Time is Running Out to Register for MTTS | | |
Friday, October 30 is the LAST DAY to register for MTTS before the rates increase. We have a great line up of speakers over the course of three days and we want to take this time for you to meet our speakers. Not registered yet? Now is the time!
One day registration is available. Don't forget you can also bundle your 2027 Dues!
| | In order to get the Member Rate, you need to login to your Personify Account. If you need assistance, please email Stuart Rice at stuart@mdtourism.org. | |
Cassandra Vanhooser
Managing Director, Department of Commerce Office of Tourism
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State of the State | Excellence in Tourism Awards
Wednesday, November 18 | 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm | Room 309-310
From vibrant waterfronts to packed stadiums, tourism delivers for Maryland, generating spending, supporting jobs, and strengthening communities across the state. Travelers remain eager to explore, even as economic pressures put that demand to the test. Join us for the State of the State as we explore where Maryland tourism stands, what’s changing, and where we go from here.
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Jessica Dutra
Broadcaster |Content Creator| Storyteller, Jess Dutra Storytelling
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The Power Of What You Have: Small Teams. Real Stories. Big Impact.
Wednesday, November 18| 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Room 309-310
You don't need a big budget, a production crew, or a perfect speaking voice to tell a story that inspires someone to explore.
Every destination has something special worth sharing, but sometimes we become so familiar with the places we call home that we forget to see them through a visitor's eyes. And in a world of perfectly curated social media content, it's easy to feel like we need more time, more resources, or a bigger team to make an impact.
In this inspiring and practical session, Gracie Award-winning broadcaster, content creator, and storyteller Jessica Dutra draws from her experiences exploring Maryland's five tourism regions to remind tourism and hospitality professionals that meaningful storytelling starts with what they already have.
Through personal stories, real-world examples, and approachable social media strategies, Jess shares how businesses, destinations, and teams of all sizes can create authentic content that connects with audiences, celebrates their communities, and inspires others to visit.
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Josiah Brown, The New York Sherpa
President/CEO of Famous Destination Marketing
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Telling Our Story: How Vibrant Communities are Powered by the Visitor Economy
Thursday, November 19| 9:00 am - 10:00 am | Room 309-310
The visitor economy’s success, larger than just the tourism economy’s success, will be the linchpin for the future success of making our communities vibrant and attractive places to live, work and play. Every sector of our industry plays a key role in making that success a reality.
Learn how we must tell our industry’s story well and look for Win/Win/Wins – Resident value/tourism value/positive industry reputation.
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Sarah Benoit
Lead Instructor, Learn Tourism
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Breakout #1
The Search Revolution: Building Online Authority in an
AI-Driven World
Thursday, November 19 | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Room 301
Search is evolving quickly, and AI is reshaping how travelers discover destinations, attractions, hotels, restaurants, and experiences online. This session cuts through the confusion and focuses on the practical moves tourism organizations and businesses can make right now to strengthen their visibility and credibility.
Attendees will learn why SEO is shifting toward Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), how storytelling and content authority influence AI-powered discovery, and what types of website and content updates matter most moving forward. We’ll also discuss the growing importance of collaboration between marketers, content creators, and web developers as search technology evolves.
Interactive discussion and brainstorming time will help participants identify realistic next steps to improve their online presence and prepare for the future of search.
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Aviva North and Jen Gray-O'Connor
Senior Associate Principles , Coraggio Group
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Breakout #2
Shared Vision, Shared Metrics: Aligning Maryland's Tourism Strategy from State to Local
Thursday, November 19 | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Room 304
What does it take for a statewide tourism strategy and a local destination marketing organization to pull in the same direction? In this session, moderators Aviva North and Jen Gray-O'Connor from Coraggio Group will lead a candid conversation with DMO and state tourism leaders about how each organization defines success and where their goals converge. This session includes a panel with local and state tourism leaders on the value of strategic planning and how to align strategy to state goals. Panelists include Dave Ziedelis of Visit Frederick, Kelly Groff of Visit Montgomery.
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Craig Kennedy
Program & Training Manager, Open Doors Organization
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Travel & Tourism for All: Best Practices & Trends for Customers with Disabilities
Thursday, November 19| 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm | Room 309-310
People with disabilities in the US spend billions of dollars annually on travel, but many report having issues related to their accessibility needs. What types of issues are travelers with disabilities facing, and how do we make them feel more welcomed? Join Craig Kennedy with the Open Doors Organization, for an informative session on best practices for making businesses more accessible, as well as current trends for travelers with disabilities.
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Brian London
President, Travel Smart News
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Travel Indicators: Today's Trends Predict Tomorrow's Travelers
Thursday, November 19| 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Room 309-310
Tourism is the heartbeat of Maryland's economy. Visitors, and the dollars they spend, improve neighborhoods, keep voters employed, and inspire local boards to shape public policy. Covering the most impactful developments in economics, demographics, lifestyles, regulation, technology and geopolitics, this session will explore how external forces predict the future for one of Maryland's most vital industries; and how those trends can be a catalyst for your future prosperity.
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Josiah Brown, The New York Sherpa
President/CEO of Famous Destination Marketing
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Breakout #1
“Rural Tourism Done Right” - Big tourism principles for small destination budgets to make positive change in rural destinations
Friday, November 20 | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Room 309-310
This session explores the core principles behind successful rural tourism, with practical strategies you can put to work in your own destination. Topics include:
- Branding do’s and don’ts for small and rural destinations
- Building consensus and strengthening local advocacy
- Micro-economic development in the visitor economy
- Balancing your media mix, including the question: “To print or not to print a travel guide?”
- Content creation and measuring success realistically
Josiah brings both national consulting experience and firsthand knowledge of rural tourism. Living in a rural county of just 35,000 residents, he has seen how small communities can overcome significant challenges and create vibrant destinations. Come discover the guiding principles behind that success—and how you can apply them in your own community.
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Breakout #2
All Aboard Maryland: Turning 200 Years of Railroading into Tourism Opportunities
Friday, November 20 | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Room 301
The 200th Anniversary of American Railroading arrives in 2027, celebrating a legacy that began in Baltimore and continues to connect communities across Maryland! Join us to explore how this milestone creates exciting opportunities for tourism businesses statewide.
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation will share the rich history of American railroading and highlight special anniversary events planned at the museum. The Maryland Office of Tourism will showcase its efforts to inspire travel through railroad-themed trip ideas and promotions featuring Maryland’s railroad heritage and rail trails.
Discover how to turn this historic anniversary into opportunities for your destination through engaging programs, tours, events, partnerships, and special offers that attract visitors and drive tourism growth in every corner of the state.
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James Whitman
Publisher & Editor, Edible DC
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Laura Powell
Founder/Consultant, Tourism Well Defined
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Jeremiah Batucan
Founder, Peake Events
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Breakout #3
Beyond the Destination: What Travelers Are Craving Now
Friday, November 20 | 11:15 am - 12:15 pm | Room 304
Travelers are prioritizing experiences that enrich their lives, whether through wellness, local flavors, or memorable events. Join this dynamic discussion as tourism leaders unpack the latest consumer trends and reveal how destinations can capitalize on the growing demand for immersive, authentic, and experience-driven travel.
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Panel Moderator:
Leticia Engel
Senior Marketing Manager, Visit Montgomery
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Dr. Jen Fry
Founder, JenFryTalks
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The Power of No: Boundaries That Build Better Connections
Friday, November 20 | 10:15 am - 11:15 am | Room 309-310
Tourism is the heartbeat of Maryland's economy. Visitors, and the dollars they spend, improve neighborhoods, keep voters employed, and inspire local boards to shape public policy. Covering the most impactful developments in economics, demographics, lifestyles, regulation, technology and geopolitics, this session will explore how external forces predict the future for one of Maryland's most vital industries; and how those trends can be a catalyst for your future prosperity.
| | LAST CALL: Get Your MTTS Sponsorship! | | PAID Sponsors as of 10.19.26 | | |
The countdown is on, and there’s still time to get your business in the spotlight!
In order to meet out print deadlines, sponsorship closes NEXT FRIDAY 10.30.26.
The Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit is Maryland tourism’s premier industry gathering, bringing together tourism professionals, destinations, attractions, and industry leaders from across the state. Sponsorship puts your business in front of this influential audience, creates valuable networking opportunities, and shows your commitment to Maryland’s tourism industry.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of what promises to be one of our best MTTS events yet! Sponsorship opportunities are limited, so now is the time to get involved.
Want to keep the visibility going all year long? Become an MTC Annual Sponsor and enjoy year-round recognition at MTC-sanctioned events!
Can’t make it to MTTS this year but still want to support Maryland tourism and gain year-round exposure? We have an option for you, too!
Ready to make your mark? Contact Ruth Toomey, MTC Executive Director, at ruth@mdtourism.org to explore your sponsorship options.
Don’t just attend the conversation. Be part of it!
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MTC Annual Sponsors 2026
Thank you for your support of MTC!
| | Want your logo here?? Contact MTC Executive Director, Ruth Toomey, for more information to maximize your brand! | |
Connect-Educate-Advocate
Leave us a GOOGLE REVIEW. Investing in the Maryland Tourism Coalition is investing in the tourism industry.
Mission: To elevate and improve the tourism industry statewide through advocacy, education and connection.
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Credit Card Processing Fees
Maryland Tourism Coalition accepts the following credit cards: American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCards.
Any credit card payments made will incur a 3% surcharge. To avoid this surcharge, you can choose to make your payments via:
ACH: Contact Stuart Rice for info
Check: Payable To: Maryland Tourism Coalition Address: 626 C Admiral Drive #311, Annapolis, MD 21401
We deeply apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.
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Maryland Tourism Coalition
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