2013 S.C. Governor's Conference on Tourism & Travel
The 2013 Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel will be held January 28-30 in Columbia, South Carolina at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Industry professionals will hear motivational talks from national speakers and exchange ideas on improving the business of tourism. Visit this site often for updates on speakers, agenda and other conference events.
Registration Brochure
Printable Registration Form
Online Registration
Agenda
Awards Brochure (Nominations due January 8, 2013)
Sponsorship Brochure
Hotel Reservations
Host City
Silent Acution Information
Silent Auction Donation Form
Dine Around Deals
Add To My Calendar
Questions
Speakers
Governor’s Conference Responds to Growing, More Complex Industry
The annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Travel will offer new sessions and opportunities in its agenda to better serve the diverse tourism professionals who attend the meeting, and to respond to industry feedback on improving its largest gathering. Those new to tourism will find sessions that help them learn more about the complex industry, from policy making and strategy setting to development and customer service. Veterans will find more opportunities to make deeper connections with key leaders and resources to help them make qualified leadership decisions. Everyone should find opportunities tailored to fit their needs, and delivered conveniently across three business days.
Some key new features:
Lunch and Learn – Over a light lunch, this orientation session will help new professionals or students in tourism learn the basics of the industry, including how tourism organizations work at the federal, state and local levels. The session is scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. Monday, January 28.
Delegates’ choice Tuesday – Following a morning general session on Tuesday, January 29, delegates will have the option of discovering attractions by taking tours of the town (limited seating available), or of learning new trends and best practices in tourism promotion in breakout sessions on social media marketing, public relations, cultural tourism, copyright protections and customer service. A lunch featuring nationally recognized media relations professional Peter Shankman will be held that day.
Serving the Industry – On Wednesday, January 30, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism will host a “service session,” outlining the multiple programs available at the agency to help tourism professionals meet their marketing goals, including co-op advertising, grant programs, state web site presence, public relations support, welcome center advertising sales and more.
Awards Luncheon moved to the end of the conference – Last year, the conference successfully ended with its annual award luncheon, and plans call for a similar format this year. The event will recognize high performing students and a hospitality employee, as well as successful marketing strategies and attractions for 2012.
In advance of the Governor’s Conference, you are invited to submit questions for members of the General Assembly who will participate in the Legislative Session from 3-4:30 p.m. on Monday, January 28. Your questions can be emailed to Beth Fallaw, at bfallaw@scprt.com. Your question might be asked during the general session, but your name will not be included, unless you specify otherwise. Cards will also be made available during this session to write questions at that time.