9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Registration Open
8:30-10 a.m. | Beach 5K & Fun Run/Walk
Pre-Conference Event & Georgia Tourism Foundation Fundraiser with Grab & Go Breakfast Treats
Sponsored by Okefenokee Swamp Park
Location: Great Dunes Beach Pavilion, adjacent to the Jekyll Island Convention Center
1-1:10 p.m. | Welcome
Speakers:
- Jay Markwalter, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, Georgia Department of Economic Development
- Alexa Hawkins, Director of Marketing & Communications, Jekyll Island Authority
1:10-2 p.m. | Opening General Session
Unshakeable Resilience: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities and Burnout into Breakthroughs
Speaker:
- Rory Gardiner, Comedian & TEDx Speaker
2-2:30 p.m. | Afternoon Refreshment Break and Exhibitor Exploration
Sponsored by Carrollton Area CVB
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions
Destination Champions: Turning Hospitality Professionals into Community Ambassadors
Moderator:
- Ontaria Finch, Visitor Services Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Panelists:
- Anya Turpin, Executive Director, Visit Perry
- Caitlin Neal, Marketing Director, Pick Ellijay
- Maurice Odoms, Director of Leisure Sales & Training, Explore Gwinnett
3:45-4:45 p.m. | General Session
If You Don’t Show Up, You Don’t Get Chosen: Harnessing AI to Power Your Tourism Messaging
Speakers:
- Craig Lucie, Founder and CEO, Lucie Content
- Aaron Diamant, Senior Vice President, Lucie Content
- Prajwal Mohan Kumar, AI Engineer, Lucie Content
4:45-5 p.m. | Remarks
5-8 p.m. | A Coastal Social: Dinner & Networking Reception
Location: Jekyll Island Convention Center Oceanside Lawn
