Inspiring speakers at Nebraska’s Travel and Tourism Conference, Oct 20-22

LINCOLN, NEB. (Sept. 24, 2009)—Listening to speakers is a huge part of any professional development conference, and the 2009 Nebraska Travel and Tourism conference, hosted by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Travel and Tourism Division is no exception. This year’s slate of speakers should prove to be, interesting, pertinent, and timely.

Roger Brooks, a founding member of Destination Development, Inc., will give the keynote speech Wednesday, Oct. 21. His talk, “The New Age of Tourism: Is it working for you?” will give delegates a chance to hear from one of the country’s most recognized experts in tourism, consumer trends, marketing and project development.  Brooks has worked in tourism and economic development for more than 25 years, and co-authored the book “Your Town a Destination – The 25 Immutable Rules of Successful Tourism.” His dynamic approach and tell-it-like-it-is style have made him a very popular public speaker, and he’s well known for his step by step instruction in helping communities make something happen. He has recruited more than $2.8 billion in new tourism development projects to rural communities and resorts.

Other speakers that day include Pamela Lainer, of Lainer Publishing, who will speak on “Passionate Marketing”; Jeanne Baer, of Creative Training Solutions, who will speak on “The Good, the Mad and the Ugly: Tough Customers”; and Rene Welti, of America Live Ads and ECHO Encounters, who will speak on “Turning Green into Nebraska Gold.” Delegates will have the chance to hear two of these three speakers during concurrent breakout sessions.

On Thursday, Oct.22, the focus changes to hospitality, service and social media. A meet the media panel will include Omaha World-Herald reporter David Hendee, Kansas City-based freelance travel writer Diana Lambdin-Meyer and Nebraska TV producer Brandy Klingelhoefer, from Kearney. Connie Francis, extension educator from the University of Nebraska Rural Initiative will speak about “Red Carpet Service Online,” and Steve Schmader, of the International Festivals and Events Association, will speak on “The Making of a Festival.”

A social media panel will include Caleb Pollard, executive director at Valley County Economic Development Board/Ord Area Chamber of Commerce; Steph Romanski from the Grand Island Independent; and Dawn Ream from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

Whether your customer is a Nebraska resident looking for a fun, affordable vacation destination close to home, or an international traveler wanting to live the Nebraska cowboy life for a few days, there is something for you – something worth learning – at the Nebraska Travel & Tourism Conference.  Online registration and a full schedule of events are available now at www.visitnebraska.org/industry under the “conferences” tab.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ann Bierbower at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3791, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sarah Baker Hansen at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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