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Annual Tourism Conference

February 27, 2026 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM (EST)

Description

Advancing Tourism Across our Region

Join tourism professionals, policymakers, and business leaders for a high-impact day of collaboration and insight designed to strengthen our region’s tourism economy—and position your organization for success in the year ahead.

Why Attend?

  • Gain valuable insights on advocacy, marketing strategies, and infrastructure development.
  • Engage in panel discussions and sessions tailored to empower your tourism business.
  • Participate in a mini-expo and networking session—purchase a table to showcase your business and connect with key stakeholders.

Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and elevate your impact in the tourism industry.

Stay the night at Great Wolf Lodge: Event attendees are offered special courtesy rates for Family Suite rooms at Great Wolf Lodge (Thursday night: $240 + tax; Friday: $270 + tax). Each room includes four waterpark passes, valid from the day of arrival through the day of departure. Contact ddesrochers@chamberect.com about a booking. 

Bring your business cards for a chance to win a special door prize, generously donated by Foxwoods Resort Casino.

Speakers

Jason Guyot
Jason Guyot
President & CEO
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Rachel Lenda
Rachel Lenda
Director of Tourism
State of Connecticut
Morgan Nyerick
Morgan Nyerick
Creative Director
Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism
Chris Regan
Chris Regan
Olde Mistick Village
Chair, Eastern Regional Tourism District
Bruce Flax
Bruce Flax
President
Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce
David Jensen
David Jensen
Chief Digital Strategist
Regan Digital Studio, a Regan Communications Group Company
Ellie Greenberg
Ellie Greenberg
CEO
Wonderlosity
Jeanne Sigel
Jeanne Sigel
Marketing and Development Director
Garde Arts Center
Jennifer Sherman
Jennifer Sherman
Vice President of Marketing
Mystic Aquarium
Kim Noto
Kim Noto
Chief Marketing Officer
Mohegan Sun
Maria Miranda
Maria Miranda
Owner / Creative Director
Miranda Creative
Paul Meyer
Paul Mayer
VP of Marketing and Communications
DATTCO; President, CT Tourism Coalition
Patti Larrow-George
Legislative Committee Chair
Eastern Regional Tourism District
Carly DeLuca
Community Outreach Coordinator
The Last Green Valley
Mary Damm
Festival Director
Rose Arts Festival
Susan J. Halpin
Lobbyist
Government Relations Group of Robinson + Cole


Schedule

Subject to change

8:30 amCheck-In, Breakfast, and Networking
9:00 amSpeakers Begin
• Presenting Partners
• State Update with Rachel Lenda and Megan Gilbert

• Marketing the Experience – Panel Discussion
   – Kim Noto, Mohegan Sun
   – Ellie Greenberg, Wonderlosity
   – Jennifer Sherman, Mystic Aquarium
   – Moderator: Maria Miranda, Miranda Creative

• A Comprehensive Tourism Study
   – Fred Carstensen, Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis, University of Connecticut
   – Chris Regan, Olde Mistick Village; Eastern Regional Tourism District
10:30 amTradeshow and Networking
11:30 amLunch Buffet
12:00 pmKeynote Presentation with Jason Guyot
12:30 pmBreakout Session 1 – Choose one

• From Ideas to Output: How AI Can Accelerate Your Mission
 – Dave Jensen, Regan Digital Studio

• Raising Your voice for Tourism: Practical Advocacy Strategies
 – Paul Mayer, DATTCO,CT Tourism Coalition, Central CT Tourism District
 – Susan J. Halpin, Co-Principal and Lobbyist of CT Government Relations Group of Robinson & Cole
 – Patti Larrow-George, Eastern Regional Tourism District
1:10 pmBreakout Session 2 – Choose one

• Worth the Trip: Events That Make Eastern Connecticut the Destination
 – Carly DeLuca, The Last Green Valley
 – Jeanne Sigel, Garde Arts Center
 – Mary Damm, Rose Arts Festival
 – Bruce Flax, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

• Capitalizing on Content: Ways to Partner with Creators
 – Morgan Nyerick, Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism
2:00 pmReconvene for Closing Remarks

Presented in collaboration with


Engagement Opportunities:

Reach an audience of regional business and community leaders with a variety of marketing benefits while supporting the Chamber's work. To learn more or become a sponsor, contact Stephanie Clark at sclark@chamberect.com today!

Presenting Sponsorship: Sold Out - Thank You, Bradley International Airport

Premier Sponsorship: $2,250

  • Priority reserved table of 8 guests
  • Company logo on marketing materials, including registration website, program book, and PowerPoint
  • Full page, full color advertisement in program book (5"w x 8"H)
  • Opportunity to distribute literature/promotional items to each attendee via place settings and/or display table
  • Company banner on display

Supporting Sponsorship: $1,250 

  • Priority reserved seating for 4 guests
  • Company logo on marketing materials, including registration website, program book, and PowerPoint
  • Half-page, full color advertisement in program book (5"W x 3.75"H)
  • Display table to distribute literature/promotional items to attendees 
  • Company banner on display

Display Table: $350: Includes 2 reserved seats 


Program Advertising:

  • Full page (5"W x 8"H), full color: $125
  • Half page (5"W x 3.75"H), full color: $75

Time

(Vendor/Display Table Setup: Starting at 7:30 A.M.) 

Attendee Check-In, Breakfast, and Expo: 8:30 A.M. 

Pricing

Registration 

Registration includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch. 

"Early Bird" registration on or before February 20, 2026:  $75

Discounts will display during checkout. Remember to LOG IN for member rate. 

Registration after February 20, 2026, including at-the-door: $85

Reserved table of 8: $800

Cancellation Policy: Notice must be given at least three business days prior to the event. No shows or those unable to cancel in time will be billed as applicable. All registrations received within three business days of event are considered final. To cancel, please contact the Chamber at 860-701-9113 or admin@chamberect.com.

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Contact Information

Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Name: Denise Desrochers
Phone: (860) 701-9113
Email: ddesrochers@chamberect.com
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