Topics and Speakers

Educational sessions include:

Keynote Speaker – Carr Hagerman

“Be a ‘Top Performer’ – Creating Memorable Experiences”

Carr’s experience as a street performer inspired him to translate this streetwise wisdom into ways to help businesses and organizations create meaningful experiences to attract new business and keep current customers coming back for more. www.topperformer.com

Breakout sessions

• “Overview of Online Advertising Trends” – Andrew Eklund, Cicerón www.ciceron.com

As CEO and Founder of Cicerón, Andrew has worked with numerous tourism organizations and businesses on their websites, social media and other online marketing programs – learn what types of online advertising is best for you.

• “Packaging = Increased Profits” – Mark Peterson & Heather Lahren, Itineraries Midwest www.itinerariesinc.com

Whether you’re developing an itinerary to sell to travelers or “bundling” performances and attractions to make your offer more appealing to customers, packaging helps you increase your bottom line. Mark and Heather are experts at creating packages as a marketing tool. You will learn how to create your own package or itinerary at this hands-on, working session.

• “Prioritizing Limited Advertising $$” – Kevin Ehlinger, Think Creative www.Ithinkcreative.com.

There are more choices than ever to promote and advertise your business, organization or community.  Kevin will help you clarify what is most beneficial for your organization, with limited resources.

Regional Panel Presentation

“Success Stories” of partnerships between arts/culture/heritage and tourism organizations that are bringing larger audiences and increased business to their community.

Paynesville panel:

Jean Bowman, Fergus Falls CVB www.VisitFergusFalls.com

Chris Schuelke, Otter Tail County Historical Society http://otchs.org

Rebecca Petersen, A Center for the Arts http://www.fergusarts.org/

Regional participants will share examples of ways that arts and cultural organizations and tourism organizations are working together to bring increased business to their facilities and their community.