10th Annual Tourism Summit

Coffee and Breakfast Tacos & Live Music

Preparing Your Business for AI Discovery: A Practical Guide for Local Travel Leaders

Speaker: Robert Patterson, MMGY

Artificial Intelligence is quickly reshaping the way travelers find, explore and choose their next travel experiences. For local hotels, restaurants, attractions and travel businesses, understanding and leveraging AI is no longer optional, it's essential. Join Robert Patterson, SVP of Marketing Technology at MMGY Global, as he shares straightforward, actionable insights designed specifically for local businesses.

In this engaging keynote, you'll learn:

• How AI-driven search and recommendation engines are transforming the travel discovery journey.
• Practical ways to ensure your business is accurately represented and highly discoverable across AI platforms.
• Strategies for proactively managing your brand’s AI footprint and customer perceptions.
• Steps to get started immediately, regardless of your current technical expertise.

Walk away, equipped with the knowledge to position your business at the forefront of AI discovery, driving more visibility, visitor engagement and ultimately, business growth.

Presentation

Set sail into the future of tourism with this panel exploring the vital role of the Port of Galveston in driving cruise traffic and economic growth. Industry leaders will discuss upcoming developments, sustainability efforts, and how Galveston is positioning itself as a premier cruise hub in the Gulf.

Visit with our Expo Vendors to learn more about their brand, gain valuable insights about what they offer to the tourism industry, and generate new business leads.

Four engaging topic discussions with experts

Enjoy a lunch with your tourism colleagues, visit our Expo Vendors, and enjoy live music from local musicians. Location: 2nd Floor Exhibit Hall

Topic: Advocacy and how to reach residents where they live

Speaker: Sophia Hyder Hock, Destinations International

The session will focus on the role of tourism in enhancing community engagement and support, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Attendees will explore strategies for promoting tourism as a vital contributor to local economies and community well-being.

Presentation

Becoming Rememorable! (Transforming Service into Storytellers)

Speaker: Bob Pacanovsky, Black Tie Experience

Why do some associations (and organizations) effortlessly capture the hearts and minds of their members, while others struggle to stand out in the crowd? What sets these exceptional organizations apart?

In today's competitive landscape, it's no longer enough to simply provide good service. To thrive, organizations must create rememorable experiences that leave a lasting impression. This seminar will equip you with strategies and tools to elevate your hospitality and service excellence, transforming your organization into a customer-centric powerhouse.

In this seminar, Bob will share his research as he has talked to organizations like yours to learn about their efforts to boost loyalty, engagement, retention, and revenue, and to cultivate more storytellers for their organization. You will discover some of the traits they have in common, like:

• The Power of Rememorable Experiences: Discover how exceptional experiences drive member/customer loyalty, and referrals, and create Brand Ambassadors.
• Building a Culture of Excellence: Learn how to foster an organizational culture that prioritizes hospitality, service excellence, and employee empowerment.
• Balancing Technology with Human Connection: Explore how to leverage technology to enhance member/customer experiences while maintaining the warmth and authenticity of human interaction.
• Measuring and Improving Hospitality: Learn how to focus on the importance of ROR (Return on Relationships) measuring the impact of key soft skills that can help create a stronger ROI for organizations, which leads to growth, innovation, and revenue.
  

Join us as we delve into the secrets of creating unforgettable and rememorable member/customer experiences. You'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to elevate your brand, foster loyalty, and drive business growth.

Presentation

Four engaging topic discussions with experts

Driving Demand Beyond Peak: Brand Strategy and Insights

Speaker: BC LeDoux, Noble Studios

We’re Noble Studios, the new agency of record for Visit Galveston. As an award-winning creative digital performance marketing agency, we specialize in helping destinations thrive through smart, strategic storytelling and measurable results. From brand strategy and content development to media planning and performance marketing, our work has been recognized by the Webby Awards, HSMAI, and the U.S. Travel Association for moving the needle in travel and tourism.

We’re here to help elevate Galveston’s presence as a premier coastal destination—by attracting the right visitors, at the right time, with the right message. One area of focus we’re bringing to the table is strengthening shoulder-season travel.

During our session, we’ll introduce a recent study that explores key trends and opportunities in that space, highlighting what we uncovered and how those insights will shape the strategy moving forward.

Presentation

Join us for an insightful update from Visit Galveston and find out who our Hospitality Award winners are!

After Tourism Summit concludes, come celebrate at the networking reception, where you can enjoy live music, light bites and drinks, and meet Expo Vendors!