Governor’s Conference 2023
See DatesGovernor’s Conference on Tourism
About
The Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism is an annual conference that features a strong line-up of expert speakers, as well as exciting social events to enhance your networking opportunities with top leaders and innovators.
Join us at the 2023 Conference, held at Drury Plaza Hotel Cape Girardeau Conference Center in Cape Girardeau, October 4-6.
Room Block: Drury Plaza Hotel Cape Girardeau Conference Center
Questions? Please contact [email protected].
Donate to our 2023 Governor’s Conference Giving Back Project: Safe House of Southeast Missouri
Registration
Full Conference Pass (meals included) (October 4-6) | $350 Early Bird – $400 Standard
One-Day Pass (meals included) (October 5) | $300 Early Bird – $350 Standard
Awards Banquet Pass Only | $100
Governor’s Lunch Pass Only | $50
Early bird registration – closes September 1
Hotel Room Block – closes 5 pm on September 1
Registration – closes September 22
Cape Girardeau Sponsored Tour
Sightseeing Tour:
Take a step back in time at Fort D, the only surviving Civil War fortification built by Union troops in southeast Missouri. Enjoy storytelling, learn about everyday life during the Civil War and experience the firing of the rifle and canon. Catch a glimpse of Cape Girardeau’s fascinating history.
Please RSVP: [email protected]
Agenda
Wednesday, October 4
Registration
Sponsored by Madden Media
Exhibitor Trade Show Set Up
MACVB Board Meeting
Invitation only
Visit Cape Sponsored Tour
See information above.
*Pre-registration required
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by Visit Cape
Throw axes, play games, sip delicious drinks and sample tasty hors d’oeuvres at Dogwood Social House, where fun, food, family and friends come together. Watch the tourism industry’s most talented battle it out in a karaoke competition to win a big prize!
Thursday, October 5
Exhibitor Trade Show
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
Registration
Sponsored by Madden Media
Breakfast
Sponsored by Spectrum Reach
Keynote:
U.S. Travel Association: The State of Tourism
General Session:
DEI
Break and Exhibitor Trade Show
Sponsored by Rural Missouri
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
Breakout Session:
SEO+PR=Powerful
Speaker: Heather Molina, Madden Media
All it takes is your story to bring visitors: we explore the power of using effective owned, earned, and social content strategies to level up your storytelling efforts.
Breakout Session:
Tourism Exchange
Speaker: Andrea Wood, Vice President of Tourism Exchange USA, Miles Partnership
Attracting international visitors has never been more competitive and the global product development and distribution landscape continues to rapidly evolve. That’s why Missouri Division of Tourism is partnering with Travel South and Brand USA to bring Missouri’s unique travel experiences to the world through Tourism Exchange USA. The Tourism Exchange is connectivity platform that digitizes and democratizes the product development and distribution landscape, allowing attractions, experiences and accommodations of all sizes to connect their live product inventory to global OTAs and tour operators. Already in use in Australia, Japan and the UK, Tourism Exchange USA will create an opportunity for Missouri’s businesses and destinations to expand their product reach to new customers around the globe, driving visitation and economic impact. Get a preview of the Exchange and how your organization can participate at this session.
Luncheon
*Featured speaker: The Honorable Michael L. Parson, Governor, State of Missouri
*Scheduled appearance subject to change
All Breakout Sessions Repeat
This is your chance to see another breakout session.
5 Minute Break
General Session:
Green Shoes
Speaker: Kraig Kann
Who are we and why should people pay attention? It’s a question that former network broadcaster and C-Suite Strategist Kraig Kann will put squarely in front of us! A successful entrepreneur, radio and podcast host and award-winning author of the book “Can You Get Our Attention?,” Kraig will share the importance of knowing our story and being able to present it in a way that gets other people talking. You’ll learn about superpowers, what sets a brand apart, and why each one of you plays a bigger role in the communication of your organization’s message in a world where everyone seems to be seeking greater awareness and more business. This session promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. And along the way, somebody might just earn a green shoe!
Break and Exhibitor Trade Show
Missouri Tourism Commission Meeting
Seating is limited.
Awards Reception
Wine compliments of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board.
Awards Banquet & Presentation
Wine compliments of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board.
Friday, October 6
Registration
Sponsored by Madden Media
Breakfast
Drury Lobby
Enjoy the delicious hot breakfast complimentary with your stay at the Drury Suites or get your breakfast voucher at registration if you are not a hotel guest.
Professional Headshot Session
RSVP Required
Reserve a 5 minute time slot for a headshot session with MDT staff photographer Aaron Fuhrman. Photos will be taken in the Drury Hotel and emailed to participants following the conference. Email Megan Rogers at [email protected] to RSVP today.
Breakout Session:
From Chaos to Clarity: How Clear Communications Planning Achieves Organizational Goals
Speaker: Margaret Faintich & Julie Voss Catron, OBP Agency
Communications planning is the foundation of an integrated marketing plan. In this session, we’ll explore how a strong communications plan can help you achieve organizational goals. Specifically, we’ll look at the fundamentals of a communications plan and break down the steps to begin creating your plan today.
Breakout Session:
Artificial Intelligence
10 Minute Break
All Breakout Sessions Repeat
This is your chance to see another breakout session.
Break and Exhibitor Trade Show
Visit with business professionals and service providers who help support the tourism industry.
Missouri Division of Tourism Update
Speaker: Stephen Foutes, Director, Missouri Division of Tourism
During this session, you’ll see examples of MDT’s work to showcase Missouri as a travel destination, hear programmatic updates and get a sneak peek at the Division’s marketing plans for spring 2023 and beyond.
Giveaways & Closing Remarks
Conference Concludes
Speakers
Heather Molina
Heather Molina is the Director of Insights at Madden Media, where she leads the discovery of cross-channel marketing strategies for clients. She has 20 years of digital marketing channel expertise (SEO, paid media, social strategy, data, and analytics). She is focused on helping destinations and brands build strategic plans that are actionable and measurable.
Andrea Wood
Andrea Wood has spent the last 19 years with Miles Partnership in key marketing, account management and strategic leadership roles. She’s a frequent speaker on the use of new and emerging technologies. Over the years, she’s lead many first-of-its-kind initiatives including VR/AR and proximity-based marketing experiences. In her current role as Vice President/General Manager of Tourism Exchange USA, she is responsible for overseeing operations and industry participation in an effort to bring even more innovative technology to the travel industry.
Kraig Kann
As former lead anchor and studio host for NBC Sports’ Golf Channel, Kraig Kann attained his lifelong dream. He then progressed to Chief Communications Officer for the LPGA and today is a successful entrepreneur mastering his own brand. His background of C-Suite strategist and media entertainment uniquely qualifies Kraig to help you elevate the company brand and become more personally empowered. Now a nationally published 5-time award-winning author, his book “Can You Get Our Attention?” quickly became a Top 20 Amazon Best Seller.
Margaret Faintich
Margaret Faintich leads cross-agency teams and clients to drive results. She has 20+ years of experience creatively solving business problems and bringing together strong teams. She oversees work for OBP’s Tourism Portfolio, including Missouri Division of Tourism, Morey’s Piers and Southeast Tourism Society.
Julie Voss Catron
With over 20 years of experience in public relations and integrated marketing communications, Julie works with clients to enhance brand reputations through compelling storytelling and earned media. She has experience with Fortune 500, nonprofit, and international corporations and organizations. Julie leads the award-winning OBP PR team and also serves on the agency’s executive team.
Stephen Foutes
As director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, Stephen leads a dedicated team of marketers, communicators, researchers, program managers, legislative and financial specialists, and welcome center ambassadors focused on promoting Missouri as one of the country’s top travel destinations. A lifelong Missourian, he holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Central Methodist College and has worked at the Division of Tourism in varying roles for more than 10 years.
Sponsorship
There are multiple opportunities to make your mark this year. Click below for sponsorship details.
Current Sponsors
Tripadvisor
Atmosphere TV
McDaniels Marketing
Sojern
Missouri Wine & Grape Board
Award Nominations
Nominations are closed.
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism Awards are open to DMOs, tourism attractions, lodging, restaurants, festivals/events, publications and other entities contributing to the tourism industry in Missouri. Entries should demonstrate exemplary customer service, initiative and have positively influenced the tourism industry.
Missouri Tourism Hall of Fame
Presented to an individual who has worked in the tourism industry for a minimum of 10 years and whose contributions have significantly and measurably impacted tourism in Missouri.
Sen. Emory Melton Legislative Award
Honors an individual who recognizes the value of tourism to the state and works through the legislative process to support Missouri’s tourism industry.
Marketing Campaign Award
Recognizes an effective integrated marketing campaign that results in increased tourism and economic benefit to a region.
Pathfinder Award
Recognizes an event or organization that successfully develops a niche tourism market.
Innovator Award
Honors a small tourism organization or individual who achieves significant results on a modest budget.
Navigator Media Award
Presented to a media outlet that promotes tourism in Missouri and its importance to the state’s economy.
Rising Star Award
Honors an individual who has worked for a tourism-related organization less than five years or who has transitioned to a new role and made significant advancements to the organization’s efforts.
Hospitality Award
Recognizes an individual, business or organization that has demonstrated excellent customer service.
Film Industry Champion Award
Presented to an individual who advocates for the film industry and works to expand its presence in Missouri.