Seminar Sessions

Amir Eylon will kick off the seminar presenting the latest tourism stats, trends, and forecasts shaping the industry. This session will include a panel discussion with Louisiana’s research team, providing state-specific insights and data. Attendees will learn about consumer behavior and market changes, gaining useful strategies to help boost tourism in Louisiana, both locally and internationally.

Discover how sports tourism can be a game changer for local economies. John David will unpack data-driven insights on the economic impact of sports events and share best practices for attracting and hosting sports tourism events in Louisiana. From large tournaments to local sports events, learn how to tap into this growing market and create lasting visitor engagement.

A discussion on Louisiana Office of Tourism’s campaign initiative for 2026, “The Year of Outdoors.” This session will explore marketing strategies and community partnerships aimed at promoting Louisiana’s incredible natural resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute ideas and learn how to align local efforts with the statewide campaign, making the most of this strategic tourism push.

Connect and collaborate with fellow tourism professionals from across the state. Enjoy refreshments and the chance to discuss shared challenges and opportunities in an engaging and relaxed environment.

Working together can make a big impact! Get ready to dive into the exciting world of collaborative marketing with Brian Jewell! Discover real-life success stories and smart strategies for teaming up with neighboring regions and industry partners.  This session is packed with actionable tips to help you amplify your marketing efforts and bring more group travelers to your area.  

This session will break down everything you need to know about key global markets and what international travelers are looking for.  We’ll dive into the benefits and challenges of targeting international tourists and what these travelers are looking for.  Discover practical ways to engage global audiences and the importance of building relationships with overseas tour operators and media.  Neil and David will cover tips to strengthen your brand and will share how to tailor your PR message to connect with global audiences.

Join us for an introduction to Inbound Insider: Steps to Success™, a premier travel training program designed to elevate Louisiana’s tourism industry. This session will provide an overview of the 4-step framework, which empowers DMOs and suppliers to develop competitive prices and services.   Explore Louisiana is offering this program at no cost, giving all partners access to resources and insider expertise throughout the implementation phase.  Don’t miss out!  Join us to learn how this program can help you and your suppliers transform your marketing efforts and thrive. 

The battle for relevance for Destination Organizations has never been more urgent than it is today.  From state capitols to town halls, everyone is looking for dollars from every corner.  And often, visitor-generated revenues become easy targets.  In this session, Maura Gast will lead you through the history of our industry, how it influenced our growth as Destination Organizations, but also how we let ourselves lose sight of it along the 100+ year way.  As she introduces her “Building Blocks” (often referred to as the industry’s Circle of Life), she’ll show how we can use that history and its lessons to get off the menu and back to the leadership table in community discussions.

Turn everything you have learned into a solid plan.  The Coraggio group will guide you through building a marketing plan that fits your needs.  This session will give you confidence to set clear, attainable goals, make the best of your resources and track your progress.  Leave with a practical road map to elevate your marketing efforts and drive tourism success in your community.