April 7, 2026

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"1:1s are a great way to discover emerging tech that helps us work smarter, not harder. They’re a no-pressure way for us to connect with solution providers outside of the typical workday when taking sales calls is challenging, at best. I leave with a menu of options from companies I already have a baseline level of trust in, knowing that NYSTIA has vetted them in advance." - Cass Majestic, Destination Marketing Corp.

And now for the first time ever, each session you book will earn you an additional entry into our drawing for a fantastic local Utica gift basket! Book Your Sessions | About the 1:1 Appointments

Conference Session Announcements:

International Marketing & Partner Strategies

Panel

Panel Session

Wednesday, April 22

Hear real-world examples of how collaboration, strategic programs, and creative experiences are helping destinations of all sizes connect with international travelers. About this session

How the Empire State Trail Drives Visitation, Spending & Placemaking

Luncheon Session

Thursday, April 23

Explore how tourism and hospitality professionals, marketers, and leaders can leverage trail infrastructure to drive overnight visitation, strengthen economies, and build resilient destinations. About this session

Who's Selling New York? Meet the Buyers Behind the Bookings

Breakout Session

Friday, April 24

This breakout session brings real buyers into the room to explain, in their own words, how the travel trade works, what they sell, and what they need to sell more of New York. About this session.

Don't wait to nominate! The 2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards is the premier recognition program for New York State's tourism industry. Nominating is a once-a-year opportunity to recognize the amazing work you and your colleagues do every day to advance New York State tourism. Nominate your own organization, a leader, a partner in your county, or a colleague deserving of recognition.

All Award Categories | Nominate Now

Advocacy must be a 365 day-per-year mindset in destination organizations. Preview the 6-hour Destination Advocate Program that will be held in Corning at the fall New York State Tourism Excellence Summit during this pre-conference session on the morning of Wednesday, April 22 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM.

Save Your Seat & stay tuned for more information on our Friday morning Conference advocacy program

• Can't Refuse Cash. As of March 20, 2026, it is now illegal for a New York food store or retail establishment to refuse payment in cash for goods or services. They also cannot charge consumers a higher price if they pay in cash. 
• Two Minutes for Tourism Advocacy: The NYSTIA Advocacy Committee is gathering input on ways we can improve the Tourism It's Everybody's Business (TIEB) printable documents on our website. Share Your Thoughts.

📣 Be a Tourism Advocate! Sign up to the NYSTIA Advocacy Action Center to receive alerts in our future advocacy efforts.

Please welcome Kris Fitzgerald, Principal/Owner of 2k Designs, to the NYSTIA Community! As principal/owner of 2k Design, Kris draws on over three decades of design, marketing, and entrepreneurial experience to assist her clients with a wide range of projects, many focused on promoting outdoor experiences and guiding visitors...

Meet Kris

Alastair Jack is the managing director at Curacity, helping destinations translate their brand story into editorial opportunities that build awareness and consideration among travelers already engaging with travel and lifestyle content. Curacity complements broader tourism marketing efforts by connecting DMOs with influential media...

Meet Alastair

Registration is now open for the 15th annual I Love My Park Day, which will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at state parks, historic sites and public lands all across New York State. The event, a partnership between the Department of Environmental Conservation, the...

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April is Earth Month, a natural time to reconnect with the places around us. Whether that’s a walk close to home, time in the garden, or a day on the trail, Earth Month is a reminder that those everyday moments outdoors are connected to something bigger, and that protecting...

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The DEAI Committee has launched a special America 250 initiative, NY250: Untold Stories, dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and uplifting the diverse, often overlooked, and historically marginalized stories. The goal is to collect 250 untold stories, and we...

Contribute an untold story

ROVA Magazine is a travel lifestyle magazine focused on road trips and outdoor adventure. Sign up for the upcoming June/July issue special NYSTIA section, with ROVA content featuring:

• The Road Trippers Adventure Guide: Bike, Paddle, Hike
• Vines & Vintners: Winery Road Trip
• The Produce Trail: Farm Visit

Learn More & Sign Up! - Sign Up by EOD Today, April 7

As travelers book closer to departure and domestic travel continues to lead, staying visible during key decision moments is critical for capturing summer demand. Powered by the world’s largest OTA, Expedia Group Advertising helps destinations reach and convert high-intent travelers using exclusive first-party data, with ROI reporting tied directly to bookings.

Expedia Group Advertising is offering NYSTIA partners a 1:1 media match (up to $50K) on standalone targeted display campaigns—instantly doubling investment and expanding reach across travelers actively planning on Expedia Group brands. Match funding and premium inventory are allocated on a rolling basis. Contact Kirsten Asuncion for details. Learn More

The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is seeking a qualified individual for the role of Vice President for Tourism and Director of Visit Binghamton – an affiliate division of the Chamber. Visit Binghamton is the official tourism promotion agency for Broome County, NY...

Learn More & Apply

Are you a Graphic Designer / Creative Specialist with a solid visual design portfolio? We are looking for an innovative and versatile designer to help develop and execute powerful visual content that clearly communicates our clients' stories. In this role, you will be...

Learn More & Apply

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