Agenda
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION at Marriott for attendees spending the night. There will be a host on site at the Boathouse for vendors setting up early at the event site.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. SUNDAY SESSION
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BUS - How and why to have a tour bus for your
destination. Includes a tour of downtown on the Gainesville Cool Bus.
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. RECEPTION with music, heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and networking.
MONDAY, MARCH 10
7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. SPONSOR/VENDOR SET-UP at THE BOATHOUSE
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION at THE BOATHOUSE
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Keynote Speaker TBD
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Break - Sponsored by Discover Dahlonega
A: THE FILM INDUSTRY AND YOUR DESTINATION
Linda Lee Smith and Randy Davidson with Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia discuss the various ways the Entertainment Industry impacts Georgia.
B: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
What is AI and how can it be used to improve your work and life.
C: STRIVING FOR SUCCESS THROUGH HARDSHIPS AND CHALLENGES
Ilke Lander, Entrepreneur and Owner of Paradise Hills Winery, Resort and Spa delivers an inspirational topic of success in spite of difficulties and setbacks.
D: BONUS SESSION - 2025 NEGTMA MARKETING CO-OP OUTLINE AND DISCUSSION
Board Member and Marketing Chair Margaret McLean provides an overview of the NEGMTA 2025 Marketing Co-op plan which provides over $90,000 worth of print, television, radio and outdoor media for only $5,500 per participant.
1:15 a.m. 11:30 am Break - Sponsored by Discover Dahlonega
PANEL DISCUSSION - AGRITOURISM AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Cheryl Smith, Agritourism Manager at Georgia Department of Agriculture is our moderator as we welcome GPB's David Zelki of "A Fork in the Road" series along with several local farm and orchard owners to discuss various aspects of Agritourism.
A: THE FILM INDUSTRY AND YOUR DESTINATION
Linda Lee Smith and Randy Davidson with Entertainment Tourism Alliance of Georgia discuss the various ways the Entertainment Industry impacts Georgia.
B: THE ROLE OF PUBLIC ART IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Gainesville City Assistant Manager Angela Sheppard along with the Gainesville Public Art Commission showcase an incredible display of local art displayed around the city and discuss the importance of aesthetics at your destination to provide a vibrant visual experience for residents and visitors alike.
C: DIGITAL MEDIA SOLUTIONS
Ayla Crippen with Gray Digital Media brings her many years of experience to discuss the multiple ways digital media can be used to reach new customers and retain current ones. Learn about ideas, strategies, how to interpret reports and more.
2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Break - Sponsored by Discover Dahlonega
A: THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Laurie Rowe with Laurie Rowe Media presents the importance of a strong PR presence for destinations.
B: HOTEL/MOTEL TAX DO'S AND DON'TS - Speaker TBD
C: CREATING VISITOR PROFILES
Chris Cavanaugh, President and Founder of Magellan Strategy provides an engaging presentation about finding your market in tourism and hospitality. Learn about marketing strategy, research, planning, facilitation and more.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wrap-Up, Silent Auction Winners and Door Prizes
SCHEDULE STILL IN PROGRESS, ALL SESSIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
BREAKOUT SESSION I
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
LUNCH - Sponsored by Accent Creative Group
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.