GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Being chosen as the host city for the 2024 National Council of Corvette Clubs Annual Conference.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
Visit Joplin loves to work with tour and travel planners to create customized itineraries for their travelers. Step-on guides from our organization are FREE; we simply ask that you make a donation to the Joplin Historical Society. We are also able to assist with catering needs, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes tours.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Visit Mississippi can develop itineraries on any theme and provide assistance with directing groups to “hidden treasures.”
• 601-359-3528
Barter Theatre offers first class theatre, ranging from musicals, plays, and even theatre for young audiences. We create an easy booking process for group trips. Group Sales Manager 5 Length in Industry: 4.5 Years
Brenna Length at Current Job: 4.5 Years groups@bartertheatre.com • 276-619-5406
Program Manager, Domestic Group Tours 11 Length in Industry: 18 Years Length at Current Job: 10 Years
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
Senior
Sales
Manager 25 Length in Industry: 24 Years Length at Current Job: 1.5 Years
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
My proudest accomplishment would be working through the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 to share our streamed performance of MACBETH, as a part of the Shakespeare in American Communities grant.
Assistant Director of Sales
13 Length in Industry: 9 Years Length at Current Job: 9 Years
Kelsey Meyer, Visit LIncoln
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
My proudest professional accomplishment has been growing Lincoln as a group tour destination. I truly enjoy sharing what makes Lincoln one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Visit Lincoln is happy to assist with itinerary planning to event and hotel reservations. Visit Lincoln offers group planning tools available on www.lincoln.org/groups/
kmeyer@lincoln.org • 402-436-2310
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being invited to open and operate a 5-Star Resort in Montenegro in 2022.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: In Branson we have the rarest resource of all, genuinely kind people with hearts for hospitality. At Explore Branson we engage with a friendly, professional, and energetic outlook, our connections become your connections, and we always go the extra mile.
Marketing
Director 23 Length in Industry: 6 Years Length at Current Job: 6 Years
Todd Read, SoIN Tourism 21 Length inIndustry: 8 Years
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being named one of the 20 people to know in Hospitality/Tourism by Louisville Business First magazine in 2018 and being selected as a finalist for Professional of the Year from One Southern Indiana in 2020.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: I love to write itineraries and lead group tours as a step-on guide. No one knows our region better than we do at the SoIN Tourism Bureau.
Todd@GoSoIN.com
Tourism Account Director 9 Length in Industry: 20 Years Length at Current Job: 8 Years
Colache, Meet AC
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Growing our overnight room productivity from just an idea to 48,000 this year. Having great partners makes all the difference.
• 812-280-8082
609-226-5035
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Founding member of Indiana Foodways Alliance, a statewide nonprofit organization that promotes local restaurants through the development of culinary trails.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Services include coordination of accommodations, meals, personalized itineraries, step-on guides, visitor center, comfort stop and welcome packets for each guest.
Sales Manager
Gabriele Madison, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 41 Length in Industry: 30 Years
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Seeing satisfied group travelers every day here at the Tramway.
Senior Length at Current Job: 22 Years gmadison@pstramway.com • 760-969-4357
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Securing International Pathfinder Camporee to Gillette in 2024 and 2029. This 55,000 person international event will bring more than $50m economic impact to Campbell County for the 2 years.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We can help with hotel RFPs, planning details, local contact information and resource management.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My proudest accomplishment within our industry is successfully opening two of downtown Fort Wayne’s newest hotels.
• Experienced professionals to guide you through booking and planning your event
• Established, rooted relationships with hotel and venue partners
Nicolle Campbell, Visit Fort Wayne Director of Sales 24 Length inIndustry: 15 Years Length atCurrent Job: 1.5 Years nicolle@visitfortwayne.com • 260-234-3211
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
SMERF Tour & Travel Market Manager
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Simply, every smile I see on the faces of the guests that visit the Chicago Southland. Now, what I ENJOY the most is turning an ordinary FAM that tour operators are already familiar with into an unforgettable, fun and educational experience.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
Not only does the Chicago Southland help plan tours, but we also offer a wide variety of complimentary services.
tobie@visitchicagosouthland.com
• 708-895-8200
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Stepping into my current position! If you had told me five years ago that I’d be leading a sales team I would have thought you were crazy. I owe a lot to my former boss and mentor.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
The Museum of the American Revolution works with several markets from adult and senior groups to student and youth groups. Our team’s goal is to make the booking process as easy as possible.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Growing the Wyoming brand in the group travel industry through the creation of our Wyoming Itinerary Guide along with our That’s WY Byway Box.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
Outside of connecting you with our partners around the state of Wyoming, we can provide resources and information to help create unique itineraries and experiences for your groups to unknown and off-the-beaten path locations.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Creating an event to connect tourism and hospitality students with potential employers as a way to help fill the hospitality job market gap our industry is currently experiencing
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Destination planning assistance
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Assisting group travel agencies plan their best Carbon County, Wyoming trip. It is always fulfilling when we help travel agencies find amazing adventures for their guests here in our little slice of heaven.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: I can assist with setting up group hotel accommodations, restaurant reservations, and providing ideas for making the most out of your Carbon County, Wyoming trip.
“Now, what I ENJOY the most is turning an ordinary FAM that tour operators are already familiar with into an unforgettable, fun and educational experience.”
– Tobie Fitzpatrick, Chicago Southland CVB
8
Length at Current Job:
Years
in Industry: 17 Years
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
I am excited that Sioux Falls is becoming a multinight destination for group tours. Experience Sioux Falls has worked diligently with our attractions.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We work with tour companies on a one-onone basis. We assist with hotel procurement, organize attraction visits, and we can recommend group tour-friendly restaurants.
jackie@experiencesiouxfalls.com • 605-373-2028
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Building the tourism program for Hudson County from the ground up including the visithudson.org website, creating promotional videos for the county, and initiating itinerary opportunities for visitors.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We attend various tradeshows throughout the year to meet with group tour operators and provide them with contacts and information about Hudson County.
Director of Sales
19
Length at Current Job:
22 Years
Length in Industry:
33 Years
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Creating a Docent led Tour program for The Huntington, allowing groups to have a very special interactive experience of this unique institution.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
Help them evaluate what they need during their visit to both the area and our magnificent gardens and galleries. Every group’s needs are different.
tours@huntington.org
• 626-405-2240
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
My proudest accomplishment is being able to help so many visitors experience the spectacle that is One World Observatory.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We can offer planners a site visit prior to talk about the experience and show the ins and the outs of One World Observatory.
lganz@legends.net
• 212-602-0961
14
Length at Current Job:
1 Year
Length in Industry:
17 Years
Lindsay Methlie, Destination Gettysburg
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Watching employees I hired as line level grow into successful management positions.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
• Sample Itineraries
• RFP distribution
• Welcome gifts for groups
Lindsay@DestinationGettysburg.com • 717-338-3062
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: The lifelong friendships that have been built because of my involvement in the Tour and Travel Industry.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We can assist in finding group friendly hotels as well as help with itinerary. We can also arrange meet and greet for groups with a special welcome to Virginia Beach gift.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
My proudest accomplishment is graduating top of my program at the University of South Carolina. I have a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management...go Gamecocks!
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
The Sales Team at Discover Lancaster is happy to help build customized group itineraries, make recommendations for dining and attractions, or assist in securing overnight accommodations at many group-friendly properties.
jdautrich@discoverlancaster.com • 717-391-6006
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
My proudest accomplishment would be the creation of the Destination Philadelphia Attractions Group.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
The National Constitution Center Group Sales Team will assist group planners with itinerary suggestions and truly give their groups an amazing experience both at the National Constitution Center as well as in Philadelphia.
Jim Edwards, ColletteGREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Being the father to 2 amazing sons and the husband of my beautiful wife of 30 years! And of course in my 26 year career at Collette (the Greatest Family owned/run American Travel Company) I have made a lifetime of friendships.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We offer 105 years of EXPERIENCE and unmatched TRUST to always do right in good times and bad!
jedwards@collette.com • (800) 222-5679
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Successfully navigating the tourism industry and growing as a person. I started out as a secretary in the tourism industry 6 1/2 years ago.It was exciting to learn about tourism over time.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Guests who have been searching for the perfect destination with gracious hospitality and an unforgettable experience, we invite you to submerge yourself into the Resort community of French Lick.
mindy@visitfrenchlickwestbaden.com
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Creating and growing Midwest Marketplace into the most comprehensive show for group travel across the upper Midwest.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Circle Wisconsin is the resource for group planners for fun, adventurous, educational/ historical and delicious itinerary ideas.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Working with regional partners to create a region program called Tour’IN 64 that highlights several counties along Interstate 64.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We try and help planners as much as we possibly can. Itinerary planning, pricing, welcome receptions and goody bags are a few services we provide to groups.
Tourism & Education Sales
22 Length in Industry: 23 Years Length at Current Job: 23 Years
CRM
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: This industry has afforded me so many opportunities from hosting a group of tour operators from India and driving through our Galaxy of Lights to hosting SYTA Youth Foundation’s Blast off Event.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Officially, the HMCCVB is the DMO for the Huntsville area, including Huntsville, the city of Madison and all other attractions and offerings throughout Madison County.
4 Length in Industry: 20+ Years Length at Current Job: 17 Years pam@huntsville.org • (256) 551-2204
Length
Peter Waugh, RiseNY - Running Subway Productions
Earning the trust, respect, and friendship of my clients and colleagues.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
We are proud to offer a thrilling experience that is uniquely New York! We have fabulous group rates, and can put together an educational, memorable, and fun time for your travelers.
Length in Industry: 10+ Years Length at Current Job: 5 Years
Caitlyn Floyd, Visit Champaign County
My most proud accomplishment was hosting a group of over 200 of my peers for the Upper Midwest Convention and Visitors Bureau this last Fall. DMOs from across 7 States came to our area for a 3 day event.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
If you’re looking for an Outside of Ordinary mystery trip or a stop-over with your groupfriendly hotels, restaurants and shopping, we can assist you.
28
Length at Current Job: 5 Years
Length in Industry: 13 Years
Length at Current Job: 8 Years
30 Length in Industry: 25 Years
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Knowing that a tour I helped to inspire is offered for sale, and then seeing that coach arrive. Helping travel trade create itineraries including Montana’s hidden gems and special places is so satisfying!
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Montana has a new itinerary guide with ideas for experiencing the entire state. Ask me about it!
kbirrell@mt.gov • 406-841-2898
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Raising my four children.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: The Reagan Foundation is here to make group planner’s jobs easy. We’ll help you book your visit, can help you arrange a meal for your group if you’re interested, and we’ll provide discounts for groups over 25. We’ll greet your bus on arrival and help your group get into the museum.
visitorservices@reaganfoundation.org • 805-577-4066
Length at Current Job: 30 Years
40 Length in Industry: 30 Years
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
Hosting Travel South in 2018, it was a huge success. Our entertainment was a private concert with Darius Rucker, what a show!
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS:
The Myrtle Beach CVB can assist by sending out leads, itinerary planning and arranging site visits and FAM tours. We can also provide chotskies for prizes on the bus. We are your one-stop shop for planning.
sandy.haines@visitmyrtlebeach.com • 843-916-7248
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Well for my last position I help open a second location for Royal Carriages during the pandemic and helped the company survive.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Names badges, itinerary planning, step on guide services, visitor guides
kimmie@visitjeffersonparish.com • 504-731-2108 ext 208
34
Length at Current Job: One Year, 8 Months
Length in Industry: One Year, 8 Months
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My proudest accomplishment has been having my writing published in Travel, Taste, & Tour magazine.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Our company can create itineraries, schedule group tours for all of our historical sites, arrange for group outings, historical speakers & reenactors, as well as offer group discounts on admission fees.
olivia@visitvincennes.org
• 812-886-0400
GROUP TRAVEL ALL-STARS
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
My proudest accomplishment happened just recently, actually. I was able to work with a planner I had met at a tradeshow the year before. We worked on a customized itinerary for her group. When the motorcoach arrived I truly was so excited.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: We can accommodate groups for our Tours, Lunch and overnight stay at our onsite hotel and offer complimentary bus parking.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I’m proudest when recognized as a trusted source for information on our Plymouth and Plymouth County destination.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: See Plymouth can offer up to date comprehensive information on our destination through our highly-regarded website, or better yet, through personal communication.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
I am very proud of my 27 years at St. Lawrence Cruise Lines. We are a small family-owned operator and our core team has a lot of time and care invested in the tour industry.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Our process is a more personal one, and we are available for in-depth one-on-one conversations to ensure that your group booking goes exactly as planned.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:
My proudest accomplishment in the tourism industry is the role I have played in the region becoming a recognized premier destination.
WHAT I CAN DO FOR PLANNERS: Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association is a membership DMO with nearly 500 members across Western South Dakota and Northeastern Wyoming, including attractions, tour companies, lodging, dining and more.
michelle@blackhillsbadlands.com
• 605-355-3600
“My proudest accomplishment in the tourism industry is the role I have played in the region becoming a recognized premier destination. ”
– Michelle Thomson, Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association