Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference
Agenda
The 2025 Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference will be held September 24-26 in Savannah. Unless otherwise stated, all sessions will take place at the Savannah Convention Center.
The 2025 Georgia Governor’s Tourism Conference will be held September 24-26 in Savannah. Unless otherwise stated, all sessions will take place at the Savannah Convention Center.
Session times and content may be subject to change.
10:30 a.m.–6 p.m. | Registration Open
8 a.m.–12 p.m. | Exhibitor Setup
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Pre-Conference Session: 2026 Partner Opportunities Lunch and Learn
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RSVP required. Use this form to RSVP by September 17, 2025.
Location: Meeting Room 102-104
Speakers:
- Lori Hennesy, Regional Tourism Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
- Carly Stedman Norosky, Travel Media & Marketing Executive, Miles Partnership
Discover what’s ahead for Explore Georgia’s 2026 marketing partnerships – free and paid – and how you can take part in them. Learn about new opportunities, successful campaigns, and ways to collaborate with the state to elevate your destination. Lunch will be provided.
1–1:15 p.m. | Conference Welcome
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Speakers:
- Jay Markwalter, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, Georgia Department of Economic Development
- Joe Marinelli, President & CEO, Visit Savannah
- Kelvin Moore, General Manager, Savannah Convention Center
1:15–2 p.m. | General Session – Time 2.0: How to Design Memorable Moments
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Sponsored by: Gray Destination Marketing
Speaker: John Coyle, Author, "The Art of Really Living"
Time, as we experience it, is not linear, yet why do we pretend that it is? Our days and our time are filled with experiences and memories, some stored and retained, and some not. What creates a memorable memory? How do we design the kinds of moments that are remembered forever? In an industry where visitors’ memories and stories created in your destination vastly influence their decision to become repeat travelers, discover how to positively impact their trips, cementing lasting and meaningful memories along the way. In this thought-provoking session, hear from Olympian and author John Coyle as he broadens our perspectives to expand and slow down time by designing memorable moments.
2–2:30 p.m. | Refreshment Break & Exhibitor Exploration
Sponsored by: 365 Degree Total Marketing
2:35–3:35 p.m. | Afternoon Breakout Sessions – choose from the following:
Driving Cultural Tourism Through Authentic Storytelling
Location: Meeting Room 100-101
Speaker: Djuanna Brockington, Interim Executive Director, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, National Heritage Area (NHA)
Travelers today are seeking deeper, more authentic connections with the places they visit. This session explores how inclusive storytelling can enrich visitor experiences and advance cultural tourism. Using the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor as an illustrative example, attendees will gain insight as to how integrating authentic voices into tourism development preserves cultural heritage, enhances community engagement, and contributes to sustainable economic growth.
Pictures Make a Thousand Room Nights: Photography to Elevate Your Destination Marketing
Location: Meeting Room 105-106
Speakers:
- Benjamin Galland, Co-Owner, VOLO Project
- Marcie Kicklighter, Regional Tourism Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
In today’s media landscape, images and videos can make or break visitors’ decisions to come to your destination. During this conversational session, you’ll hear firsthand experiences from renowned destination photographer and videographer Ben Galland. Learn how to leverage local talent, structure agreements, create shotlists, define deliverables, and create success for all involved.
All Hail the Trail: Paving Pathways to Cross-Regional Visitation
Location: Meeting Room 102-104
Moderators:
- Sarah Anne Rhodes, Regional Tourism Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
- Nija Torrence, Regional Tourism Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Panelists:
- Adam Beutel, Co-Executive Director, Birds Georgia
- Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail
- Chris Madrid, Development Officer, Airbase Georgia, Georgia World War II Heritage Trail
- Spencer Roberts, Co-Founder, Historic Rural Churches of Georgia
- Mary Charles Howard, Founder, Georgia Hi-Lo Trail
- Krystal Hart, Historian, Georgia Black History Trail
From birding to history to golf, Georgia’s trail experiences are growing! In this session, attendees will hear updates from each trail, followed by speed networking sessions to make quality connections. Find opportunities to get involved and gather ideas to bring more outdoor adventure and cultural heritage into your community.
3:45–5 p.m. | General Session – Bringing the World to Georgia: How Explore Georgia’s International Marketing Efforts Are Creating Opportunities Statewide
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Speaker: Jay Markwalter, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, Georgia Department of Economic Development
International travelers are venturing farther, staying longer, and spending more – and Georgia is capturing their attention like never before. Through strategic international marketing, Explore Georgia is elevating the state as a must-visit destination and showcasing its unique experiences to global audiences. Learn how the state’s investment and partnership approach is driving international visitation and creating opportunities for communities of all sizes across Georgia.
5:30–9 p.m. | Dinner & Networking Reception
Sponsored by:
Location: Savannah Convention Center Esplanade
Celebrate the start of the conference with an evening of networking, refreshments, and hospitality from our gracious hosts and sponsors. Enjoy Lowcountry dinner staples, bar offerings, and spirited lawn games, all set along the beautiful Savannah River at the convention center’s iconic esplanade and riverwalk. A special performance by the SCAD Bee Sharps, the university’s premier student vocal ensemble and four-piece band, will be a hallmark of this can’t-miss evening event.
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Registration Open
8–8:45 a.m. | Breakfast & General Session – Georgia Tourism’s Rising Stars
Sponsored by: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Moderator: Ashley Woitena, President-CEO, VisitColumbusGA
Panelists:
- Ansley Connor, Content and Social Media Manager, Visit Savannah
- Charlotte Moody, Director of Sales, Visit Macon
- Katlyn Southern, Marketing and Communications Manager, Cartersville Museum City
- Nohemí Reynoso, Communications Manager, Pick Ellijay
- Rylee Govoreau, Destination Services Manager, ATL Airport District
- Siri Emereje, Marketing Communications Manager, Discover DeKalb
Ready to meet the future of Georgia tourism? This high-energy panel features the impressive number of Georgia professionals recognized as part of Destinations International’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. These rising stars will discuss what brought them into the DMO world, what keeps them passionate, and how they’re reshaping the state’s tourism landscape. Discover what’s driving the next generation of tourism leaders and gain valuable insights from their creative approaches to hospitality, marketing, sales, and visitor services across Georgia.
9–10 a.m. | General Session – How to Win in Turbulent Times
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Speaker: Simon Bradley, Founder, Simon Bradley Marketing
10–10:30 a.m. | Refreshment Break & Exhibitor Exploration
Sponsored by: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
10:35–11:35 a.m. | Morning Breakout Sessions – choose from the following:
Social Media Strategies for Small Teams
Location: Meeting Room 105-106
Speakers:
- Eve Kewley, Senior Paid Social Analyst, Miles Partnership
- Annika Knutsen, Senior Organic Social Media Manager, Miles Partnership
Managing social media with limited staff and budget can feel overwhelming – but small teams can still achieve big results with the right focus. This workshop will cover how to identify the right social platforms for your audience, set measurable goals, and track the KPIs that matter. We’ll dive into time-saving tools, vertical video best practices, low-budget content ideas, and how to source and leverage user-generated content. You’ll leave with actionable strategies, a ready-to-use content calendar template, and fresh inspiration to elevate your social presence while working smarter, not harder!
From Sentiment to Strategy: Turning Travel Data into Destination Impact
Location: Meeting Room 100-101
Speakers:
- John Salazar, Professor and Coordinator, University of Georgia Hospitality and Food Industry Management
- Bryan Berger, Marketing & Research Analyst, Georgia Department of Economic Development
In this research-focused session, explore how national trends and local insights are shaping the future of tourism in Georgia. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of travelers to Georgia – their characteristics, interests, and motivations – along with county-level insights from the University of Georgia on urban and rural visitation, including agritourism. With this knowledge, communities can design more effective strategies to attract and engage visitors and support sustained economic growth.
Planning Smarter in Turbulent Times
Location: Meeting Room 102-104
Speaker: Simon Bradley, Founder, Simon Bradley Marketing
11:35 a.m.–12:45 p.m. | Lunch & General Session – Emerging Digital Marketing Trends for Tourism
Sponsored by:
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Speaker: Gray Lawry, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Insights, Miles Partnership
Forget banner ads and hashtags – artificial intelligence is here. We’ll look at how destination websites are being reframed in an era where AI drives trip planning, reshapes search visibility, and redefines effectiveness. Consider it a survival guide for the next wave of digital disruption.
12:45–1 p.m. | Exhibitor Exploration
1–2 p.m. | Peer Open Forums – choose from the following:
Free (or Almost Free) Marketing & PR Tools
Location: Meeting Room 102-104
Speaker: Ginger Nance, Senior Marketing Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Big ideas don’t always need big budgets. Free and low-cost tools can help marketers do more with less. Hear what’s in the Georgia Department of Economic Development Marketing & Communications team’s go-to toolkit, from research analytics to PR, social, and creative resources. Then, exchange ideas with peers and share creative approaches that are working in your communities.
Reimagining Your Welcome Center
Location: Meeting Room 100-101
Moderator: Ontaria Finch, Visitor Services Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Panelists:
- Melanie Kappel, Depot Manager, Cartersville Museum City
- Lauren Leonard, Tourism Director, Explore Braselton
- Becky Sanders, President/CEO, Visit Statesboro
In this interactive session, explore creative strategies to transform your welcome center into a must-stop experience for travelers. From honoring historically significant buildings to showcasing local artists and attractions uniquely, panelists will share their insights in collaborating with partners, stakeholders, and community members to bring their visions to life. Discover the latest trends and updates from Georgia’s Visitor Information Centers. Connect with colleagues to hear success stories from across the state to spark collaboration and send you home with practical insights you can put to work in your community.
Planning for Georgia US250
Location: Meeting Room 105-106
Moderators:
- Sarah Anne Rhodes, Regional Tourism Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
- Cayla Cardwell, Communications Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Panelists:
- Mary McCartin Wearn, President, Georgia Humanities and Administrator, Georgia US250 Commission
- Christy Crisp, Vice President of Education and Programs, Georgia Historical Society
- Valarie Ikhwan, Chief Interpreter & Park Ranger, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
- Ansley Guerrero, Project & Operations Manager, Destination Augusta
As America’s 250th anniversary approaches in 2026, now is the time to kick-start your plans to commemorate this historic milestone locally in collaboration with Georgia US250. Get inspired by updates from panelists and roundtable discussions with colleagues, and walk away with event and programming ideas to bring your destination’s story to life in meaningful ways during our nation’s 250th celebration.
2–2:15 p.m. | Break
2:15–3:15 p.m. | Afternoon Breakout Sessions – choose from the following:
Leveling Up Your Sports Tourism Game
Location: Meeting Room 100-101
Speakers:
- Jay Markwalter, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism, Georgia Department of Economic Development
- Chelsea Cipriani, Vice President of Platforms, Tempest
Shaping Destinations Through the Arts
Location: Meeting Room 102-104
Moderator: Tina Lilly, Executive Director, Georgia Council for the Arts
Panelists:
- Abby Smith, Marietta Welcome Center Manager, Visit Marietta
- Monica Simmons, President, Visit Cordele-Crisp
From public art to performance spaces, the arts bring vibrancy to Georgia’s destinations. Discover ways communities are leveraging the arts to attract visitors, strengthen identity, and grow local economies. Georgia Council for the Arts will highlight how its grants and programs can be used to spark local arts-based projects, and attendees will leave with practical examples and resources to leverage the arts to drive tourism in their communities.
Diving into Aquaculture: From Sustainable Farms to Tourism Experiences
Location: Meeting Room 105-106
Moderator: Madison Jarvis, AgTech Industry Engagement Manager, Georgia Center of Innovation
Panelists:
- Caitlin Jackson, AgTech Director, Georgia Center of Innovation
- Erin Arneson, Seafood Specialist, University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
- Alec Brown, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Alō Farms
- Joe Williams, Board Advisor/Investor, Shellbluff Clams
From the North Georgia mountains to the coast, aquaculture is fueling economic opportunity and unique visitor experiences. This panel will explore the ways Georgia’s innovators are transforming culinary tourism and outdoor recreation through their work in advancing sustainable farming practices. Industry leaders and state partners will discuss how research and technology are opening new doors for Georgia-grown seafood and creating ripple effects across local economies.
Lights, Camera, Action: Building Lasting Tourism Impact Through Film
Location: Oglethorpe Auditorium
Moderator: Craig Dominey, Senior Film Location Specialist, Georgia Department of Economic Development
Speakers:
- Lee Thomas, Director, Georgia Film Office
- Andy Young, Location Scout, Savannah Regional Film Commission
- Craig Miller, Owner and Executive Producer, Craig Miller Productions
Want to put your community on the map? By becoming film-friendly, communities can attract productions that not only create buzz and economic activity during filming but also generate lasting tourism appeal. This session shares insights from industry experts on how communities can best attract and benefit from film and television productions, from establishing film-friendly practices to strategies for turning on-screen moments into long-term destination growth.
3:15–3:45 p.m. | Refreshment Break & Exhibitor Exploration
3:45–4:30 p.m. | General Session – Smart Media Buying on Any Budget
Sponsored by: Miles Partnership
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Moderator: Susan Richardson, Account Director, Miles Partnership
Panelists:
- Nicole Martinez, Senior Media Planner, Miles Partnership
- Marissa Valentine, Director, Social Strategy, Miles Partnership
- Rachael Root, Vice President of Digital Media, Ad+genuity
In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, destination marketers are challenged to do more with less – maximizing every dollar while reaching the right travelers at the right time. This dynamic panel discussion will explore real-world strategies and practical examples from across the tourism industry to help destinations of all sizes make smarter, data-driven media decisions.
Our panel of industry experts will share actionable insights on:
- How to stretch budgets without sacrificing impact.
- Balancing upper- and lower-funnel strategies to drive measurable results.
- Leveraging data and audience insights to refine targeting and messaging.
- Identifying the right media mix across display, video, social, CTV, and more.
- Navigating partnerships, technology, and measurement tools effectively.
With a strong emphasis on inclusive, vendor-neutral perspectives, this session avoids sales pitches and focuses instead on tactics you can immediately apply to your own marketing strategy – no matter the size of your budget.
4:30–6 p.m. | Happy Hour & A Half
Location: Governor's Terrace
Sponsored by: Fannin County Chamber of Commerce & Georgia’s Blue Ridge
Join us for a lively happy hour on the rooftop overlooking Savannah’s beautiful waters and marina. Grab a beer, wine, or a “Blue Ridge Breeze” with new and old peers before heading to dinner around town.
Evening | Dinner On Your Own
Take advantage of exclusive deals and discounts from participating restaurants with Visit Savannah’s Show Us Your Badge program.
7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Registration Open
7:30–8:30 a.m. | Networking Continental Breakfast
Location: River Concourse
8:30–9:15 a.m. | General Session – 2026 FIFA World Cup™ Update
Sponsored by: Atlanta Magazine Custom Media
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Moderator: Bert Brantley, President & CEO, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
Speakers:
- Dan Corso, President, Atlanta Sports Council
- T.J. Rogers, National Sales Manager, Georgia World Congress Center Authority
- Heather Sautter, Vice President of Corporate and Marketing Communications, AMB Sports and Entertainment
9:15–10:30 a.m. | General Session – Joint House & Senate Committee on Economic Development & Tourism
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Moderators:
- Representative Ron Stephens, Chairman, House Economic Development & Tourism Committee
- Senator Frank Ginn, Vice Chair, Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Speakers:
- Brian West, Mayor of Tybee Island
- Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Pete Jones, President and Chief Operating Officer, National Infantry Museum Foundation
- Nora Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Coastal Heritage Society
- Tom Shinall, Director of Development, Savoy Automobile Museum
10:30-11 a.m. | Break & Exhibitor Exploration
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Governor’s Luncheon
Sponsored by:
Location: Chatham Ballroom ABC
Speaker:
- Governor Brian P. Kemp, Governor of the State of Georgia
12:30 p.m. | Exhibitor Breakdown
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