Regional Chamber Gearing Up for Empowering Tourism Conference

ChamberECT News

Event to encompass marketing and legislative tools for industry success.

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is pleased to announce a call for event sponsorships and table/ticket sales for its 2025 Tourism Conference, set to take place on Thursday, February 20, at Mohegan Sun’s Uncas Ballroom, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Tourism is a pivotal economic driver for the state of Connecticut, having created over 124,000 jobs, $1.2B in local/state tax revenue, $11B in travel sales, and $18.5B in total impact for the economy, according to Tourism Economics (as provided by CT.gov). Therefore, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT has expanded its former Business Break

fast into a half-day conference to help professionals address the top concerns surrounding the future of the industry. This highly anticipated event will focus on new key areas of advocacy, marketing strategies, and infrastructure development, offering tourism venues, businesses, and municipalities valuable opportunities to learn about state resources and ways to engage with influential policymakers. 

The program format is as follows: check-in, continental breakfast/networking, event introduction, panel discussions on Tourism Marketing and Legislative Advocacy (with Q&A and transition between), continued Networking and Mini-Expo (featuring collaborating entity booths, local print/advertising vendors, tourist destinations, & more), lunch buffet, update from the Connecticut Office of Tourism, keynote speech, and closing remarks.

 Designated guest speakers consist of: 

  • State of CT Department of Economic & Community Development Officials 
    • Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer
    • Ellen Wolf, Brand Director o Rachel Lenda, Director of Tourism
  • Marketing Agency Representatives
    • Felicia Lindau, SVP Strategic Services, Adams & Knight
    • David Jensen, Chief Digital Strategist, Quinn & Hary Marketing/Regan Communications Group
    • Maria Miranda, Founder & CEO, Miranda Creative
    • Michele Cota, Executive Director, Discover New England
  • Legislative Affairs Experts
    • James Paolino, Principal Lobbyist, FOCUS Government Affairs
    • Alex Peterson, Senior Advisor & Director of Government Affairs, Connecticut Airport Authority
    • Susan Feaster, Founder, Shore Line East Riders’ Advocacy Group
  • Tourism Professionals
    • Chris Regan, Property Owner, Olde Mistick Village/Chair, Eastern Regional Tourism District 

Note, guest speaker lineup subject to additions/substitutions. 

Collaborating entities include the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, Windham Region Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Regional Tourism District, and Olde Mistick Village

Individual tickets are $75.00, tables are available for $750.00 (both inclusive of food/beverage), and advertising opportunities range from $75.00 - $2,250.00; all can be purchased here. 

The following inquiries can be directed at the respective Chamber ECT staff members: 

  • Event Logistics – Andrea Manning, Administrative Partnerships Manager, amanning@chamberect.com 
  • Program Sponsorships/Ads – Jane Davis, Membership Director, jdavis@chamberect.com
  • Media Registrations – Julia Florence, Communications Manager, jflorence@chamberect.com

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT: 

We are the region’s largest network of professionals, representing over a thousand organizations spanning eastern Connecticut and beyond. Our mission is to create and maintain a positive business climate that meets the needs of our members by supporting economic development and growth in the region. For more information, visit ChamberECT.com.

Additional Info

Media Contact : Julia Florence, Communications Manager | Phone: (860) 701-9113 | Email: jflorence@chamberect.com

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