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More Sessions = More Value, More Chances to Win
Book Your 1:1 Networking Sessions
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“These one-on-one sessions help me build relationships with people who have tools that allow me to deliver results. I use the time to seek out new connections and ideas, and to find out what’s new with current collaborators. They are always fun and informative…and you make new friends.” -Lisa Berger, Ulster County Tourism & Office for Film
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: | | |
An Update on Recent Turning Stone
Developments
Destination Updates
Wednesday, April 22
| Hear about the new developments at Turning Stone, gain insight on upcoming projects, enhancements to meetings and events infrastructure, and how these investments are strengthening the region's appeal to all. About this session | |
Turning Everyday Assets into Must-Do Experiences
Morning Programming
Thursday, April 23
| Explore how Visit Buffalo transformed long-standing, familiar places into fresh, buzz-worthy products through the Ultimate Buffalo Food Trail, the Buffalo Hiking Guide, and the forthcoming Historic Restaurant Guide.. About this session | | |
AI and How It's Reshaping the Tourism Industry
Breakout Session
Thursday, April 23
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No matter your current level of AI knowledge, this panel session is designed for DMOs, TPAs, business partners, attractions and organizations alike. Hear what is coming in the AI landscape, how it might impact your work, and why you "ain't seen nothin yet!"
About this session.
| | Engaging New England Travelers at the Dream Destinations Travel Show | |
Your Tourism Champions booth was on display at the Dream Destinations Travel Show at the MGM Springfield in Springfield, MA, on April 12th. We had steady traffic through the booth, with many families and seniors coming through during the one-day show. We saw an emphasis on exploring New York State via rail, whether by Amtrak...
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You Asked, We Listened: 2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards Deadline Extended
Nominations Now Close on May 31, 2026
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Based on requests from numerous members who need additional time to gather nomination documentation, the Tourism Excellence Awards Committee has extended the deadline to nominate for the 2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards to May 31, 2026.
All Award Categories | Nominate Now
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⚖️ Advocacy Matters to You |
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CNY Passport Program: NYS 9872 establishes the Central New York passport program to promote regional tourism, economic development, and cultural engagement across the Central New York region through an integrated mobile application providing event information, cross-promotional ticketing, and community partnerships. We will continue to track the status of this bill on our Tourism Advocacy Center
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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.
| | New Member Introduction: Beth Wales from the International Center of the Capital Region | |
Please welcome Beth Wales, Executive Director at the International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR), to the NYSTIA Community! As Executive Director of ICCR, Beth leads initiatives that introduce global professionals to the greater Capital Region's unique concentration...
Meet Beth
| | | Visit Finger Lakes Launches Virtual Museum During National Historic Marker Weekend | |
Visit Finger Lakes is pleased to announce the launch of the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum during National Historic Marker Weekend on Saturday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Canandaigua Inn Park, Historic Public Square (23 N. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424). This...
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| | | The World Cup is Nine Weeks Away. Here's What the Data Says | |
Two months from kickoff, the 2026 World Cup represents a milestone opportunity for travel in the United States. International visitors are planning longer stays, higher spending and itineraries that stretch well beyond gateway cities. Yet success is not guaranteed. Concerns...
Continue Reading on U.S. Travel.org
| | | NYATEP Announces New Executive Director | |
The New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP) has appointed Chris Neale as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive and thoughtful search process led by the Board...
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| | | New AI Report from Wheresight: How DMOs Can Move Members from AI Confusion to AI Maturity | |
AI is already changing how destinations are discovered but how prepared is your destination? Wheresight have just published a free report exploring exactly that. Based on real destination data, expert insights, and conversations with DMOs and tourism businesses, it breaks down how AI is already reshaping tourism and why most destinations risk falling behind if they don’t act now.
Download the report.
| | | NYS 250th Initiative: Share Untold Stories from Your Destination! | |
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
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Destination Capitol Hill
Event | U.S. Travel | April 14-15
Learn More
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2026 New York State Tourism Conference
Event | NYSTIA | April 22-24
Learn More
| | Double Your Impact This Summer: Expedia Group Advertising 1:1 Match | |
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
| | | Speak With Solution Providers, Find Marketing Solutions & Great Co-Op Opportunities | |
Many of our partners and solution providers will be with us in Utica at the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference. Ask them about special programs, co-ops, and marketing opportunities for NYSTIA members.
Book Your Sessions | About the 1:1 Appointments
| | | Vice President for Tourism & Director of Visit Binghamton, The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce | |
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
| | | Graphic Designer / Creative Specialist, Corporate Communications, Inc. | |
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
| | | Thank you to our Partnership Community! | | | | |
WHAT WE DO:
We assist our members in advancing responsible, sustainable economic growth, local job creation, small business success and increased vitality in our destination communities by realizing the potential of New York State's tourism industry.
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