Conference events will be held at the Galveston Island Convention Center on the 1st Floor, except where otherwise noted.

Sunday, September 19

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	TACVB Education Committee Meeting - Clipper Rm
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	TNTC Steering Committee Meeting - Galleon III Rm
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM	Conference & Exhibitor Registration - Prefunction Area Sponsored by AAA H&A Media Group/AAA Midwest & Southern Traveler Magazines
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM	TTIA Membership Committee Meeting - Galleon III Rm
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM	TACVB Board Meeting - Clipper Rm
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM	TTIA Texas Cultural & Heritage Tourism Council Meeting - Harbor Rm
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM	TTIA Attractions Council Meeting - Spinnaker Rm
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM	TTRA Meeting - Harbor Rm
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM	First Timer's Orientation & Networking Reception - Yacht Rm If this is your first time attending Summit, please join us for this informal reception and orientation session, designed to help you get the most value out of your Summit experience. You’ll also get to meet TTIA staff and board members, and learn more about the association. Sponsored by San Marcos Convention & Visitor Bureau
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM	TTIA Travel & Tourism College - First Class Reunion - Helm Rm (For 2010 Travel & Tourism College participants)
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Opening Event & Dinner - Galveston Island Convention Center, 2nd Floor Sponsored by the San Luis Resort, Landry's Restaurants, Inc., Schlitterbahn Waterparks, Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, Galveston Hotel and Lodging Association, Galveston Restaurant Association
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM	"Bet Yer Boots" - Texas Tourism Foundation Casino Night - Galveston Island Convention Center, 2nd Floor Join us for an evening of fun, games and raffle prizes. There is no fee for Summit attendees to attend; however, we encourage you to join us in supporting the worthwhile programs of the Texas Tourism Foundation by making a donation. (You will receive two beverage tickets with a donation of $20 or more) Sponsored by Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau, Connect2Texas, Austin American-Statesman, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News

Monday, September 20, 2010

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM	Conference & Exhibitor Registration - Prefunction Area Sponsored by AAA H&A Media Group/AAA Midwest & Southern Traveler Magazines
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Networking Continental Breakfast - Prefunction Area, 2nd Floor
8:30 AM - 8:55 AM	Welcome/Opening Ceremonies - Ballroom ABC, 2nd Floor
8:55 AM - 9:55 AM	General Session: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life! - Ballroom ABC, 2nd Floor Keynote Speaker: Stuart Ellis-Myers, Professional Speaker, Trainer, Author, and Filmmaker An acclaimed tourism and hospitality sales educator, filmmaker and speaker, Stuart now specializes in "positively traumatizing" tourism industry professionals. Stuart's chosen nickname is Twitchy. It's an upfront descriptor for the uncontrollable tics, twitches and jerks he experiences from the rare and debilitating neurological disorder he lives with - Tourette Syndrome. The fact that he is an internationally successful public speaker tells you volumes about Stuart Ellis-Myers and his ability to lead by example in showing you how to do things you never thought you could, or would... and do them well! "Twitchy" will share measurable actions you can take to positively traumatize your own thoughts and those of others to inspire the changes required to produce an incredibly efficient new sales revenue advantage in today's harsh economic reality. Sponsored by SeaWorld San Antonio
9:55 AM - 10:15 AM	Break
10:15 AM - 11:40 AM	Breakout Sessions Strategies for Efficient & Effective Online Destination Marketing: Manage Your Time and Get Better Results With Social Media - Galleon I Room Speaker: Julie Niehoff, Regional Development Director, Constant Contact Sponsored by Constant Contact Fill That Conference Center: How Social Media Can Help You Bring More Events to Your Town - Galleon II Rm Can fun social media tools like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn help you connect and do business with those who plan conventions, meetings and trade shows? You bet; savvy social networking gives you a powerful way to market both your venues and your town's attractions, lodging and places to eat (plus it increases search engine visibility.) Find out how in this jam-packed session! Speaker: Sheila Scarborough, Travel Blogger, Technology Explorer and Co-Founder of Tourism Currents Sponsored by Visit Lubbock Social ROiii: Return on Interaction, Influence and Investment - Galleon III Rm Why is Social Networking important? Because everyone is doing it! Everyone wants to be heard and everyone trusts the opinions and advice of their peers more so than those of any company or organization. So how do you know where to start? And once you have joined the millions who are participating the social media world, how do you know it is working? Join us to learn how to measure your Social Media campaigns not based on standard ROI, but instead based on interaction, influence and investment- your Social ROiii. Speakers: April Weeks, Senior Director, Media Strategy and Innovation, TM Advertising; and Kristen Knape, Associate Strategic Planning Director, TM Advertising Sponsored by Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau Succeeding in a Challenging Economy - Yacht Rm Hear from business pros who represent a variety of key industry sectors and learn how they are dealing with today's recessionary economy and the "new normal." You'll leave this session armed with innovative strategies and techniques that will help you better adjust and position your tourism business or organization for success during these challenging times. Panelists: Paul Schultz, Vice President of Hospitality - Landry's Hotel Division / San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center; Travis Wuest, Vice President, Natural Bridge Caverns; Christine Szalay, Director of Marketing, NorthPark Center Sponsored by Traders Village Tooting Your Own Horn: How to Measure & Justify Your Tourism Budget - Spinnaker Rm You already know that a well funded tourism promotion program drives economic development, creates jobs, and brings in tax revenues. But do the people who control the size of your budget understand its true value? This session will give you specific ways to measure results of your efforts so that you can protect and grow your budget. Our panel will also include at least one city council representative, to give you the inside scoop on how to most effectively communicate this message to the decision makers. Panelists: Shannon Overby, Executive Director, Bryan-College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau; Steve Greenberg, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Landry's Restaurants, Inc.; and Elizabeth Taylor, Director, Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau Moderator: Doug Harman, Harman Consulting Sponsored by Guideposts Magazine
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM	Awards Luncheon - Ballroom ABC, 2nd Floor Sponsored by San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau Presentation of Rising Star, Tall in Texas, Lifetime Achievement, TTIA/TTF Scholarships, and TNTC Awards. Presentation of Gene Phillips Scholarship, Clara Wuest-Heidemann, and Heidemann-Wuest Scholarship Awards Scholarship Presentation sponsored by Natural Bridge Caverns, Inc.
1:15 PM - 2:45 PM	Repeat Breakout Sessions
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM	Break
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM	Market Briefings: Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism - Ballroom ABC, 2nd Floor This session gives you direct access to the people responsible for marketing Texas on a national and global level. You’ll hear about the current advertising and marketing campaigns, and learn about what’s coming next. We’ll have an open Q&A session, so come prepared to ask questions! Speakers: Julie Chase, Chief Marketing Officer for the Texas Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division; Tim Fennell; Sophie Reeds, TM Advertising; Brad Smyth, Deputy Director of Tourism for the Texas Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism; Kim Tillinghast, Account Director, Vollmer; Jorge Sales, Sales Internacional; and Susan Webb, Founder, VoX International Sponsored by AAA Texas  Journey/ New Mexico Journey
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM	State Agency Briefings - Ballroom ABC, 2nd Floor Representatives from Texas state agencies will provide an overview of the programs and resources that are available to travel and tourism professionals. We’ll hear from the Texas Department of Transportation -Travel Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division. Speakers: Julie Chase, Chief Marketing Officer for the Texas Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division; Doris Howdeshell, Director, Travel Division, Texas Department of Transportation; Gaye Greever McElwain, Director of Marketing and Development, Texas Commission on the Arts; Terry Colley, Deputy Executive Director, Texas Historical Commission; and Darcy Bontempo, Marketing Director, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department  Sponsored by AAA Texas  Journey/ New Mexico Journey
5:00 PM	Open Evening
9:00 PM - Midnight	Southern Living Hospitality Suite - Room 155 @ Moody Gardens Hotel Sponsored by Southern Living Magazine

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

7:45 AM - 8:15 AM	Networking Continental Breakfast - Prefunction Area, 2nd Floor Sponsored by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM	Trade Show Exhibitor Set-Up - Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM	Conference & Exhibitor Registration - Prefunction Area Sponsored by AAA H&A Media Group/AAA Midwest & Southern Traveler Magazines
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM	General Session - Ballroom BC, 2nd Floor Annual TTIA Business Meeting Legislative Update
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	General Session: Emerging Trends, Insights, and Opportunities for Texas Tourism - Ballroom BC, 2nd Floor Keynote Speaker: Greg Hybl, Vice President of Travel & Entertainment, American Express Merchant Services Sponsored by American Express
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Break
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM	General Session: Diversity as a Business Opportunity - Ballroom BC, 2nd Floor Keynote Speaker: Liliana Ramirez, Director of Strategic Planning, McDonald Marketing Sponsored by TEXAS MONTHLY
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM	General Session: The Future of Advertising - Ballroom BC, 2nd Floor The media landscape is evolving right before our very eyes. We’re faced with a proliferation of unrelenting technological innovations and changing media options: the Internet, mobile technology, social media, user-generated content, convergent media, etc. Considering the exponential rate of change already thrust upon us, what can we expect in the future? How will changing media impact the way we advertise travel and tourism and the way we communicate to new, emerging demographics? Will the smart marketer focus solely on interactive or mobile? Or, will a fully, integrated strategy that includes broadcast and print be the smartest approach? This panel of experts promises to deliver a spirited and entertaining discussion about the world of changing media and your best options for effectively reaching and engaging your future customers. Panelists: John Hudak, Partner and Publisher, Madden Media; Michael Priem, Chief Operations Officer, USDM.net; Roell Vento, Chief Technology Officer, Bibisi LLC; and Beth West, Meredith Travel Group Moderator: Steve Atkins, President, The Atkins Group
12:15 PM - 2:45 PM	Trade Show & Dine-In - Exhibit Hall B Lunch will be served inside the exhibit hall. The Summit Trade Show is the perfect place to find vendors, service providers, technology, marketing, PR and advertising partners that meet your specific needs. Enjoy lunch, visit all the booths, socialize with attendees, and be sure to stay to the end for prize drawings! Sponsored by Madden Media
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM	TTIA Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting - Galleon I & II Rms
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM	Optional Educational Tours (choose one only, separate fee of $35/person required) Nature Tourism Educational Tour Experience Galveston’s historic harbor and bay from a unique perspective. Enjoy 2 hours of history, wildlife adventure, folklore and more aboard the Seagull II. See the imprint of events and eras in Galveston's nearly two centuries of history. From the restored 1877 sailing vessel ELISSA to the grounded ferroconcrete vessel Selma to the sites of the Civil War Battle of Galveston, history is visible on Galveston Bay. In addition, a marine biologist will lead us in trawling for fish and other sea creatures for hands-on and microscopic observation. The tour visits area birding islands to see indigenous shore bird species and birds of passage in all their variety. Sponsored by Killeen Civic & Convention Center and CVB -OR- Cultural & Heritage Educational Tour The tour begins with a special "Basement to Attic: Behind the Scenes" Tour of the 1892 Bishop's Palace. Bishop's Palace is recognized as the 14th most important Victorian building in America by the American Institute of Architects and is Galveston's most popular historic attraction. Next, tour the East End Historic District’s resilient Victorian homes while admiring the Island’s new tree sculptures found tucked away in gardens and yards. Months after Hurricane Ike, whimsical sculptures have replaced the majestic oaks that once lined many neighborhood streets. We conclude with a tour of The Grand 1894 Opera House. Did you know that The Grand is the official opera house of Texas? Their executive director will give us an in-depth look into this amazing cultural center and share their upcoming performances. Sponsored by Belton Area Chamber of Commerce
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM	Dinner and Entertainment- Moody Gardens Palm Beach Luau Area Enjoy dinner surrounded by exotic landscaping, waterfalls, and soft white sand beaches with blue freshwater lagoons. Dinner Co-Sponsored by Moody Gardens and Meredith Travel Group Entertainment sponsored by Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau Transportation sponsored by First Class Tours
9:30 PM - Midnight	Southern Living Hospitality Suite - Room 155 @ Moody Gardens Hotel Sponsored by Southern Living Magazine

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

8:15 AM - 8:45 AM	Networking Continental Breakfast - Prefunction Area, 2nd Floor Sponsored by Killeen Civic & Convention Center and CVB, and Belton Area Chamber of Commerce
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM	Wireless Trends in the Travel and Tourism Industry - Ballroom BC, 2nd Floor Keynote Speaker: Krista Kiblawi, Director - Data Sales for the Houston/Gulf Coast Region, Verizon Wireless Facilitated Discussion about Proposed Changes to Membership Structure Open to all TTIA members Sponsored by AdventGX Change of Command