Because we are constantly working to bring tourism professionals together with social media tools for better marketing, Sheila Scarborough and I put together an entire track of tourism workshops at BlogWorld Expo this year.
In the Thursday, October 14 BlogWorld Tourism track, we’re really excited to bring you four co-panelists who have real-world, practical application experience to share.
Ann Peavey saw the possibilities of social media – particularly Twitter – as a personable, friendly way to connect visitors with her beloved city of Seattle. She represents the Seattle CVB (Convention and Visitor’s Bureau) as @SeattleMaven and will share how she uses dashboard tools like TweetDeck and keywords to be a virtual concierge for her city.
Jeff Hurt is a meetings expert at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting and he’s worked with businesses and tourism organizations large and small to show them how to use social media to make on- and off-line gatherings much more useful and enjoyable. He knows how to drill down and find helpful resources and people, and he’ll show you how.
Mike Bersabal brings current crisis communications expertise from his work at the Pensacola, Florida CVB during the recent BP oil spill – follow him @Mike_VstPcola. In response to the disaster, Florida tourism used social media to give visitors a more complete, up-to-the-minute view of beach conditions, and Mike will talk about that experience plus give tips about incorporating bloggers into your media outreach.
Stephanie Molina and the Beaumont, Texas CVB regularly win awards for their imaginative and forward-leaning approach to destination marketing. They’re already experimenting with QR codes and are fearlessly curious about what will entice visitors to their part of Southeast Texas. Follow her as @Beaumartian, and hear Stephanie share her recent experience with adding online video to her tourism “toolbag,” then dive in to hands-on video work with cameras generously provided by conference sponsor Kodak.
If you’re thinking of dropping everything and attending, use code TC20 for 20% off your ticket.
If you’re thinking about getting this on your calendar for next year, do it. Our preliminary talks with Rick Calvert, the founder of BlogWorld, are that we will be back again in 2011. Now is the time to schedule and budget for a trip to Las Vegas next fall.
Can’t wait for next fall? Our Tourism Currents online social media course is available now.
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
It certainly sounds like you have some great times ahead. Can’t wait to see this in full swing.