Keynote Presentations

Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing Update 
Tuesday, April 29 | 9:00am - 9:50am
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 13 million visitors each year to the state and supporting an industry that brings in over $3 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.

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Concurrent Session Details

Tuesday, April 29
​10:05am - 10:50 am

Authentic Stewardship: Integrating Sustainability into Destination Marketing
Olivia Savard, Hospitality Marketing​
Learn to optimize and manage your Google Business Profile to attract the attention of your target audience. Using SEO, keywords, and creative content, this interactive workshop will teach you modern best practices and hands-on skills to launch your listing into the screens of your audience.
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About the Presenter: 

• Courtney Jarecki owns Yancey Red, a social media agency that relies on creative strategy and metrics to keep it interesting and engaging for their clients. Since 2011, Courtney has worked with businesses, nonprofits, and personal brands who want to grow their social media presence strategically and creatively. Courtney learned the ropes of marketing in Portland, Oregon, and lives under the stars in Milton, Vermont. She spends her days and nights with her family, a pack of dogs and cats, and all the owls in the forest.

(CANCELLED) ​More than ADA Approved: Becoming a Destination for Tourists with Disabilities

​Vermont's Creative Economy: Driving Tourism, Building Vermont
Susan McClure, Vermont Arts Council
Learn more about the impact of Vermont's creative economy on regional and local tourism. We'll dig into the impact of Vermont's historic investment in the creative sector through the Creative Futures grant program. And we'll share new data from the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 survey, the most comprehensive economic impact study of the nation's nonprofit arts and culture industry.
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About the Presenter: 

• Susan Evans McClure is the Executive Director of the Vermont Arts Council, where she leads the talented team as they work to build a more creative state. Prior to joining the Council, she was the executive director of Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and, before that, the director of programs and audience development at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. She is thrilled to bring her many years of experience working in arts education and public history at theaters and museums, in small towns and big cities, to this role leading the state’s arts council.
  

Sports Tourism Across the Green Mountains
Sam Glickman, Vermont Green Football Club; Patrick Infurna, Vermont Green Football Club; Dori Ingalls, Mad Marathon; Amy Laramie, Killington Resort
Sports tourism is a massive industry in the United States and across the globe. Whether driving the tourism industry through direct participation or spectatorship, large scale sporting events boost visitor economies, position destination brands, and help to pay for sporting infrastructure that residents and visitors can both enjoy. This session will take a look at some of Vermont's best known sports tourism drivers, each with its own distinct flavor. We'll also consider our state's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in the sports tourism industry.

About the Presenters: 

• Sam Glickman is co-founder of Vermont Green Football Club. 
• Patrick Infurna is co-founder of Vermont Green Football Club. 
• Dori Ingalls is a native Vermonter with deep roots in Middlebury where she was born into a family of serious athletes and coaches.  She grew up playing in all team sports (soccer her favorite) plus tennis, skiing, sailing, hiking along with golf.   However, Dori’s passion was running, early as a sprinter, then moving into longer distances.  After Middlebury College, in 1972, Dori moved to Hawaii for the typical Vermont two-year getaway which extended to 40 years.  In 1981 when Ironman triathlon arrived in Kona she became involved staging the event along with other triathlons, marathons, half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks.  At the same time Dori began running marathons, her first on Maui.  Through Ironman she met her husband, Ian Sweet, who was a sports commentator with Euro Sport International based in Paris.   Dori then moved to Paris for several years and was able to travel around the world with Ian filming sports.  Finally, Dori moved back to Vermont, as every Vermonter does, settling in the Mad River Valley.  Late in 2010, knowing Dori’s background in sports, the Mad River Valley Chamber asked her to stage a running event the weekend after July 4th to keep visitors for extended stays.  The Mad Marathon, Mad Half & Relays were launched in 2011 with Dori as Race Director and Ian her Assistant.   Since then a nonprofit, Mad Valley Sports, was launched as the umbrella for the marathon races and now is also involved in the Mad River Triathlon.  Dori spends six months in Vermont and six in Kona where she and Ian are involved in a PGA Tournament, 5K & 10K runs along with the Lavaman Triathlon.
• Amy Laramie was born and raised in Jefferson, New Jersey, and currently resides in Rutland Town. She is the Director of Brand Marketing Events and Special Projects at Killington Ski Resort and Pico Mountain. She has worked for Killington Resort since 2007 in various roles, starting her career at the mountain as part of a co-op class for Green Mountain College’s Resort and Hospitality Management Program, graduating in 2009.  Amy serves on the Board of Directors for Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, Rutland Young Professionals  and the Killington Pico Area Association. Outside of work she enjoys exploring all four seasons of Vermont; in particular snowboarding, skiing, kayaking, hiking trails, watching a beautiful sunset from her front porch, and lounging by a campfire with her son and two daughters. Amy was recognized as a 2020 Vermont Business Magazine Rising Star.​

 

Thursday, May 9
​4:30pm - 5:30pm

​Dealing with Difficult People
Nicole Carlson, Vermont Rail System 
We all have our moments, but some people can just be so difficult! Difficult people can quickly lead to workplace disaster; whether it is a co-worker or an angry guest, dealing with difficult people and resolving conflict in the moment is crucial to having healthy relationships and a healthy workplace. Learn to understand the behavior of difficult people, where it comes from, why it happens, and how to respond appropriately so that you can have the confidence to deal with anyone and be a stronger leader. In this presentation Nicole will discuss:

• Why people are difficult
• Identify your role in other's difficult behavior 
• How to build and repair relationships with difficult people

About the Presenter: 

• ​​Nicole Carlson is a third-generation railroader and native Vermonter who inspired the Champlain Valley Dinner Train. She manages the Passenger Services for the Vermont Rail System and serves on the Vermont Tourism Summit and the Vermont Attractions Association board. Nicole's natural gift of gab, high emotional intelligence, and passion for people has catapulted her career, specializing in customer service, communication, conflict resolution, and public relations. Nicole offers 15 years of experience in hospitality and customer service and a fresh perspective on leading a multi-generational workplace.

Vermont's National Park
Kelly Sczomak, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller-National Historical Park
Learn about Vermont's only National Park, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park! Located in Woodstock, VT and operated by the National Park Service since 1998, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park tells the story of the American conservation movement. Discover the changes the National Park has undergone in the last 25 years, and how ranger programs have adapted to relate to 21st century visitors. 
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About the Presenter: 

• Kelly Sczomak has worked for the National Park Service since 2014. Kelly has worked as a Park Ranger at six National Parks across the country - from Yosemite National Park to Brown vs. Board National Historic Site. Kelly has been the Visitor Services Program Supervisor at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park since 2018.

(CANCELLED) Marketing to Tourists and Visitors: Beyond Digital

Welcoming All Guests: Practical Approaches to Digital Accessibility & ADA Compliance
David Gibson, ​Propeller Media Works | Accessibility.Works
If the pandemic taught us one thing, it was just how intrinsic the web is to modern life. Yet, many seniors and people with disabilities have been left behind. Last year the WebAIM team at Utah State tested the accessibility of the top 1 million home pages finding that 96.8% were not accessible and failed to meet ADA compliance. Therefore, one cannot assume that their website is compliant - as many properties discovered after receiving legal action, which have flourished in recent years. 

This session, led by Dave Gibson, a seasoned expert in web development and digital accessibility, will delve into the realm of digital accessibility, not just as a legal mandate but as a golden opportunity for inclusive marketing and business growth. As the founder of Propeller Media Works and Accessibility.Works, with over 27 years of experience in the field, Dave brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights. 

This session will explore the critical aspects of digital accessibility, its impact on diverse travelers including seniors and people with disabilities, and its broader benefits for businesses and organizations in the tourism sector.

About the Presenter: 

• Dave Gibson, a pioneer in the digital space, founded Propeller over 27 years ago, at a time when the internet was just beginning to reshape the world. With a focus on travel and tourism properties, Dave has honed his expertise in creative direction, digital marketing strategy, and digital accessibility. Leading both the web development team at Propeller and the digital accessibility consulting group at Accessibility.Works, Dave offers a unique perspective that blends aesthetic appeal with accessibility compliance. His work involves providing human-based WCAG compliance audits, VPATs, and remediation guidance. His team works with brands ranging from Navy Federal Credit Union and United Healthcare, to Ben & Jerry's and King Arthur Baking here in Vermont. Dave is an active voice in the industry, sharing his insights through speaking engagements, blogs, and social media.

(NEW SESSION!) Hospitality Payments Intelligence & Data Security: How to Save Money on Payment Processing, Prevent Chargebacks, and Protect Your Personal Identity Information & Business Data... Explained in Plain English!
Wynn Salisch, Casablanca Payments
We don’t know what we don’t know, and credit card processing in particular is confusing to almost everyone, and data security’s constantly emerging threats can feel a lot like playing an unending game of whack-a-mole. This session will finally explain – in plain English – how the payments industry operates, what all the rates and fees mean, how transactions flow, and how to control processing costs and reduce chargebacks. You’ll learn the latest Best Practices recommended by the FBI and U.S. Secret Service to secure your inn’s technology to prevent costly data breaches, ransomware, and card-testing attacks; protect the sensitive Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of you and your family, guests, and employees; and what you can do right now to keep hackers, phishers, extortionists, and other cyber miscreants at bay. The information presented applies to and is valuable for everyone at all levels. Even many CFOs of major corporations don’t really understand how the payments industry works or the true level of risk exposure to the pervasive data security threats facing all of us, because no one can be an expert at everything. Questions from the audience are encouraged throughout this interactive session and attendees leave with a newfound understanding of electronic payments and cybersecurity and associated best practices. This seminar is regularly rated the most valuable session at every conference where it’s presented. 

About the Presenter: 

• ​Wynn J. Salisch has over 50 years of experience in hospitality management, payment processing, and cybersecurity. He’s the founder and Principal of Casablanca Payments, a division of the New York-based fintech company Casablanca Ventures LLC, America’s only payments industry merchant advocate and advisory firm built and run by a veteran hospitality professional. Its mission is to rescue lodging professionals fromfast-talking processorsalespeople claiming to offersavings but leaving them with hidden high costs, confusing fees, and poor service. The company provides analysis, training and solutions in payments and data security and works to find the best solutions for their clients’ specific needs with maximum savings, service, and security. With its originsin luxury hospitality, the company islaser-focused on giving its clients exceptional concierge-level customer service at no cost or obligation. Wynn helped design, develop, build, open, and operate the award-winning historic Montauk Yacht Club & Inn in the Hamptons on Long Island which started as a six-room bed & breakfast and grew into an acclaimed 200-room luxury grand resort hotel-spa-marine inn-executive conference center that hosted Elizabeth Taylor, cosmetics icon Estee Lauder, the Governor of the State of New York, and the launch of the Aramis cologne brand, and was featured in the ABC network television series Revenge. After that, he went on to create a successful restaurant, direct operations at the historic West Side Tennis Club, its famed 16,000-seat Forest Hills Stadium (“America’s Wimbledon”), and the ABC Sports live-telecast World Championship Tennis Tournaments of Champions at Forest Hills. He’s also guided hundreds of food & beverage operations around the world. A Partner on the United States Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force and a member of the National Cybersecurity Alliance, Wynn was awarded the Electronic Transaction Association’s prestigious Certified Payments Professional designation (earned by less than 1% of the entire payments industry). He’s a graduate of The School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University and a Life Member of the Cornell Hotel Society and serves on the Boards of Directors of the Association of Lodging Professionals, Southern Innkeepers Association, and Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (Vice President, New York City Chapter), among others.

 

Friday, May 10
​9:30am - 10:30am

ChatGPT 101: Your AI Co-pilot in Resort and Hospitality Marketing
​Mike Lannen, Eternity
​Pack your bags for a journey into the future of travel and hospitality marketing! This session is your boarding pass to exploring the power of ChatGPT. Get ready to turbocharge your marketing efforts, all while keeping your brand's unique voice front and center. 

We'll map out the basics of how ChatGPT and ChatGPT PLUS can be trained on your own documents to replicate your brand's voice. Imagine a digital concierge that not only enhances your marketing but does it while perfectly channeling your brand's personality. We will even show you how to build your own GPT Bot that you can talk directly to and hear responses  back! 

Whether you're a seasoned travel marketing entrepreneur or just embarking on your hospitality journey, this session will equip you with a treasure trove of insights, effective tools, and a roadmap for making ChatGPT and ChatGPT Plus work for you. 

So, come join us and discover how to create an AI that’s ready to take your brand's voice to the next level. Don’t worry, the only thing we’ll be summoning is your brand's potential, not Skynet!

About the Presenter: 

• Mike Lannen is the Founder of Eternity, a web and digital marketing firm in Burlington, Vermont. As an Eagle Scout, Mike is wholeheartedly committed to making the web a more user-friendly space. He takes pride in building close relationships with all of his clients while keeping a watchful eye on team culture and employee satisfaction. In his downtime, Mike cherishes moments spent with his loving wife and indulging in LEGO-building adventures with his two daughters. Additionally, Mike is deeply passionate about the world of smart homes and the ever-evolving realm of artificial intelligence. 

​From Good to Excellence in Customer Service
Ross Gibson, The Richards Group
​When people visit another state or region, they inevitably have customer service experiences.  What keeps a tourist/customer coming back and/or raving about their customer experience?  It is excellence, not just good, average or meh customer experience but EXCELLENCE of the customer service experience.  In this interactive and fun workshop, a self-professed customer-service geek, Ross Gibson of The Richards Group, will lead participants through the three keys to move the needle from so-so customer service to raving customers who will never forget, as Maya Angelou put it, "how you made them feel." 

About the Presenter: 

• Ross Gibson is leadership development facilitator.  As the Director, Client Services, Employee Benefits Practice at The Richards Group (TRG), Ross works with organizations to help develop positive leadership growth.  Ross has held a number of senior HR roles.  Ross has a BA in Social Psychology from Tufts University and an MA in Management from Brandeis University. He is currently on the Board of the Governor's Institute of Vermont (GIV) and is the immediate past-Director of the Vermont State Council of SHRM.  He is also a past-President of the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA).

Vacation Rentals in Vermont: How Do They Fit In?
Julie Marks, Vermont Short Term Rental Alliance, Inc.
Do short-term rentals (STRs) “belong” in our town? Are they bringing the “right” type of people to our communities? These are real-life questions being asked by municipal board members all across Vermont. In this presentation, Julie will share new data and insights on the vacation rental industry to shed light on the impacts that STRs have on Vermont’s communities, economy, and housing market. She’ll also highlight how short-term rentals fit into Vermont’s tourism industry, small business opportunities, and the Vermonter’s way of life. Join the conversation to learn how you can benefit from STRs in your community.​

About the Presenter: 

• Born and raised in Hinesburg, Julie Marks has always called Vermont home. After high school, Julie moved to Australia to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science from James Cook University, and then later completed a Master's Degree in Environmental Health from the University of Washington in Seattle. Julie returned to Vermont in 2018 and has developed a small homestead in Jericho, that offers two short-term rental accommodations. She has been growing her rental portfolio ever since and takes pride in providing both long-term housing and vacation rental hospitality. Julie founded the Vermont Short Term Rental Alliance (VTSTRA) in February 2021 upon mounting regulatory threats to her self-built business. Since 2022, Julie has served on the Government Affairs Committee for the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA). In April 2023, Julie was appointed as VTSTRA's first part-time employee and Executive Director.

​Trails for everyBODY: Elevating aMTB Accessibility in Vermont
Nick Bennette, Vermont Mountain Bike Association; Greg Durso, Kelly Brush Foundation; Felicia Fowler, Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports
Vermont is home to over 1200 miles of mountain bike trails, which, until recently, were not deemed adaptive rider accessible. The Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA), parent organization of 29 individual trail Chapters and responsible for stewarding ~90% of the public access mountain bike trails in Vermont, has worked alongside Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports and Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF) to ensure trails on Vermont’s landscape are built and maintained with accessibility in mind. This working group has developed/implemented an adaptive trail assessment protocol, leading to over 50 miles of adaptive-friendly designated mountain bike trails statewide. Trail leaders are learning what an adaptive trail requires, upgrades to make trails more adaptive friendly , and how to optimize the riding experiences for ALL. VMBA, Vermont Adaptive, and KBF have collaborated to ensure the process, from assessing trail, to funding improvements, to providing useful information to visitors, is widespread. In opening up more adaptive opportunities, Vermont is increasing its draw for adaptive tourism and accelerating the development of adaptive athletes. Vermont’s adaptive trail assessments provide a blueprint for other trail stewardship organizations to work with community partners to make effective improvements to accessibility and transparency of trails in their areas. 

About the Presenters: 

• Nick Bennette (He/Him) has been the Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association since March of 2021. Originally from Missouri, Nick obtained a PhD from Princeton University before spending nearly a decade working as a consultant to foundations, companies, and non-profit organizations with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. Unsurprisingly, Nick is an avid mountain biker and spent many years volunteering with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance in Washington State before moving to Vermont to lead VMBA. Since relocating to Vermont, Nick has helped embed adaptive mountain bike access in VMBA's projects and programming, largely through strong partnerships with Vermont Adaptive and the Kelly Brush Foundation.
• ​Greg Durso, Sr. Program Director at the Kelly Brush Foundation (KBF). Greg suffered a spinal cord Injury in 2009 and has since joined the KBF in 2019 to help empower people with spinal cord injuries to lead active and engaged lives. The KBF has given out over $5.5 Million in adaptive sports equipment grants and Greg has also started community driven programming nationally. He has also helped promote adaptive mountain biking and universal trail design in Vermont and throughout the country. He is also a VMBA Ambassador and an accomplished Adaptive Athlete. 
• Felicia Fowler, Recreation Therapist and Program Manager for Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, has been working in the field of adaptive sports and recreation for 10 years. Through her time with Vermont Adaptive she has helped to exponentially grow year round programming including developing an adaptive mountain bike program. In addition to hands on programming year round, she prioritizes advocacy and accessibility in outdoor spaces for people with disabilities. 

 

Friday, May 10
​11:00am - 12:00pm

Hire Well, Retain Better
Joe Carton, Westport Hospitality; Nermin Elezovic, Vermont Department of Labor; Amy Spear, Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Highlighting the Vermont visitor economy, hear from Vermont experts on strategies and best practices for attracting, training, and retaining talent. The session will focus on workforce development initiatives available in the state of Vermont aimed to retain and upskill workers, including a new professional certificate program in hospitality management that will be offered through UVM Professional and Continuing Education.
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About the Presenters: 

• Joe Carton is the Chief Operating Officer of Westport Hospitality.
  
• Nermin Elezovic is the Business Services Manager at the Vermont Department of Labor. 
• Amy Spear is the foremost expert in Vermont on the state's tourism economy. She is an in-demand expert at the State House to inform and influence policy that impacts Vermont's hospitality industry. She has the pulse on the industry and understands the politics and policies that impact it.

Making Your Historic Building Work for You
Jeremy Ebersole, The Landmark Trust USA; Jenna Lapachinski, Preservation Trust of Vermont; Betsy Thurston, Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance
Vermont is a pioneer in promoting heritage tourism and has long recognized the economic potential of our historic buildings, downtowns, village centers, and cultural landscapes. Travelers value the incredible experience of being enveloped in history that is possible in a unique way in Vermont through the creative use of older buildings and revitalizations of historic downtowns and village centers. Join our panelists to learn more about creative approaches to heritage tourism and unlock the amazing potential of your historic buildings. We'll discuss various ownership models, uses, and revitalization strategies that marry heritage and tourism, allowing owners and organizations to celebrate a sense of place while also creating sustainable uses for historic spaces and places. Learn more about The Landmark Trust USA's overnight rental model, the Preservation Trust of Vermont's public-private partnership at the Grand Isle Lake House, and the efforts of the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance to support revitalization and economic development efforts while preserving and promoting their historic downtown.
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About the Presenters: 

• Jeremy Ebersole has a background in Communications and Historic Preservation. Currently Communications Specialist for The Landmark Trust USA, he previously served as Executive Director of the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, Marketing & Communications Assistant for the Essex National Heritage Area, and Communications Coordinator for the Northeast Region of the National Park Service's National Heritage Areas Program. He proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Society for Commercial Archeology and received his Master's in Historic Preservation from the University of Oregon, where his thesis focused on the preservation of neon signs. 
• Jenna Lapachinski has been a field service representative with the Preservation Trust of Vermont since 2017. Prior to working for PTV, Jenna spent several years as the Historic Resource Specialist for New Hampshire's Land and Community Heritage Investment Program and was the Preservation and Education Coordinator for the Historic Macon Foundation in Macon, Georgia. She holds a B.A. in History from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and a M.S. in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont.
• Betsy Thurston has worked as the Executive Director of the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance since August of 2020. She also works part-time with the Town of Rockingham as the Development Assistant and aides in grant writing and project assistance. Originally from Roxbury, Vermont, Thurston graduated from Castleton in 1996, and traveled extensively before moving back to VT and settling in the Bellows Falls area in 2015. ​

Outdoor Entrepreneurs Innovating a Climate Resilient Future
(Moderator) Kelly Ault, Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance; Mariah Keagy, Sinuosity Flowing Trails; Nick Mahood, Nordic Center & Activity Center, Woodstock Inn & Resort; Alex Racicot, The Boot Pro Ski & Bike
Outdoor recreation is nearly a trillion dollar economy nationally and one that drives Vermont's local economies. The Vermont Flood of 2023 brought to light the stark reality that the natural beauty and recreation infrastructure that Vermont businesses depend on can be easily disrupted. Retail businesses, trail builders, and gear manufacturers located in and serving downtowns and rural landscapes are finding opportunity in their economic recovery through entrepreneurship, workforce training, and sustainability technology. Hear from a panel of industry leaders on how collaboration and innovation are leading to a competitive edge for Vermont and attracting people to visit and start businesses in the state, forging a climate resilient industry for the future.

About the Presenters: 

• Kelly Ault has served as the executive director for the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance since 2019, after co-founding the organization with industry leaders. After receiving a Masters in Environmental Policy in 1995, she has worked as a non-profit executive on land conservation, sustainable forestry, and nature-based tourism projects with the Northern Forest Alliance (Appalachian Mountain Club) and on early childhood issues for the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance.
  
• In 2008, Alex Racicot and her husband Shon opened The Boot Pro Ski Shop on the Okemo Access Road in Ludlow. Alex, an alumna from UVM’s School of Arts & Sciences and veteran ski instructor, administered business growth while Shon's expertise in ski retail & service led to the company's reputation for well-fitting ski boots and expert tuning. Daughter Haley and son Luke grew up in the shop and added to the superior customer service and family based business vibe. In 2023, a bicycle shop and services were added to expand the business into a year-round enterprise.  As a first generation, family-owned, full-service ski and bike shop, the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business (GSB) honored the business with the First Generation Family Enterprise Award in September of 2023 for their sustainable economic and societal contributions.
  
• Nick Mahood is the Nordic Center & Activity Center Director at the Woodstock Inn & Resort  overseeing winter sports and the Orvis fly fishing program on resort property as well as the adjacent forests on Mt Peg and local waterways. He is a former assistant Nordic coach for the University of New Hampshire and most recently was the coach of the New England Junior National Team and junior committee chair for the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA), for which he was recognized as the NENSA Coach of the Year in 2014. He has also lent his coaching expertise locally as head Nordic coach for Woodstock Union High School since 2008.
  
• Mariah Keagy is co-owner of Sinuosity: Flowing Trails, a small Vermont-based firm based out of Morristown and Dover, specializing in trail planning, design and construction. Mariah grew up in Southern VT where she began her career on the Stratton Pond Trail 26 years ago, and has now been with Sinuosity for over 11 years. Mariah serves on the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council, and on the boards of the Green Mountain Club and Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA). Mariah has recently been working on workforce and education projects to professionalize the industry both in Vermont and on a National scale through projects such as creating skills competency frameworks, creating a Trail Technician occupational exam, Best Management Practices, and trail training and course curriculum. 
  

Collaborations That Connect: How to Rock Influencer Marketing in Hospitality
Nate Canan-Zucker, Caledonia Spirits; Rachel Propper, @keepvermontwild; Erin Torres, @travelikealocalVT; (Moderator) Alexandra Tursi, Cultivate
Join us for a panel discussion on influencer marketing in the hospitality industry. Our diverse panel features two seasoned influencers, offering firsthand insights into effective strategies and engagement practices. Representing brands that collaborate closely with influencers, we have a Vermont distillery and spirits company sharing their success stories and challenges in harnessing the power of influencer partnerships. Additionally, an agency lead will moderate the discussion and share perspectives on managing influencer relationships, orchestrating campaigns, and maximizing ROI.

From navigating authenticity to measuring impact, our panelists will delve into the nuances of influencer marketing, shedding light on best practices and emerging trends. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to the realm of influencer collaborations, this panel promises to equip you with actionable strategies and inspiration to elevate your brand's presence in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights and network with experts in the field.
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About the Presenters: 

• Nate Canan-Zucker is the digital marketing specialist for Caledonia Spirits (@barrhillgin).
• Rachel Propper is a born and raised Vermonter who works at Gallagher Flynn and Company as a Senior Operations Specialist and runs the social media account Keep Vermont Wild (@keepvermontwild). In her professional career, before working at Gallagher Flynn, she has worked for high-net-worth families and small businesses in Vermont as an Executive Assistant.  She takes advantage of all her free time to get outside and uses social media to encourage people to do the same while keeping this State greener for tomorrow.  Rachel lives in Essex with her husband and baby girl.
  
• Erin McCormick Torres is a marketing consultant, business coach, and top-performing Vermont Realtor. She runs the popular blog and Instagram account Travel Like a Local: Vermont (@travelikealocalVT). Prior to starting Live Local Vermont, a marketing consulting, coaching and content creation company, she led digital marketing and operations teams in the real estate, food, health, and edtech spaces. She is a published author, rescue dog mama, and lives in Mallett's Bay with her husband.
• Alex Tursi, founder and CEO of Cultivate, is an award-winning, nationally recognized social media and digital content marketer, educator, and speaker. Cultivate is a public relations, influencer marketing, and social media consulting firm that supports brands big and small on how to strategically engage in digital marketing. ​