LT. GOVERNOR’S TOURISM SUMMIT SCHEDULE All meetings are held at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana
9:30am-6pm Registration & Lobby Exhibits Sponsored by Convention South and Sports Events 9:30am-6pm LTPA Connection Café Sponsored by Madden Media 10am-12pm Louisiana North Meeting 10am-12pm Southeast Louisiana Gumbo Meeting 12:30-4:30pm Area Familiarization Tours 1-3pm LACVB Meeting 3-4:30pm LTDC/LTPD Meeting 6-8pm Tourism Jam Session Rock Star Reception Louisianans have always grooved to their own beat. Celebrate the “Year of Music” by dressing as your favorite music era or rock star! The “Rock Star Reception” costume party will be held at the Lake Charles Civic Center in the newly remodeled Buccaneer Room overlooking beautiful Lake Charles. As tourism rock stars, you will experience red carpet treatment and may even have the opportunity to sing a few of your favorite tunes! A “Grammy” will be awarded to the best dressed rock star! For costume ideas, check out www.visitlakecharles.org/jamsession. Sponsored by Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 7:30am-5pm 7:30am-5pm 7:30am-5pm 8:30-10am 10:15-11:15am 11:15-11:30am 11:30am-12:30pm 12:30-2pm 2:15-3:30pm 3:15-5pm 3:30-3:45pm 3:45-5pm 5-6:30pm 7:30-9pm
Registration & Lobby Exhibits Sponsored by Convention South and Sports Events LTPA Connection Café Sponsored by Madden Media Silent Auction Sponsored by Garrett and Garrett Insurance & DINA Dental Breakfast with the Lieutenant Governor Sponsored by Miles Media Legislative General Session Sponsored by Custom Marketing Group Coffee Break Three Breakout Sessions Opening Luncheon Sponsored by Jeff Davis Parish TC & New Orleans Plantation Country Three Breakout Sessions Set-up Partner Showcase Coffee Break Sponsored by Midwest Living Magazine/Meredith Publishing Three Breakout Sessions Partner Showcase Sponsored by Southern Living Magazine Optional Evening Reception Sponsored by Garden & Gun Home of former LA. Senator Willie Mount (Limited availabilty; additional registration fee required)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 7:30-8:30am 7:30-8:30am 7:30am-12pm 7:30am-12pm 8:30-9:30am 9:30-10:15am 9:30-10:15am 10:15am-11:45pm 10:15am-11:45pm 12-1:30pm 1:30-2:30pm 2-4pm
Set-up Travel Fair Silent Auction Sponsored by Garrett & Garrett Insurance & DINA Dental (closed 8:30-9:30am; reopens at 9:30am for final bids) Registration & Lobby Exhibits Sponsored by Convention South and Sports Events LTPA Connection Café Sponsored by Madden Media Louisiana Travel Fair Breakfast Sponsored by Trumpet Group Bloody Mary Break Sponsored by Texas Monthly Magazine Silent Auction Final Bids Louisiana Office of Tourism General Session Sponsored by Compass Media Travel Counselors Exam Louisiana Tourism Industry Awards Luncheon Sponsored by AJR Media Group & Jefferson CVB Silent Auction Announcements & Collection at Registration Louisiana Tourism Coastal Coalition Meeting Louisiana Hotel Lodging Association Annual Meeting - Date and Time to be Announced
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: LT. Governor Jay Dardenne and the Louisiana Office of Tourism for their partnership; Orbitz for name badges; Louisiana Cookin’ Magazine for conference bags; New Orleans Plantation Country for the items in our conference bags; IPC Printing, the official printer and Renaissance Publishing for our Turn-Down Service.
Wednesday, 8:30-10 am, Breakfast with the Lieutenant Governor
State of the Industry Jay Dardenne, Lieutenant Governor, State of Louisiana
A state of the industry address by our Lieutenant Governor is the best way to kick off this year’s Summit. Learn how the Lieutenant Governor, working with the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, is turning up the volume to move Louisiana forward in the world marketplace.
Sponsored by Miles Media Group
Wednesday, 10:15-11:15 am, General Session
Legislative Panel Moderator: Randy Haynie, Haynie & Associates
No matter what size your business or organization may be, it is crucial in today’s world to know how to work within the legislative process. Participate in this discussion with our panel of state elected officials and find out more about how to monitor the legislative process, how to more effectively communicate with elected officials, and how the budget issues facing our state may affect you. We will discuss ways that LTPA, LRA, LACVB, LHLA, LCOA, LBBA and other sister tourism associations are monitoring legislation and working on your behalf in Baton Rouge and how you can get involved in this important process.
Sponsored by Custom Marketing Group
Wednesday, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Rippling Your Way To Better Connections Steve Harper, Author & Business Strategist
Join Steve Harper, the Nationally-Recogized author of The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships For Your Life and Business as he discusses how to Ripple your way to better connections. Learn why: connection points are so critical; being a good connector is the super secret to success no one ever tells you; rippling can help you build your personal and professional network the right way; in today’s business world it takes more than just being good at networking. You must be a good connector. It takes time, effort and laser focus to make the right types of connections and build the types of relationships you depend on for your success. Come learn how to apply the power of Rippling to your career, business and relationships.
Six Steps to Anchoring Any Rapid Social Sales Growth Stuart Ellis-Myers a.k.a. “Twitchy”, Uniquely Speaking
This high-energy session will invigorate your ongoing Tourism Group & FIT sales efforts. You’ll learn instantly usable Hi-Tech/ Hi-Touch tourism sales mastery insights and strategies proven to massively increase new group & FIT sales revenues.
International Marketing Louisiana Style Facilitator, Mike Prejean, Louisiana Office of Tourism, International Manager Canada - Joanne Scalamogna, Owner, Access Marketing Mexico - Marco Aguilar, Owner, International Destination Marketing Germany/Austria/Switzerland - Rita Hille, Managing Director, Wiechmann Tourism Service France/Belgium - Marina Dupuy, Owner, Express Conseil Ltd United Kingdom/Ireland - Jody Hanson, Owner/Sales & Marketing Director, Travel & Tourism Marketing
Here is your opportunity to learn about the foreign markets in which the Louisiana Office of Tourism, in partnership with New Orleans CVB, has a physical presence. Our General Sales Agents (GSAs) will explain the ins and outs of working in each of their markets to secure business.
Wednesday, 12:30-2pm, Opening Luncheon
National Tourism Update Roger Dow, President & CEO, US Travel Association; George Zimmermann, VP for Travel Michigan Sponsored by Jeff Davis Parish Tourism Commission and New Orleans Plantation Country
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 pm, Concurrent Breakout Sessions
How to Get the Most Out of Your CRT and LOT Relationships Jacques Berry, Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Jay Salyers, Miles Media; Jay Tusa, Louisiana Office of Tourism
The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism has the same passion as you. We want people to come to Louisiana, indulge in our unique culture and enjoy all our state has to offer. Hopefully, after one trip they want to come back for a visit, or better yet make Louisiana home. From cultural development to state parks and museums to libraries, DCRT is full of resources you can tap. We will introduce ways to partner with the department and the Office of Lt. Governor to promote your assets.
The Role of Agriculture in Rural Tourism Markets Dora Hatch, LSU Ag Center, Agri-Tourism Coordinator
Pick-your-own produce, Christmas tree sales, hayrides, petting zoos, and on-farm festivals are among some of the most popular rural attractions. Including these agri-tourism activities in your rural tourism package can appeal to a broader range of tourists. This session will provide tips on how tourism professionals and agricultural landowners can work together to bring urban tourism markets to rural areas. The presenter will share case studies showing how tourism markets in Louisiana are embracing this concept as a means for sustainable growth in rural areas.
How to Over-Wow Every Louisiana Visitor Stuart Ellis-Myers a.k.a. “Twitchy”, Uniquely Speaking
This session is as fast paced as it is thought/action provoking! Be prepared to leave this session knowing how to positively traumatize, refresh, refuel and over-wow every visitor into living breathing raving fan recommendations of your tourism operation.
Wednesday, 3:45-5 pm, Concurrent Breakout Sessions
Redefining Leadership and Communication in Times of Change Bruce S. Wilkinson, Workplace Consultants/Wilkinson Seminars & Presentations
Staff shortages, customer expectations, employment issues, workplace threats, technology challenges and regulatory compliance issues can take their toll on a sometimes overworked workforce. How are we expected to stay sharp and effective? This will be an enthusiastic and persuasively presented, fun-filled program that will demonstrate some unique ways to redefine how organizations’ managers and employees can both lead and communicate effectively in times of constant change.
Print vs. Social; What Really Works? John Hudak, Publisher & CMO, Madden Media; Howard Tietjen, Sr. VP of Research & Strategy for Madden Media
We will take a look at content strategy, media buys, and results that work in today’s confusing and ever-changing media mix for marketing. The old adage “I know that 50% of my advertising works, and 50% doesn’t, but I just don’t know which is which” is as true today as it ever was. Pinterest, search marketing, mobile marketing, Facebook, magazines, newspapers, television… how do you measure, and how do you know what really puts heads in beds or makes the cash register sing? Come away with recent case studies and real life examples of campaigns for destinations with results; plus an informative and eye-opening look at industry trends and benchmarks for media buys.
Sponsored by Madden Media
Sell With Confidence: Unlock Your Potential Paul Vitale, Vital Communications, Inc.
If you knock once and there is no answer, then knock again. Very few ideas define the spirit of salesmanship better than this one simple concept. Paul will empower your sales team by providing strong fundamentals that refine proven methods and increase productivity, such as: commit to reaching your full potential; structure the day to work in your favor; develop sound mentors; put your rivals to work for you; seek out new business leads; (6) understand why some say “yes” and others say “no”; and arrange a sturdy framework. Help your team build quality business relationships while learning strategies and techniques to increase the bottom line.
Thursday, 10:15-11:45 am, General Session
Your Louisiana Office of Tourism Update Kyle Edmiston, Assistant Secretary
Give me Louisiana, a state prepared to share, that good old southern custom, hospitality so rare. The words from Doralice Fontane’s song will be the chorus to discuss the upcoming partnership opportunities with the Louisiana Office of Tourism during Louisiana Soundtrack. Get here early and tap your feet to the beat of LOT!
Sponsored by Compass Media, Inc.
Thursday, 12-1:30pm, Louisiana Tourism Industry Awards Luncheon
And the Louey Award Winner Is… Master of Ceremonies: Jamie Wax, Stand-up comedian, stage and film actor and playwright
Join our MC Jamie Wax for the closing luncheon as we showcase individuals and organizations which have made outstanding contributions to our industry and who have created innovative, results-producing strategies/programs for attracting visitors to Louisiana. We promise you will not want to miss this fun, creative time to honor and learn from your peers!
Sponsored by AJR Media Group and Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau
Silent Auction Need a way to showcase your business at Summit? Donate an item to the Silent Auction! Please contact Jennifer Chaumant at the Lake Charles SW Louisiana CVB by phone (337) 502-4354 or email jchaumont@visitlakecharles.org by December 1, 2012. Proceeds from the auction go towards LTPA’s advocacy efforts.
Partner Showcase Information Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 6-7:30 p.m. *Separate registration for to exhibitors, for more information please call Tiffany Schultz, 225.408.4029. This tabletop tradeshow allows media partners and other suppliers to the tourism industry to share information and network with their fellow tourism professional attendees.
Louisiana Travel Fair Breakfast Thursday, January 24, 2012, 8:30 - 9:30 am This tabletop trade show enables members of the tourism industry to showcase their properties/services to Louisiana travel counselors from across the state. Only Louisiana tourism entities (CVBs, attractions, restaurants, accommodations, etc.) can participate. “Full” registrants will receive a 4-foot tabletop space at no charge. Please check box on registration form.
Summit Host: Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana is a thriving, luxury casino resort destination that offers high-end gaming, relaxing spas, fine dining & Cajun cuisine, headline music & entertainment, pristine golf greens & outdoor adventure along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. With 75 annual festivals, you’re bound to hear a Cajun rhythm, taste a link of boudin or 2-step the night away!
Familiarization Tours Familiarization Tours on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, will depart from the Bus Tour Entrance of L’Auberge Casino Resort at 12:30 pm and return at 4:30 pm. Anyone not claiming a seat by12:15 pm has no guarantee of riding on the FAM bus. Tour 1 – Explore the History of Southwest Louisiana Enjoy a step back in time with a tour of the Charpentier Historic District, 40 blocks through downtown Lake Charles of homes on the National Register of Historic Homes, and Margaret Place Historic District. Visits to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, the 1911 City Hall Arts & Cultural Center and the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur will be included, as well as a tour of Lake Charles’ revitalized downtown district and a boudin snack at one of the stops along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. Tour 2 – Boudin, Cracklins and the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road Nature lovers can view birds, waterfowl and wildlife along the 180 miles Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, also known as Louisiana’s Outback. Foodies will enjoy several stops along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail to taste the locals’ favorite finger food. Visit the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center and experience the Pintail Wildlife Drive. Learn about the Creole Nature Trail GPS ranger video tour and free Smartphone app that add to the visitor experience. This tour is wheelchair accessible. Tour 3: Baby Gators, Louisiana Rum and Lunch at the Regatta For the real sweet-tooth in the crowd! Tour will depart Lake Charles and head to Louisiana Spirits, the newest rum distillery in the state where you will watch the production and savor a taste of the sweet sugar cane rum. Next you will have the opportunity to have your picture taken with a baby gator, then head to beautiful Lake Arthur and the Regatta Restaurant and experience the true spirit of L ouisiana’s culture combining fabulous food, good times and the great outdoors. Cupcakes from Sugar Chic will make the ride back to Lake Charles a sweet one!
Conference Host Hotel L’Auberge Casino Resort 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA, www.mylauberge.com For Reservations call 866-580-7444; Group Code SLTPA13; rate $119 Sgl/Dbl; reservations must be made by January 8, 2013 L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles is located on beautiful Contraband Bayou in Lake Charles on I-210 at Exit #4 – Nelson Road. This premiere facility is the ultimate in hospitality, unique dining experiences, plus non-stop Vegas-style gaming action. The property includes 1,000 spacious rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, 26,000 square feet of meeting space, a resort-style pool and lazy river, a full service spa and fitness center, 10 innovative dining outlets, The Shops At L’Auberge and headline entertainment. To schedule individual golf tee times or spa services, please call 866-580-7444.
Conference Rates & Deadlines Pre-registration cut-off: January 15, 2013 Early Bird Rate: $325 by December 31, 2012; $395 by January 15, 2013; $425 onsite One-Day Rates: $195 Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday by December 31, 2012; $225 by January 15, 2013 or onsite Student Rate: $35 per day (must have vaild student ID) Cancellation Policy: 50% Refund through December 31, 2012 -- No Refunds after December 31, 2012 Conference Attire: Business Casual Printing provided by:
***Please let us know if you have any special needs or requests by calling (225) 346-1857***