2026 Schedule
The following schedule of events is subject to change. Please check back for updates!
as of 4/8/26
as of 4/8/26
| Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | ||
| 8:30 am - 9:30 am | Registration Set Up | Lower Lobby |
| 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Exhibitor Set Up | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 9:30 am - 7:00 pm | Registration Desk Open | Lower Lobby |
| 10:00 am - 12:30 pm |  FAM Tour of Area This tour takes participants from Killington Resort through downtown Rutland and Rutland, highlighting major investments in tourism, housing, arts, and the craftsmanship behind Vermont’s iconic marble industry |
Killington Area |
| 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch On Your Own | |
| 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Welcome & Opening Remarks Sarah Furman, Executive Director, Chamber and Economic Development of the Rutland Region; Heather Pelham, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing |
Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| Breakout Sessions See details | ||
| 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm |
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| 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Visit with Sponsors | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| Breakout Sessions See details | ||
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
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| 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm | Visit with Sponsors | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
Networking Mixer and Welcome Reception Kick off the Summit with our Networking Mixer and Welcome Reception! This year, we’re adding a fun twist with Networking Bingo, a lively and playful challenge designed to help you connect with fellow attendees. Grab your bingo card upon arrival, mingle around the room, and complete a line to enter the drawing for fun prizes. |
Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm | Dinner On Your Own | |
| Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | ||
| 7:45 am - 5:00 pm | Registration Desk Open | Lower Lobby |
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Breakfast with Sponsors Sponsored by Higher Elevation |
Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 9:00 am - 9:45 am | Welcome & Keynote: Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing Update Sponsored by Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing Heather Pelham, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing |
Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| Breakout Sessions See details | ||
| 10:00 am - 11:00 am |
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| Breakout Sessions See details | ||
| 11:30 am - 12:30 pm |
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| 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Lunch, Visit with Sponsors, and Vermont Tourism Alliance Launch | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm | General Session - Update on Current and Future Developments at Killington Mike Solimano, Killington/Pico Ski Resort Partners |
Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm | Brand Presentation by VDTM | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 2:45 pm - 3:00 pm | Break & Visit with Sponsors | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| Breakout Sessions See details | ||
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
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| 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Closing Reception | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
| 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Sponsor Tear Down | Oscar Wilde Grand Ballroom |
Keynote Presentation
Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing Update
Wednesday, April 29 | 9:00am - 10:00am
Commissioner Pelham will share the Department of Tourism and Marketing's key initiatives from the past year and strategic goals for the year ahead.
Wednesday, April 29 | 9:00am - 10:00am
Commissioner Pelham will share the Department of Tourism and Marketing's key initiatives from the past year and strategic goals for the year ahead.
Heather Pelham, Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
Heather Pelham has served in the role of Commissioner for the Department of Tourism and Marketing since 2019, leading the team responsible for promoting Vermont as a global travel and relocation destination, welcoming on average over 16 million visitors each year to the state and supporting an industry that brings in over $4 billion in annual economic impact. Prior to this role, Pelham served as the Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Vermont for four years and continues to consult on communications strategy and marketing initiatives across the Vermont state government enterprise. Before joining state government, Pelham was the managing partner of a central Vermont advertising and design firm for 15 years and has over 25 years of experience in creative strategy, brand management and integrated marketing campaigns.
Heather Pelham has served in the role of Commissioner for the Department of Tourism and Marketing since 2019, leading the team responsible for promoting Vermont as a global travel and relocation destination, welcoming on average over 16 million visitors each year to the state and supporting an industry that brings in over $4 billion in annual economic impact. Prior to this role, Pelham served as the Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Vermont for four years and continues to consult on communications strategy and marketing initiatives across the Vermont state government enterprise. Before joining state government, Pelham was the managing partner of a central Vermont advertising and design firm for 15 years and has over 25 years of experience in creative strategy, brand management and integrated marketing campaigns.
General Session
Update on Current and Future Developments at Killington
Wednesday, April 29 | 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Killington’s transition to a 365-day resort demonstrates how focused strategy, strong culture, and community alignment can drive sustainable year-round growth.
Facing underdeveloped summer operations, leadership implemented a phased approach centered on mountain biking, events, and improved guest experiences. By starting with targeted investments and scaling over time, the resort built a successful and resilient summer business.
A key driver of success was alignment between the resort, town, and local businesses, creating a unified vision that strengthened trust and amplified regional economic impact. Internally, a strong emphasis on culture, employee development, and promoting from within supported consistent execution and guest satisfaction.
This strategy has led to significant growth in summer visitation, expanded employment, and stronger year-round engagement. With new local ownership committed to reinvesting profits and advancing projects like workforce housing and village development, Killington is well positioned for continued long-term success.
Wednesday, April 29 | 1:30pm - 2:00pm
Killington’s transition to a 365-day resort demonstrates how focused strategy, strong culture, and community alignment can drive sustainable year-round growth.
Facing underdeveloped summer operations, leadership implemented a phased approach centered on mountain biking, events, and improved guest experiences. By starting with targeted investments and scaling over time, the resort built a successful and resilient summer business.
A key driver of success was alignment between the resort, town, and local businesses, creating a unified vision that strengthened trust and amplified regional economic impact. Internally, a strong emphasis on culture, employee development, and promoting from within supported consistent execution and guest satisfaction.
This strategy has led to significant growth in summer visitation, expanded employment, and stronger year-round engagement. With new local ownership committed to reinvesting profits and advancing projects like workforce housing and village development, Killington is well positioned for continued long-term success.
Mike Solimano, Killington/Pico Ski Resort Partners
Mike Solimano is President and CEO of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, where he leads the strategy and operations of the largest ski resort in the Eastern United States. Since joining Killington in 2001, Mike has helped guide the resort’s evolution into a year-round destination, with a strong focus on guest experience, operational excellence, and community connection.
Mike began his career at Deloitte, rising to Audit Manager before transitioning into the ski industry. He later served as Vice President of Finance and Operations for Skis Dynastar North America, part of the Rossignol Group, bringing a unique blend of financial expertise and industry insight to his leadership role at Killington.
Beyond the resort, Mike is deeply engaged in Vermont’s business and hospitality landscape. He serves as Audit & Finance Chair for Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO), and is a board member and past Chair of Ski Vermont, as well as a board member of the Vermont Business Roundtable, Vermont Futures Project, and Killington Mountain School. His work reflects a strong commitment to strengthening Vermont’s economy, workforce, and tourism industry.
A passionate advocate for hospitality and outdoor recreation, Mike is focused on creating memorable guest experiences while supporting the communities that make Vermont unique. Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, and tennis, and lives in Rutland with his wife, Cara.
Mike Solimano is President and CEO of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, where he leads the strategy and operations of the largest ski resort in the Eastern United States. Since joining Killington in 2001, Mike has helped guide the resort’s evolution into a year-round destination, with a strong focus on guest experience, operational excellence, and community connection.
Mike began his career at Deloitte, rising to Audit Manager before transitioning into the ski industry. He later served as Vice President of Finance and Operations for Skis Dynastar North America, part of the Rossignol Group, bringing a unique blend of financial expertise and industry insight to his leadership role at Killington.
Beyond the resort, Mike is deeply engaged in Vermont’s business and hospitality landscape. He serves as Audit & Finance Chair for Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO), and is a board member and past Chair of Ski Vermont, as well as a board member of the Vermont Business Roundtable, Vermont Futures Project, and Killington Mountain School. His work reflects a strong commitment to strengthening Vermont’s economy, workforce, and tourism industry.
A passionate advocate for hospitality and outdoor recreation, Mike is focused on creating memorable guest experiences while supporting the communities that make Vermont unique. Outside of work, he enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, and tennis, and lives in Rutland with his wife, Cara.
Networking Mixer and Welcome Reception
Tuesday, April 28th | 5:00–7:00 PM
Kick off the Summit with our Networking Mixer and Welcome Reception!
This year, we’re adding a fun twist with Networking Bingo, a lively and playful challenge designed to help you connect with fellow attendees. Grab your bingo card upon arrival, mingle around the room, and complete a line to enter the drawing for fun prizes.
Exciting news: This event is now included with your conference registration! Join us and reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and get ready for an inspiring and collaborative conference.
Kick off the Summit with our Networking Mixer and Welcome Reception!
This year, we’re adding a fun twist with Networking Bingo, a lively and playful challenge designed to help you connect with fellow attendees. Grab your bingo card upon arrival, mingle around the room, and complete a line to enter the drawing for fun prizes.
Exciting news: This event is now included with your conference registration! Join us and reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and get ready for an inspiring and collaborative conference.
Concurrent Session Details
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Tuesday, April 28 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm |
Operationalizing Resilience Planning for Vermont’s Tourism Industry
Jen Gray-O'Connor | Sr. Associate Principal, Coraggio Group; Andrew Leary | Principal, Corragio Group This working lab is part of a series to operationalize Vermont’s Destination Management Plan. The plan guides and focuses the work of the Vermont tourism industry as a whole to promote a healthy and sustainable visitor economy. Vermont’s Destination Management Plan identifies resilience as a critical strategic priority for the future of the state’s tourism economy (Objective 2.4 of Vermont’s Destination Management Plan: Improve Statewide Tourism Resilience and Coordination). From climate impacts and infrastructure disruptions to public health and community trust, destinations must be prepared not only to respond to crises but to adapt and recover in ways that strengthen long-term sustainability. This interactive one-hour working lab grounds participants in the strategic context behind the plan and translates it into practical, destination-level action. The session will introduce Destinations International’s Crisis Communication Plan as a foundational tool for destination resilience, highlighting how clear roles, messaging, and decision-making structures support effective response and recovery. Participants will work through key elements of the Crisis Communication Plan and begin creating the backbone of their own destination resiliency plan. Through guided discussion and hands-on exercises, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how statewide goals connect to local implementation and how proactive planning can strengthen relationships with residents, partners, and visitors before, during, and after a crisis. Session Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
The Future of Destination Marketing and its Professionals
Andreas Weissenborn | VP, Research & Advocacy, Destinations International Vermont’s tourism economy is built on authenticity, stewardship, and strong community identity. Yet even in destinations known for their resilience and character, the forces shaping global travel are accelerating change. Economic uncertainty, shifting visitor expectations, artificial intelligence, workforce pressures, housing constraints, and rising community scrutiny are redefining how destination professionals operate and how success is measured. Drawing on insights from the recent Destinations International DestinationNEXT Futures Study, this session explores the top trends and strategies shaping the future of destination organizations worldwide. Based on input from more than 500 industry leaders across 36 countries, the study highlights how destination marketing remains foundational, but now sits within a broader mandate that includes advocacy, community alignment, destination development, and data driven decision making. About the Presenter:
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Tuesday, April 28 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Elevating Hospitality & Service Excellence: Creating Memorable Experiences and Stronger Community Connections
Jen Gray-O'Connor | Sr. Associate Principal, Coraggio Group; Andrew Leary, Principal, Coraggio Group This working lab is part of a series to operationalize Vermont’s Destination Management Plan. The plan guides and focuses the work of the Vermont tourism industry as a whole, to promote a healthy and sustainable visitor economy. Exceptional hospitality has long been a hallmark of Vermont’s tourism experience, but evolving visitor expectations, workforce challenges, and seasonal visitation patterns call for a renewed focus on what service excellence looks like today and into the future. The Vermont Destination Management Plan identifies elevating hospitality and service excellence as a key strategic objective (Objective 4.3 of Vermont’s Destination Management Plan) to ensure visitors feel welcomed, connected, and inspired to explore more deeply and return more often. This interactive one-hour session will explore how destinations, lodging providers, restaurants, attractions, and community partners are currently delivering great service and where there is opportunity to go further. Participants will share examples of what is working well on the ground and collaboratively define what “next level” hospitality looks like in Vermont, from personalized recommendations to seamless connections between businesses, events, and experiences. The session will also focus on the role of community knowledge and local partnerships in strengthening service excellence. By equipping frontline staff and visitor-facing organizations with better awareness of what is available nearby, destinations can enhance the visitor experience while also distributing visitation more evenly and supporting off-peak travel. Participants will discuss how elevated service and stronger local connections can help address seasonal lulls and create more consistent, year-round value for communities and businesses alike. Session Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
About the Presenters:
Marketing Risk Profile 2.0: Thriving in the Age of Accelerated Change
Ross Evans | Vice President, Redpoint Marketing Last year, we explored how to assess your marketing risk tolerance and make smart choices about emerging trends. This year, we’ll take the conversation a step further. The pace of change in digital marketing has hit a watershed moment. Unlike the gradual rise of social media, where we had years to adapt, AI and automation have transformed the landscape almost overnight. Many tourism professionals are feeling unsteady, unsure when to jump in, how to keep up, or whether to trust the new tools at all. In this 2.0 session, we’ll validate those fears (you’re not alone!) and then move beyond them. Together we’ll look at how to evolve your marketing risk profile to not only function but thrive in this new era. Through fresh case studies, practical frameworks, and open discussion, you’ll learn how to balance caution with curiosity, build confidence in your decision-making, and embrace change without losing your footing. Session Takeaways:
About the Presenter:
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Wednesday, April 29 10:00 am - 11:00 am |
Creating New Worlds for New Audiences: How The Shires of Vermont Pivoted its Brand to Reach New Travelers
Matt Harrington | Executive Director, Southwestern Vermont Chamber / Shires DMO; Aaron Frey| Founder/CEO, Matt Olive Tourism landscapes are changing - and so are the travelers we serve. A growing number of BIPOC and diverse audiences are seeking meaningful getaways outside of major metropolitan areas. At the southern border of Vermont, The Shires offers exactly that: a welcoming, culturally rich escape that feels both new and accessible. Through the Vermont T-Grant, The Shires of Southwestern Vermont launched a bold marketing campaign with Matte Olive that reimagined the region for new and diverse audiences. Using data-driven insights (Placer.ai), focus group testing, and national media partnerships (Hearst Media), we built an inclusive brand campaign—“Reconnect in The Shires”—that celebrates cultural diversity and invites first-time, energetic travelers to discover Vermont. The creative feels like an invitation, not a pitch. We’re not selling Vermont - we’re showing people how it feels to be here, no matter their background. Moments of warmth, casual connection, and local charm are center stage. These aren’t actors - they’re real people, and the energy is come-as-you-are. Trust is built through tone and touchpoints, not polish. This session will showcase how collaboration, creativity, and data intelligence combined to create “new worlds” for new audiences—and how other Vermont destinations can pivot their brands to attract tomorrow’s visitors today. About the presenter:
Brave New World of Public Relations - How to Score Earned Media in a Changing Landscape
Kathy Bennett | Owner, Kathy Bennett Marketing, LLC In today’s crowded media environment, breaking through the noise takes more than sending a press release and hoping for coverage. This session explores how outdoor brands, resorts, and tourism businesses can earn meaningful media attention by blending timeless PR skills with modern tools. At its core, public relations is about trust and credibility—hallmarks of earned media. While advertising has its place, research shows earned media drives stronger conversion rates and lasting brand equity. Journalists and influencers remain trusted sources, and becoming part of their storytelling stream gives businesses a competitive edge. But relationships alone aren’t enough. Today’s PR professionals also need a smart tech stack—tools for identifying journalists, tracking queries, and distributing content efficiently. Yet technology is only as powerful as the strategy behind it. A database isn’t a pitch; thoughtful messaging and personalized outreach still win the day. AI is another emerging tool. Used well, it can streamline editing, research, and content adaptation. Used poorly, it risks credibility. The takeaway: AI should support PR, not replace it. In fact, PR fuels LLMs and improves your AI search results. Attendees will also learn how to craft pitches that resonate—short, relevant, and timely—while supporting them with visuals, quotes, and easy access to facts. Media kits and familiarization tours still matter, as does thinking like a newsroom: being timely, responsive, and reliable. Case studies from New England ski areas and tourism businesses will show how timely pitches and targeted outreach have translated into national coverage and measurable results. About the Presenter:
Understanding Vermont’s Visitors: A 13-Month Study of Traveler Journeys, Behaviors, and Perceptions
Erin Dinkel | Director of Research, Downs & St. Germain Research; Jordan Turner | Project Director, Downs & St. Germain Research From October 2024 through October 2025, Downs & St. Germain Research conducted a large-scale study on visitors to Vermont. The study used survey data collected online and in person at locations across the state to understand the typical Vermont visitor, from pre-trip planning to trip experiences to post-trip reflections. It also involved examining both regional and seasonal differences in visitor patterns as well as extracting multiple distinct visitor personas. This presentation will use the study’s findings to provide a comprehensive, data-driven look into Vermont’s visitors by:
About the presenter:
From Hype to Habits: AI Guardrails and Policies That Protect Your Business
Dorien Morin-van Dam | Social Media Strategist, More In Media, LLC Artificial Intelligence shows up in more places than most tourism teams realize. This session moves the focus from tools to trust and gives small teams simple ways to protect visitors, staff, and brand. Attendees will spot where AI already touches the visitor journey and daily operations, name the real risks they face, and build practical guardrails that fit lean teams. We will cover plain-English policy language, a lightweight review and approval workflow, simple settings that reduce common mistakes, clear disclosure that builds confidence, and a short content checklist to prevent privacy and bias missteps before they go public. Examples are tailored to destination realities such as crisis communications, international visitors, data handling, and staff wellness so AI lightens the load instead of fueling burnout. The format blends brief case examples with a guided policy sprint. Everyone leaves with three assets they can use right away: a one-page AI Policy Starter, a concise content checklist, and a 30-day Trust Sprint that aligns staff and communicates your approach to boards, partners, and visitors. Say yes to AI with confidence while protecting your reputation. About the presenter:
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Wednesday, April 29 11:30 am - 12:30 pm |
More than ADA Approved: Becoming a Destination for Tourists with Disabilities
Dr. Kendra LaRoche | Executive Director, Special Needs Support Center of The Upper Valley Brands that take disability inclusion seriously will be the real winners of the future of tourism. Last year companies who leveraged their disability DEI to benchmark their inclusion efforts achieved 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income, and 2 times more economic profit. Globally, the disability market is 15% of the population with a disposable income of more than $8 trillion. Learn more about how to become a destination for tourists with disabilities with concrete steps to take to take disability inclusion seriously. Additionally, walk away with examples of how to market your disability-inclusive brand with exemplary marketing tools. Finally, learn how the Enable the Upper Valley campaign partners with local businesses to market disability inclusion together, producing tools for tourism companies to bring disability-targeted tourism to the area. About the presenter:
Reviving the Spark to Thriving: Proven HR Strategies to Address and Prevent Employee Burnout
Holly Zanes | Founder, Thrive HR Consulting & Mediation "From Reviving the Spark to Thriving" is a warm and engaging presentation that explores the human side of workplace burnout and offers actionable HR strategies to combat it. With empathy and insight, it guides leaders and managers at all levels through the journey of recognizing early signs of burnout, reigniting employee engagement, and fostering a culture of sustainable well-being. The presentation emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, clear job descriptions, regular performance conversations, meaningful recognition, and flexible work environments as key pillars in preventing burnout. It also highlights the role of leadership in modeling healthy behaviors and creating space for open dialogue. Through relevant examples and evidence-based and proven practices, attendees learn how to shift from reactive measures to proactive, people-centered approaches that not only revive the spark in struggling employees but help entire teams thrive. The tone is compassionate, encouraging, and humorous—reminding HR leaders that behind every policy is a person, and behind every thriving organization is a culture that cares. About the presenter:
Tourism as a Catalyst for Vermont's Population and Demographic Revival
Brian Gottlob | Principal, PolEcon Research Demographic trends present arguably the greatest challenge to the long-term prosperity of the Vermont economy. Vermont’s slow population and labor force growth and aging workforce threaten economic vitality and community sustainability, especially in rural regions. A large body of research shows that individuals are more likely to move to counties with natural, recreational, and/or cultural amenities. Our analysis of state tourism-related GDP and state population growth over the past 15 years shows a strong statistical relationship be growth in a state’s tourism economy and a state’s population growth. Vermont, evidencing solid tourism but weak population growth, stands in contrast to its Northern New England neighbors, each of whom had much stronger population growth that is more consistent with tourism growth. This presentation will highlight key research findings on the role of tourism in population and demographic change in a state, show how Vermont compares to other states on the impact tourism has on population and demographic trends, and demonstrate potential demographic and economic impacts from tourism evolving from an export industry into a demographic renewal engine in Vermont. Importantly, the presentation will highlight public policies and tourism industry activities to help Vermont capture the full potential demographic and economic benefits of tourism. Finally, the presentation will discuss how the tourism industry elevates its status as an economic driver by documenting its potential to help address the primary economic challenge facing Vermont. About the presenter:
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): A New Era of Visibility
Cassandra Razzi, Senior Business Development Manager, Orange142 AI is transforming how travelers search, with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google’s Search Generative Experience delivering instant, conversational answers. This session introduces Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—the strategy destinations need to ensure their stories, experiences, and values appear in these results. Attendees will learn how GEO complements SEO, why inclusive content is essential for visibility, and what practical steps destinations can take today to prepare. From structuring content and using schema markup to weaving in diverse, authentic representation, this session will show how structure + storytelling + inclusivity = discoverability. I’ll share actionable insights to help ensure your destination is showing up authentically and inclusively in AI-powered search, while meeting the expectations of Gen Z and Millennial travelers—the audiences driving the future of tourism. About the presenter:
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Wednesday, April 29 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Social That Serves the Strategy: An AI-Assisted Marketing System for Destinations
Dorien Morin-van Dam | Social Media Strategist, More In Media, LLC Tourism teams do not need more tactics. They need a simple marketing system that keeps strategy front and center and uses AI to speed the work without losing the plot. This session shows destination marketers how to map demand drivers, set a quarterly narrative, and run a weekly cadence that blends human judgment with AI support for research, creative briefs, and smart repurposing. We will walk through a one-page marketing system that ties story, channels, and measurement to bookings and visitor experience. Then we will break down a social media strategy many teams skip: platform roles with specific goals, content pillars aligned to seasonal demand, signature series that build community, and a remix plan that turns one strong idea into a week of posts. You will see how to keep brand voice intact, maintain accessibility, pace the workload, and avoid random acts of content. Expect clear models, practical examples, and simple prompts you can take back to your team. Attendees leave with a blueprint they can run with a lean staff, including an example AI-assisted brief and a 90-day cadence outline that keeps social in service of the plan, not the other way around. Leave with a marketing system you can sustain, and with social that actually supports strategy. About the presenter:
Supporting Vermont's Tourism Industry: How SBA Loan Guarantees Drive Growth and Resilience
Adam Locklin, Vermont District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration In 2025, the SBA delivered record levels of capital to small businesses, including guaranteed loans that enabled Vermont's tourism entrepreneurs to expand hotels, renovate historic inns, upgrade outdoor facilities, support restaurants, bakeries, retailers, and much more. This presentation showcases real-world impacts, job creation in rural communities, enhanced visitor experiences, and stronger local economies, while highlighting how streamlined access to financing, fiscal responsibility, and deregulation are supporting Vermont's iconic tourism industry for even greater success in 2026 and beyond. About the presenter:
Building Vermont's Culinary Infrastructure: A Digital Roadmap for Food Tourism Development
Senator Rocket | Founder, Eat Vermont This interactive workshop explores how Vermont's food ecosystem can become a structured tourism asset through strategic digital infrastructure. Participants will learn frameworks for connecting farms, restaurants, and food producers with visitors throughout their journey - from trip planning through post-visit engagement. The session covers:
Learning Objectives: Understand the visitor decision journey through food experiences Identify partnership opportunities within Vermont's culinary ecosystem Implement digital tools that connect visitors with authentic food experiences Create measurement frameworks for food tourism impact About the presenter:
Accessible Tourism for DHHDB Communities
Laura Siegel | Director of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Services, State of Vermont's DAIL This comprehensive presentation addresses the crucial aspects of communication access for folks in tourism engaging with deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind (DHHDB) clients. Recognizing the importance of effective communication in tourist settings, the presentation will offer practical strategies and considerations to ensure equitable access to services for DHHDB individuals. How to effectively use sign language interpreters/captioning/accommodations in tourist-related settings Key Points:
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