organization of the Southern USA, as sponsor of the first-ever International Journalist Lounge at Travel South USA Global Week 2025 Media Marketplace.
TOPIC: The Impact of Public Relations
Angela Shepard
Angela Sheppard is the Deputy City Manager for the City of Gainesville. As Deputy City Manager, she directs a variety of special projects and oversees the Public Works and Community and Economic Development Departments for the City. Angela began her career with the City of Gainesville in 2009 and has been actively involved in the revitalization of the Downtown & Midland area. During her time with Gainesville, Angela has facilitated new streetscaping, trail expansions, a signage and branding campaign, multiple TAD projects promoting business growth, residential development and more. Angela is an advocate for public art and tries to infuse her passion for “urban leisure” anywhere possible.
Angela is a native of Gainesville/Hall County. She has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from North Georgia College & State University with a double major in Finance and Accounting. To pursue her career in local government, Angela obtained a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Georgia. Go Dawgs!
Angela is President of the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville and is on the Board of Sisu, a local non-profit school for children with special needs. She is a graduate of Leadership Hall County and is a current member of the 2025 Class of Leadership Georgia.
TOPIC: Role of Public Art in Your Community


Lynda Lee Smith
Lynda has made appearances on 150+ television and radio talk shows as a spokesperson for various causes. She was chosen as “Top 40 under 40 Business Executives in Georgia” by Georgia Trend Magazine in 2004. Ford Motor Company honored her with the “Life in Drive” Award in 2006 presented to only seven women nationwide. She has initiated and hosted three world conferences, bringing together government leaders from over 30 countries to discuss issues concerning vulnerable populations around the world. She is an international speaker/author and has presented to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva, Switzerland; and also the Permanent Bureau of International Law in The Hague, Netherlands. The majority of her career has been spent in the non-profit sector dedicated to impacting lives for various causes from health, housing, abuse and human trafficking. Lynda began her career in economic development and tourism as a CVB executive director and later served as chair of the Johns Creek CVB for over eight years. She founded the Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia in 2023 and serves as the Board Chair.
TOPIC: Entertainment Tourism in Georgia
Randy Davidson
Bio coming soon!


Gloria Syfan
Gloria "Go-Go" Syfan is a resident of Gainesville, Georgia, known for her resilience and positive spirit. She has been married to Jim Syfan since 1963, and together they have built a life centered around family and community involvement.
In April 2024, Gloria was involved in a boating accident on Lake Lanier, which resulted in the partial amputation of her left leg. Demonstrating remarkable courage, she has been recovering and adapting to her new circumstances.
Throughout her life, Gloria has been recognized for her unwavering optimism and energy, earning her the affectionate nickname "Go-Go" from her family. Her determination and positive outlook continue to inspire those around her.
TOPIC: Keynote Speaker - "Let the Hat Go"
Cheryl Smith
Cheryl Smith serves as the Agritourism Manager at the Georgia Department of Agriculture, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting and developing agritourism initiatives across the state. In this capacity, she assists agricultural producers in diversifying their operations by integrating tourism-related activities, thereby enhancing both educational and economic opportunities within Georgia's agricultural sector. Her extensive background in economic development and agritourism has made her a key resource for farmers and agricultural businesses looking to expand their reach through tourism. Cheryl is actively involved in educating and guiding agritourism operators. She frequently presents at various forums, sharing insights on how to become a registered agritourism attraction and the benefits of participating in programs like Georgia Grown. Her efforts are instrumental in connecting producers with consumers, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for Georgia's diverse agricultural offerings.
TOPIC: Agritourism and Your Community - Panel Discussion


Ilke Lander
A Brazilian born, Belgian national, then immigrant to the United States, Ilke Lander had an international upbringing. She started as a classically trained ballerina before shifting into public service in law enforcement and then into entrepreneurship. She has built businesses in law enforcement training, martial arts, property management, hotel/resort hospitality, Spa wellness, restaurant & the wine industry.
Her expertise in leading teams, overcoming obstacles and handling challenges, makes her acutely capable of developing strategies to position herself for success.
Ilke is passionate about talking to & coaching leaders on how they can fortify their futures to dominate for modern-day battles.
TOPIC: The Gold Medal Mindset: Building Your Inner Armory to Conquer Life and Business
Margaret Mclean
Margaret Hata McLean is Director of Advertising/Marketing and Corporate Communications for Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. (OAA), owner of the Cabbage Patch Kids®. It is a privately held corporation located in Cleveland, Georgia, doing business as BabyLand General® Hospital. McLean’s noteworthy projects on this global brand’s history include Cabbage Patch Kids® OlympiKids®, official mascots of the U.S. Olympic Team, and USPS Postage Stamp. The Cabbage Patch Kids were inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame by Parenting Magazine, and selected as one of Travel Channel’s Top 10 Toylands. An award winning journalist, McLean serves on the board of the Northeast Georgia Mountains Travel Association and the Alpine Helen Convention & Visitors Bureau.
TOPIC: 2025 NEGMTA Marketing Outline & Panel Discussion


Jon Brasher
Jon serves as the Associate Publisher for Atlanta Magazine Custom Media.
Jon’s hospitality and tourism career began more than 30 years ago as a regional hotel sales manager. After working in Atlanta at convention hotels, he was presented with an opportunity to enter the publishing and media business just prior to the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. As a partner for over a decade with Metro Atlanta Publishing, Jon worked with both tourism and private industry clients to create promotional collateral, guides, maps, and magazines. Morris Media purchased the publication, and Jon moved into the role of Regional Vice President, overseeing a print and digital media portfolio across the Southeast. This led to an opportunity with AMCM, where Jon oversaw the Explore Georgia partnership but also helped develop the award-winning Southbound magazine. Jon’s experience is shared by mentoring members of the industry and serving as a board member for the Atlanta Metro Travel Association, Discover DeKalb CVB, Johns Creek GA CVB.
TOPIC: TOPIC: 2025 NEGMTA Marketing Outline & Panel Discussion
Phil Bonelli
Phil Bonelli is the founder and operator of Hopewell Farms GA, located in Gainesville, Georgia. Established in 2019, Hopewell Farms specializes in regenerative agriculture, focusing on raising grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, Phil has an extensive background in banking and business consulting. He served as Senior Vice President at Regions Bank and later founded Roundtable Advisors, a consulting firm that provides fractional executive support to growing businesses. Phil is also active in community service and public speaking. He has been involved with local organizations, including serving as a past president of the Kiwanis Club, and frequently shares insights on topics such as business development and sustainable farming practices.
Through his diverse endeavors, Phil Bonelli contributes to both the economic and social fabric of Gainesville, promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting local businesses.
TOPIC: Agritourism and Your Community - Panel Discussion
