Lt. Governor's Breakfast
A state of the industry address is the best way to kick-off Summit and inspire your efforts moving forward. Learn how Lt. Governor Nungesser, working with the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, is elevating the state in the world marketplace.
Making a Championship Team: Morale, Teamwork & Productivity
Professional Development | MISSISSIPPI-DELTA ROOM
Championship teams buy into the mission at every level and foster an intentionally created culture of success. Join these champions as you learn key insights for your team to thrive.
"KNOW" — Making the YES Sale!
Marketing/Sales | CYPRESS I ROOM
When your business relies on the success of your sales team, every effort must be made to strengthen the team and the team’s effectiveness. Being organized and efficient is a start, but what does it really take to get a YES out of your customers? Increasing each team member’s emotional intelligence, coaching them to be self-motivated, seasoning their communication skills, and giving them rewarding sales tips to put into practice will benefit the whole company. Participants will experience informative training and life-like scenarios that will ultimately aid them in understanding and furthering their goals as a member of your sales team.
How To Get Media Attention
Communications | BAYOU-LEVEE ROOM
Not getting the media coverage you deserve? How To Get Media Attention provides an overview of the media, details about what journalists look for and what they consider news, and what executives and marketing leaders can do to gain valuable exposure through news outlets, both online and traditional.
Innovations for AI in Travel Marketing
Marketing/Sales | SAMUEL CLEMENS-NATCHEZ ROOM
In this session, learn about the literal thousands of different ways AI can be implemented in your marketing process to help your team be more creative and more efficient. While AI has been a part of digital marketing for a long time, the new implications of ChatGPT and GPT-4 are really changing the game for us. Hear about new trends, new ways to use, and new platforms.
Travel Counselor Lunch & Learn | Would YOU do business with YOU?
CYPRESS I ROOM
When was the last time you were a customer in your own state? Do you know what your customers see, touch, hear, and most importantly, feel when traveling in your state? That’s why it’s important to take a step back and become your customer so that you can ask yourself- “Would YOU do business with YOU?” And we’ll do just that in this session. If there ever was a time to think and act like your customer, it is now, as your customers and prospects are looking at every part of your business.
The Five Essential Laws of Hospitality
Communications | BAYOU-LEVEE ROOM
Providing customer service is necessary as it brings people to your business. Hospitality, however, is essential, as it brings your customers back, increases your loyalty, retention, and revenue. Learn why most people forget about ordinary service but always remember the hospitality shown to them. When this happens, you create your organization's storytellers (or Brand Ambassadors) who can’t wait to tell others about their experiences with your organization and people.
The Social Network for Foodies & Cooks
Communications | MISSISSIPPI-DELTA ROOM
Loaded with insight into the current scene, join these foodies and cooks to discover why the development of social media food culture can help a tourist destination draw new visitors.
International Tourism Panel
Marketing/Sales | SAMUEL CLEMENS-NATCHEZ ROOM
The team at Explore Louisiana invites you to join a round-table discussion with seven international representatives. Come meet the people who work to promote Louisiana abroad and get insights into the travel trends by country. During the conversation, each office will provide updates on the trade and media landscapes, challenges and travel outlook as we promote Louisiana to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Live and Lead with Intention
Professional Development | CYPRESS I ROOM
Do you find yourself operating on auto-pilot, just doing the list and feeling stuck or unfulfilled? Darienne will share her experience and real-world strategies for living and leading with intention and design. These are the same principles that she has shared in her bestselling book, “Dare to Choose Happy." Get ready to examine your life and work from a new perspective.
Real Talk on Unconscious Bias
Management/Service | BAYOU-LEVEE ROOM
During this session, we will tackle how to stop judging a book by its cover. Take part in this interactive session that peels back the layers of our own unconscious bias through the examination of names, images and life experiences that led to not hiring the right candidate. When we remove unconscious bias, we can focus solely on the skills and abilities of candidates to create a more diverse and accepting work environment.
LOT General Session
Assistant Secretary Doug Bourgeois will cover the sales and marketing plan for the Louisiana Office of Tourism for the next 18 months, including key market events, shows and opportunities for industry partnership. In addition, get a preview of how your organization can participate with Liz Bittner (Travel South USA) on the state’s investment for Tourism Exchange USA – a partnership with Travel South and Brand USA to bring Louisiana’s unique travel experiences to the world.
Letting Louisiana Shine Through Litter Prevention
Communications | SAMUEL CLEMENS-NATCHEZ ROOM
In this session, hear about the latest efforts from Keep Louisiana Beautiful, the state’s anti-litter and community improvement organization. With momentum from a very successful Love the Boot Week, and “Let Louisiana Shine” media campaign, KLB expands to offer a Clean Biz Partnership program and social media toolkits so you can help beautify your community to make it more welcoming to visitors.
Product Development: Craft the Perfect Tour Experience
Product Development | MISSISSIPPI-DELTA ROOM
Steven and Chad will discuss how they came up with their current tours and activities, even inspiring a whole new tour activity during the COVID Pandemic, like THE GHOST WALK OF FRANKLIN, which has proven to be a huge success. Hear how to develop your own tours and activities based on consumer wants and needs. Learn the difference between what you may think is amazing and what people really want via consumer research studies. They will guide you to the understanding of the incredible and fun tour and activity development for the entire world to enjoy.
Election 2023: The Louisiana Governor’s Race & Tourism
Join us for a luncheon and preview of this year’s gubernatorial race. Candidates are invited to discuss issues affecting Louisiana’s travel and tourism industry, workforce & economic development.