MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Phone: 608-267-3773
E-mail: lmarshall@travelwisconsin.com
Travel industry encouraged to pre-register by Feb. 11 to take advantage of early-bird discount
MADISON, Wis. — Governor Scott Walker will kick off the 2011 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism by sharing his vision for the state’s tourism industry during his opening address on Monday morning, March 7. He created an online video to invite the state’s travel and hospitality to join him at this year’s conference. The annual education and networking tourism event will be held at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Wisconsin Dells March 6–8.
Participants who register for the conference prior to Feb. 11 receive a $50 discount toward their registration fee.
“As one of the leading economic drivers for the state, we’re so excited to partner with Governor Walker and our statewide tourism industry to promote the Wisconsin visitor experience,” said newly appointed Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “We look forward to connecting with our colleagues in the industry to share creative ideas to grow the Wisconsin tourism economy, create jobs and generate a buzz that will win new visitors to the state.”
Additional keynote speakers on Monday, March 7 include Roger Brooks on “The New Age of Tourism,” and Peter Yesawich, PhD, who will provide insight on emerging travel habits, preferences and intentions of Americans. Monday afternoon will wrap with the popular Marketplace tradeshow. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch during breakfast Monday morning.
On Tuesday, March 8, Peter Tarlow, PhD, will speak on “Business Retention, Tourism, and Economic Development” followed by Karen Purves presenting “Communication Cues to Improve the Profitability of Your Organization.”
Governor Walker will also present The Governor’s Tourism Awards at Tuesday evening’s closing dinner. Sponsored by the Governor’s Council on Tourism, the awards recognize and honor people and organizations that have made a significant impact on Wisconsin’s tourism industry. The four award categories include: Legacy, Rising Star, Service Excellence and Stewardship.
The Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Tourism is an annual three-day education and networking event for Wisconsin innkeepers, restaurateurs, community tourism officials, tourism attraction operators, state agency officials, tourism educators, and other representatives of the hospitality industry.
Industry sponsors for this year’s conference include AirTran Airways, Oneida Nation, Journal Sentinel, Inc., Potawatomi Bingo Casino, Discover Wisconsin, Laughlin Constable, Marcus Hotels & Resorts, Midwest Living Magazine/Meredith Travel Group, Tourism Federation of Wisconsin, Tribune Media Group, and the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Center.
Event details, including a full agenda, information on accommodations and online registration can be found at http://www.wigcot.org.
