We're Hacking In to Eastern CT Tourism Promotion

Eastern CT –The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut has announced a tourism hackathon will launch on Friday, March 24 and continue on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Participants will break off into groups for an intensive twelve-hour collaboration session to address branding, communications, and collaboration efforts for tourism in what has been known as “Mystic Country.” The event will take place at the CURE Innovation Commons in Groton.  

“We’re inviting members of the tourism industry, as well as creative individuals interested in shaping the future of tourism promotion in eastern Connecticut to participate,” said Tony Sheridan, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. “Tourism is a proven job creator and sustainer, generating $14 billion in sales statewide in 2013. A lack of state funds has compelled the private sector to step in to support and grow this vital component of our economy.”

An economic impact study showed 118,500 jobs were supported by the tourism industry, including 80,000 direct jobs representing 5.3 percent of all employment in the state.

“We are thrilled to be working with the talented team at Miranda Creative to help us plan and execute our tourism hackathon,” said Andy Wood, Senior Vice President of External Relations at Mystic Aquarium and Chair of the newly-formed Greater Mystic Tourism Marketing Committee. “The concept originated in the tech world, with software developers and computer programmers working around the clock under tight deadlines to create a product or tackle a problem. Miranda Creative and I want to utilize this innovative method of brainstorming to shape the future of tourism in Eastern Connecticut.”

Miranda Creative, Inc., a full-service marketing, design and interactive agency located in Norwich, is a frequent partner with the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. Among many other initiatives, the agency is presenting “Passport to a More Profitable Business” to the Chamber’s membership through 2017, consisting of series of marketing workshops aimed at helping to educate the region’s business community on branding, discoverability, and social media outreach.

The CURE Innovation Commons is located at 93 Shennecossett Road in Groton. While the hackathon sessions will be private, members of the press are invited to join Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. for our kick-off event and the conclusion of the hackathon at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

For additional information on tourism-related support, contact Cara MacDonald at CMacDonald@ChamberECT.com or call (860) 701-9113.

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut:
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit www.ChamberECT.com.