Destinations Wisconsin Fall Tourism Conference

Registration - Foyer

Opening Luncheon & Keynote

From Seeing to Doing: Bringing AI to Life in Your Organization

Every organization sees how fast AI is moving. This session creates clarity on why the time to act is now: it's no longer a maybe. Todd Brook breaks down the mechanics of the two sides of enablement, individual and organizational, and what makes them different. Through real examples of what's possible, attendees will leave with the ability to pull together an AI strategy that actually delivers.

Presenter: Todd Brook

Sponsored by: Discover Wisconsin

Breakout Sessions

1. Building Business Relationships -  Strong business relationships are the driver for many business and political decisions. However, initiating, cultivating, and/or sustaining relationships is time-consuming and nuanced. Learn new approaches to make “strong relationships” a key differentiator in your success. 
2. Prioritize, Plan, Practice: Making AI Work for Your Small Organization - AI gives small organizations the chance to level the playing field, and this hands-on workshop shows you how. Going deeper than strategy, Todd Brook walks through how to build your list of priorities, turn it into a working plan, and start putting AI to use right away. Attendees leave with practical tactics sized for lean teams and a clear path to begin immediately.
3. DMO Roundtables – Network with your DMO peers and share ideas on facilitated tables focusing on Visitor Centers & Service, Visitor Guides, Events, Partnerships/Membership.

Networking Break

Sponsored by Circle Wisconsin

Breakout sessions

1. DMO Roundtables 2 – Network with your DMO peers and share ideas on facilitated tables focusing on the following topics: Sports & M&C Sales, Motorcoach sales; Social Media Tools and  Communications.
2. Igniting a Culture of Trust - Learn ways to transform your workplace into a resilient, high-performing environment where trust is the default, not the exception.
3. Travel Without Barriers - Hear an inspiring and practical presentation on accessibility and travel, highlighting how Wisconsin destinations can create more inclusive experiences for visitors of all abilities.

Marketplace & Reception 

While networking with your colleagues, enjoy your appetizers, refreshing beverages, and light entertainment, hosted by Visit Eau Claire. Visit all the sponsor and exhibitor marketplace booths for a chance to win some fabulous door prizes. 

Sponsored by: McDaniels Marketing

Downtown Eau Claire Dine Around - Dine your way through downtown Eau Claire. 

Registration 

Breakfast Buffet

Sponsored by Boelter & Lincoln, Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill'n

Awards Ceremony & Travel Wisconsin Outlook

Start your morning right with congratulating the Tourism Trailblazer Award and the Destinations Wisconsin Fired Up! Leadership Award recipients.  Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers will then provide an update on the latest Travel Wisconsin's happenings and plans for the future.

Breakout Sessions

1. Deciphering the Data Dashboard - A panel of DMO experts will share how they manage and utilize all the analytics and data available to make critical marketing decisions.
2. Tourism Public Improvement Districts At Work - As Wisconsin considers tourism public improvement districts, learn how Minnesota established this funding tool and how it is reshaping destination marketing in Minneapolis.
3. Exploring Downtown Eau Claire (wraps up at 11:15 am) - Take a stroll through downtown Eau Claire and learn how places like the Pablo Center and the sculpture tour are attracting visitors and making Eau Claire a unique destination.
4. Travel Content That Inspires - Discover the latest research from Expedia on what inspirers travelers to explore new destinations.  Based on a global survey of 7,000+ travelers, hear what creative elements, formats, and storytelling approaches resonate most with the travelers you want.

Networking Coffee Break

Breakout Sessions

1. Post-Election Landscape - The Wisconsin general election will have just wrapped up and we'll have a new Governor and Legislature.  Hear from Destinations Wisconsin's lobbyist on the new landscape how it may impact the tourism industry.
2. Web Site Content & Strategy - Explore how AI-powered search experiences are changing how web site content is discovered and consumed. Learn how to manage content for ingestion and consideration, including a transparent look at the world of modern SEO and "GEO," while revealing "harsh truths" each organization must face in this new reality. Practical, actionable takeaways will be included for marketing teams of any size.
3. Film Wisconsin - Learn more about the new Wisconsin Film Office services and the new tax incentive program. Also, an Eau Claire film industry veteran will provide insight on the film industry and his thoughts Wisconsin as a film destination. 

Closing Luncheon