Join TAP’s Virtual Community Conversations where we come together to explore a timely topic, share fresh ideas, and learn from each other – so we can all move forward confidently in a rapidly evolving travel industry.
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Events & Milestones as a Catalyst for Growth
Events and major milestones are often viewed as short-term opportunities—intensive moments designed to drive immediate visitation, attention, and economic impact. But across the tourism industry, a different story is emerging. When approached strategically, events can become powerful catalysts for long-term growth, collaboration, and community impact.
Destinations and organizations are increasingly leveraging events to extend their reach, engage new audiences, and build partnerships that endure well beyond the event itself. This conversation examines how events can move from one-time activations to strategic assets, driving sustained value for destinations, organizations, and the communities they serve.
The Panel:
- Amir Eylon, Longwoods International
- Debra Ross, The Eclipse Effect/Kids Out and About
- Jean Mackay, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
- Jennifer Miller, Visit Detroit
Keep going: Join the community group to continue the conversation.
More on Events & Milestones
Partnership & Collaboration
Collaboration is more than a buzzword — it’s a strategic advantage. Our research shows that organizations who operationalize collaboration see stronger reputations, more customers, and new opportunities. We’ll also discuss the power of “co-opetition” — partnering with competitors to unlock innovation and solve shared challenges. Discover how collaboration can drive growth for your business and community, through practical examples and discussion with our panel of collaborators.
The Panel:
- Rebecca Mackenzie, President and CEO of Culinary Tourism Alliance
- Dave Herrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities
- Sage Hamilton-Hazarika, Corridor Coordinator at Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State
Keep going: Join the community group (named after our podcast) to continue the conversation.
Welcoming All 2.0
How has DEAI evolved? What are businesses and destinations doing to reach new markets? How is the industry approaching inclusion? What does social impact mean through a tourism lens? Watch the replay of our conversation exploring what it means to welcome all into our destinations and tourism businesses.
The Panel:
- Roni Weiss, Executive Director at Travel Unity
- Karen Kuhl, Executive Director at Cayuga County Office of Tourism
- Lauren Sackett, CEO at Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
Keep going: Join the community group (named after our podcast) to continue the conversation.
More on DEIA in Tourism
Cross-Border Tourism
Tariffs and the corresponding headlines are affecting our tourism community. Watch the one-hour virtual event with a panel of Canadian travel media, tour operators and US/Canadian border destinations sharing their perspectives, insights and ideas.
The Panel:
- Christopher Mitchell, Travelingmitch
- Catherine Dawson March, The Globe and Mail
- Richard Arnold, Atlantic Tours
- Corey Fram, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council
- Vince Accardi, President of the Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA)
The virtual event took place on March 4, 2025.
Keep going: Join the community group (named after our podcast) to continue the conversation.
