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Annual Tourism Conference

Friday, 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

President & CEO

Foxwoods Resort Casino

Rachel Lenda

Director of Tourism

State of Connecticut

Morgan Nyerick

Creative Director

Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism

Chris Regan

Olde Mistick Village

Chair, Eastern Regional Tourism District

Bruce Flax

President

Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

David Jensen

Chief Digital Strategist

Regan Digital Studio, a Regan Communications Group Company

Ellie Greenberg

CEO

Wonderlosity

Jeanne Sigel

Marketing and Development Director

Garde Arts Center

Jennifer Sherman

Vice President of Marketing

Mystic Aquarium

Kim Noto

Chief Marketing Officer

Mohegan Sun

Maria Miranda

Owner / Creative Director

Miranda Creative

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 am	Check-In, Breakfast, and Networking
9:00 am	Speakers 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 am	Tradeshow and Networking
11:30 am	Lunch Buffet
12:00 pm	Keynote Presentation with Jason Guyot
12:30 pm	Breakout 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 pm	Breakout 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 pm	Reconvene 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