2023 Speakers
TourismTALKS
Keynote Speakers
Lieutenant Governor / State of Utah
Deidre M. Henderson
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Deidre M. Henderson is Utah’s ninth lieutenant governor, serving as the Beehive State’s chief election officer and secretary of state.
Before Utahns elected Lt. Gov. Henderson as the second-highest official in the Beehive State, she served eight years in the Utah Senate representing south Utah County. As a senator, Sen. Henderson built a reputation as a strong conservative and champion of women and families.
Lt. Gov. Henderson and her husband Gabe reside in Spanish Fork and spend as much time as possible with their children, three sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. They love theater and rural Utah.
Founder / Black Folks Camp Too
SESSION: TourismTALKS: Increasing "More" Unity in the Outdoor Community
Earl B. Hunter, Jr.
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Earl B. Hunter, Jr is an experienced business leader across multiple industries. He has been widely recognized for his ebullient personality, hard work ethic and non-traditional approach to building relationships and closing deals. Mr. Hunter is driven by success and he always plays to win at whatever challenge is presented to him.
Mr. Hunter is the Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too — a marketing-driven business whose mission is to increase diversity in the out-door industry by making it easier, more interesting and more fun for Black folks to go camping.
Email: earl@blackfolkscamptoo.com
Co-Founder / Plus Wonder & Virgin Unite & Partnering Author
SESSION: TourismTALKS: Deep Connections
Jean Oelwang
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Jean is a Collaborations Architect and the founding CEO of Virgin Unite, an entrepreneurial foundation that builds leadership collectives, incubates ideas, and re-invents systems for a better world.
Over the last 19 years, she has worked with partners to lead the incubation and start-up of several global initiatives, including: The Elders, The B Team, The Carbon War Room (successfully merged with the RMI), The Africa Donor Collective, Ocean Unite (now ORRAA), The Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, 100% Human at Work, The Virgin Unite Constellation, and The Branson Centres of Entrepreneurship. She also played a key partner role in the incubation of many other initiatives such as The Audacious Project.
As part of her work over the last three decades, Jean has helped corporations put the wellbeing of people and the planet at their core, including working with over 25 Virgin businesses across 15 industries to help embed purpose in all they do. Jean also served as a Partner in the Virgin Group leading their people strategy.
Jean spent seventeen years living and working on six continents to start and help lead mobile phone companies in South Africa, Colombia, Bulgaria, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US. She was the joint CEO of Virgin Mobile in Australia prior to starting Virgin Unite.
Jean holds several advisory board roles, including The Elders, Vintro, Penn State Board of Visitors, and Vatican Humanity 2.0. She is on the boards of The Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, Unite BVI Foundation, Virgin Unite USA & UK, The B Team, Just Capital, and NOVONIX (she was previously on the board of RMI for a decade and the Advisory Board of the Sara Blakely Foundation). She is also honoured to be a B Team leader and to be on the board.
She co-founded Plus Wonder to spark more meaningful deep connections and collaborations in the world. She is the author of the new book, Partnering.
Email: jean.oelwang@virgin.com
Chief of Staff / Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Jennifer Robinson
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Dr. Jennifer Robinson serves as the chief of staff for the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah. Over the past several years, she has overseen the widely praised annual Utah Informed book, the Economic Report to the Governor, the Institute's COVID-19 research agenda, and the Diversity in Utah databook. She proudly serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of Utah, Visit Salt Lake, and the University of Utah's Veterans Day Committee. Utah Business Magazine recognized her as one of the 30 Women to Watch in 2017. In 2021, she received the Ethics in Education Award from the Daniel's Fund and the Empathetic Global Leadership Award from the David Eccles School of Business.
Email: jennifer.robinson@utah.edu
State and Local Government Affairs / American Hotel and Lodging Association
SESSION: TourismTALKS: State of Lodging
Melissa Mitton
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Melissa Mitton serves as Director, State & Local Government Affairs for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the nation's largest hotel association. In this capacity, Melissa is the primary liaison with state policymakers, Governors, and other government officials in the Intermountain West and works to advance policies that benefit the hotel and lodging industry and its employees.
Before joining AH&LA, Melissa led western state government affairs for Western Governors University, the largest nonprofit online university in the U.S. Before WGU, Melissa worked in federal and public relations for the Association of American Universities in Washington, D.C., focusing primarily on student financial aid and campus climate issues. A Florida native, Melissa began her career in Tallahassee, first working for a state Senator and later at the Associated Industries of Florida, the state's premier business advocacy association.
Melissa lives in Denver with her husband, Chris, and their dog, Lucy.
Email: mmitton@ahla.com
President & CEO / Zion National Park Forever Project
Natalie Britt
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A seasoned professional with more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership, Natalie Britt, President & CEO of the Zion National Park Forever Project, has dedicated herself to a life of conserving our shared public lands. As a leader driven by a results-oriented approach, Natalie understands that from local businesses to federal land agencies, we all have a role to play in saving what we love. Advocating for stewardship and discovering the balance between commerce and conservation is at the core of her work with the Forever Project.
Email: Natalie.Britt@zionpark.org
Executive Director / Utah Tourism Industry Association
SESSION: TourismTALKS: Natalie Randall
Natalie Randall
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Natalie Randall is the Executive Director for the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA). In January 2021, Natalie transitioned into the role as the Executive Director with the vision to expand collaborative partnerships within Utah's tourism industry. Additionally, with the commitment to advocate and elevate the narrative of the positive impacts of the visitor economy.
Natalie's career has focused on public and private sector partnerships within Economic Development and Tourism. Prior positions include San Juan County Economic Development and Visitor Services Director; and Monticello City's Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Community Development Director. She enjoys exploring Utah by bike, ski, and rope with her husband and son.
Email: natalie@utahtourism.org
Managing Director / Utah Office of Tourism
SESSION: TourismTALKS: Vicki Varela
Vicki Varela
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Vicki Varela is the managing director of the Office of Tourism in the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. She oversees the state’s national and international strategy to create a quality and responsible tourism economy under the state’s Red Emerald Strategic Plan.
Varela was named the U.S. Tourism Director of the Year in 2016. Utah Business Magazine has recognized her as a Business Leader and 30 Women to Watch. She was named one of America’s 25 Great Minds by Hospitality, Sales, and Marketing International. She serves on the Salt Lake Chamber Board and the Olympic Legacy Foundation. She is an inaugural member of Women who Succeed.
Before joining GOED, Varela’s professional experience included vice president of Kennecott Land, deputy chief of staff and spokesperson for Gov. Mike Leavitt, and Assistant Commissioner of Higher Education. She started her career as a journalist with Associated Press and Deseret News.
Varela has two adult children and one beautiful granddaughter. Varela enjoys adventures in Utah and around the world, including biking, hiking, and river rafting.
Director / Utah Film Commission
SESSION: TourismTALKS: Utah. America's Film Set
Breakout 4: Celebrate 100 Years of Utah Film & Television in Your Community
Virginia Pearce
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With over 20 years of experience in the film industry, Virginia Pearce has been the Film Commissioner for the state of Utah since 2014. Under Virginia’s leadership, the Utah Film Commission has brought major network television series and numerous award-winning projects to the state, creating over $600 million of new spending in the state. Virginia has a passion for the wild places of Utah and has developed a new rural initiative to encourage film production across the state of Utah.
Email: vpearce@utah.gov
Breakout Speakers
Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management / Southern Utah University
AJ Templeton
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Dr. AJ Templeton is an Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management at Southern Utah University. AJ is a Florida native, with dual citizenship in the US and Cayman Islands. She holds a Bachelor in International Business from Florida Atlantic University, a Masters in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Doctorate in Hospitality Management both from the University of Central Florida, Rosen College. AJ has extensive experience in academia and joined SUU's Hospitality, Resort and Hotel Management program in 2018.
With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, her experience includes working for a ski tour operator, high-end working guest ranch and a variety of experience in the MICE industry.
She has published in the areas of hospitality and tourism management. Her research interests include drive tourism, sustainability, accessibility, slow tourism, niche lodging sectors, and the national parks. Additionally, she serves on several planning boards for both academic and industry organizations.
Outside of the classroom, AJ loves a good road trip, exploring public lands, petting all the dogs and drinking all the coffee.
Executive Director / TreeUtah
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Amy May
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Amy May is Executive Director of TreeUtah, a nonprofit that plants trees with volunteers throughout Utah at parks, schools, and public lands. She's passionate about trees, education, and bringing communities together in nature.
Email: director@treeutah.org
Anna Loughridge
Public Relations Manager / Utah Office of Tourism
SESSION: Breakout 1: #Trending: How to Identify and Leverage Trends
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Anna Loughridge is the Public Relations Manager for the Utah Office of Tourism where she oversees the state’s earned media strategy. As a Utah native, Anna’s passions are at the core of her work -- exploring the outdoors, finding unique, transformative experiences through travel, and immersing herself in all things local. If she's not in the office you can find her on her mountain bike or playing a quick nine on one of Utah’s spectacular golf courses. As an advocate for the state’s tourism industry, Anna collaborates in the planning and execution of integrated campaigns, curating messages to encourage responsible visitation, supporting community-led initiatives, inspiring the discovery of Utah’s hidden gems and influencing perceptions of the destination.
Email: aloughridge@utah.gov
Senior Director / J/PR
SESSION: Breakout 1: #Trending: How to Identify and Leverage Trends
Audrey Thompson
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Co-leading the J/PR Denver office, Audrey has a global perspective from a young age and nearly a decade of PR experience, with a deep passion for hospitality. Audrey delivers innovative PR campaign strategies, revenue-generating opportunities, brand partnerships, programming, and influencer campaigns that impact her client's goals while creating buzz in top media outlets. Her creativity, drive, and positive, can-do attitude has been the key to her success in developing meaningful and lasting relationships with her clients and the media.
Email: audrey@jpublicrelations.com
Cultural Resource Manager / Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah
SESSION: Breakout 3: Native American Tourism: Southern Paiute
Autumn Gillard
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Autumn is a first-generation descendant of the Cedar Band of Paiutes; she is the Cultural Resource Manager for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. Autumn graduated from Southern Utah University magnum cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology minor in Psychology. She is currently working on a master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University in Cultural Resource Management. Autumn grew up in Salt Lake City, UT and Cedar City, Utah. Autumn has worked for the National Park Service as a cultural interpretive Ranger, night sky Ranger, tribal archaeology monitor and in administration. She has also worked as the contracted tribal liaison for Grand Staircase Escalante Partners. Other work includes being a consult on Southern Paiute culture with Grand Canyon Trust, Grand Canyon Conservancy, National Geographic, and the Zion Forever Project. She is a published writer for the Society of Applied Anthropology, International Dark Sky Association, and Native Seeds. Her hobbies include native gardening, reading and being an indigenous astronomer.
Email: agillard@pitu.gov
Bill Malone
Former CEO / Park City Chamber and Visitor Bureau
SESSION: Breakout 2: How Roles of CVB's and DMO's Are Evolving
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Having spent all 42 years of his working career in the organizational management field , Bill Malone retired in 2020 as the CEO of the Park City Chamber and Visitor Bureau. Prior to his 21 years heading the PCCB , Bill managed similar organizations in Wyoming, Colorado, New Jersey, and New York.
With extensive background experience in business advocacy, air service issues, special event management, and year round marketing efforts, Bill thoroughly enjoyed his time working with community leadership on a variety of boards including the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Utah Sports Commission, and the Utah Office of Tourism to name a few. Today; Bill enjoys his time with his wife Linda in Utah and Arizona participating in a variety of sports as well as his part time work as a bartender at many special events and parties in the Park City area.
Senior Training Architect and President / Blueprint Creation
SESSION: Breakout 1: Birds of a Feather - Sales + Service to Guest Personalities
Breakout 3: EXPOSED! Unlocking Potential Sales In Your Organization
Brad J. Anderson
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Brad provides consulting services and presentation facilitation to many of the world’s largest hospitality and tourism related organizations. Since 2009, Brad Anderson and the team at Blueprint have built a worldwide fan club, using a distinctive, high-energy, and fun teaching style, showing tens of thousands of people how to increase their revenue and improve customer service.
A natural leader, Brad spent 15 years prior to launching Blueprint Creation in various sales, human resources and operations positions within Ritz-Carlton, Hilton and the Trammel Crow Company-Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. He also spent nearly 8 years with Signature Worldwide working as an International Account Manager. While with Signature, Brad was responsible for the development and delivery of customer service and sales training as well as consulting services for an international portfolio of hospitality, restaurant, spa, tour, equipment rental, multi-family/apartment communities and call center clients.
General Manager / NAVTEC Expeditions
Brian Martinez
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Canyonlands Backcountry Guide
Email: river@navtec.com
Regional Film Specialist/Community Partnerships Manager / Visit Ogden
SESSION: Breakout 4: Celebrate 100 Years of Utah Film & Television in Your Community
Caren Werner
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Caren Werner is the Regional Film Specialist and Community Partnerships Manager at Visit Ogden. Caren grew up in Salt Lake City and has lived in Texas and Oregon. As the regional film specialist for Weber County, Caren has scouted for a wide variety of productions, i.e., Yellowstone, The Pack, Hallmark and Lifetime movies, Discovery Channel, and Harley Davidson, just to name a few.
As Community Partnerships Manager, her most recent accomplishment is implementing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program in Weber County. It brings about a subtle awareness to those suffering from any type of hidden disability. Caren has had the privilege of training over 500 frontline staff and has seen firsthand the impact this program is making on visitors but more importantly our residents.
In her free time, Caren enjoys updating her 116 year old home with her husband Rob. They together have 5 children and 10 grand-children.
Director of Marketing and Economic Development / Utah Department of Agriculture
SESSION: Breakout 1: Agritourism
Caroline Hargraves
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Caroline Hargraves is the Director of Marketing and Economic Development for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food where she currently leads a team of dedicated professionals who support the development Utah's agriculture and associated food industries and work to strengthen local food systems. Previously, she ran a photography and marketing business focused on supporting local restaurants and other small business, was a professional baker, and worked in various service industry positions. She is a lifelong advocate for local food with a deep love for agriculture and the hospitality industry.
Email: carolinehargraves@utah.gov
Senior Account Director, Sparkloft
Claire Fisher
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As a Senior Account Director, Claire brings over 14 years of integrated marketing campaign management experience to Sparkloft. Previous to joining Sparkloft in 2019, she led AOR accounts and managed project-based clients across digital, social, and traditional channels.
Claire currently oversees accounts including Travel Oregon and Visit Utah - collaborating with the client and partner agencies to drive efficiencies for production of always-on and campaign-specific content and creative, and gaining client buy-in for optimizing media spends for maximum performance and user engagement.
SEO Specialist & iGlobal Support / Zonos
SESSION: Breakout 4: AI in Tourism
Cody Ferdinando
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Cody Ferdinando is a seasoned professional with a specialization in SEO, digital marketing, and web development. He's been part of the Zonos team, a vibrant tech company in St. George, UT, since October 2021.Before joining Zonos, Cody honed his talents in digital marketing, SEO, and content creation at the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office for a year, enhancing the organization's digital and online presence.Prior to that, Cody showcased his leadership and expertise in digital marketing as the Director of Web Development at Vibrant Management, a tourism-based hospitality and consulting firm.He also co-founded Clear Content Marketing, an SEO company that offered SEO and content marketing services. In these roles, Cody crafted innovative online strategies that drove business growth and shaped the digital footprint of both organizations.Cody's academic background in Criminology from Dixie State University sparked his fascination with understanding and predicting human behavior. This, combined with his passion for technology, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of digital marketing, SEO, and web development.
Account Director / Canuckiwi
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Corey Marshall
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Corey Marshall is the Account Director for the Utah Office of Tourism in Australia, New Zealand & Canada. Under his leadership the Canuckiwi team in these markets deploys an integrated sales, marketing, pr and social media strategy that aligns with the unique selling points Utah has to offer. He is a founder and director of Canuckiwi Ltd, the UOT's in market firm in these markets for over 10 years, and has travelled extensively throughout every corner of Utah. Prior to Canuckiwi Ltd. Corey owned and operated an award winning Canadian Tour operation - Anderson Vacations.
Email: corey@canuckiwi.com
Courtney Kiehm
Senior Social Media Strategist / Sparkloft Media
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Courtney is a Senior Social Media Strategist and works with Sparkloft’s travel and tourism clients such as the Utah Office of Tourism and Visit Seattle. Prior to leading these accounts, Courtney worked closely with UOT and its partner agencies to execute content creation and community management, influencer and ambassador strategy and paid media.
Executive Director / Heber Valley Tourism
SESSION: Breakout 2: How Roles of CVB's and DMO's Are Evolving
Dallin Koecher
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Dallin Koecher has worked for Heber Valley Tourism, Economic Development, and Chamber of Commerce since January 2014 and has served as the executive director since March 2020. Dallin holds a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in journalism and a master’s in public administration from the University of Utah. In his time as director, he has helped lead Heber Valley through a new branding process, create long-term strategic plans, explore new uses of technology, and shift more focus to destination development. Dallin loves being a part of an organization that helps shape and grow his community. Working in the tourism and economic development space has given him great opportunities to reach his goals. Outside of work, Dallin and his wife, Amber, enjoy wrangling their four active children, traveling, camping, and spending time together. Other hobbies Dallin enjoys are yard work, golf, and playing string bass in a local orchestra and jazz band.
Email: dallin@gohebervalley.com
Senior Social Media Strategist / Sparkloft Media
Elisabeth Barker
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A Senior Social Media Strategist, Elisabeth has specialized in editorial and digital content creation for over a decade and works with Sparkloft’s tourism and destination clients including the Utah Office of Tourism, Los Cabos and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. Before Sparkloft, Elisabeth worked in front and behind the camera on marketing productions and influencer campaigns for travel brands and tourism boards.
Head of Foundation Insolite Batisseur / Voyageurs du Monde Group
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Eve Messulam
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After graduating from a MBA at ESSEC Business school oriented on management and sustainability and a few experiences in the travel industry (France, Japan, Bhutan…), I started my career in philanthropy at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation as responsible of corporate fundings before going back to my first love, tourism, with a focus on sustainability. I naturally chose a tour operator which shared my vision of traveling : authenticity, exploration, sense of community and environment preservation. Hence I became the head of the Foundation Insolite Batisseur, which embodies the philanthrophy spirit of the Voyageurs du Monde group, a French travel corporation focused on sustainability, genuine and off the beaten track trips all around the world.
Email: emessulam@terdav.com
Utah Account Director France and Benelux / Rep and Co
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Olivier Barthez
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Olivier is the Utah Office of Tourism account director for France and Benelux, promoting Utah to the travel trade, media and consumer.
Email: olivier@repandco-france.com
Co-Founder, Operations & Marketing / Stargazing Zion
SESSION: Breakout 3: Astrotourism
Hannah Barry
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Hannah's love for the night sky has grown from her adventurous spirit of being outdoors. Camping along the Rio Grande, biking under the Milky Way in Death Valley, and hiking through the Atacama desert have all contributed to her curiosity of constellations and planets. As a part of the Stargazing Zion team, Hannah works to create an immersive and enjoyable experience for guests. You can often find her preparing beverages or fluffing chairs, or pointing out her zodiac Capricorn.
Email: info@stargazingzion.com
Owner / Nature Hills Farm
SESSION: Breakout 1: Agritourism
Heather Carter
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Heather Carter was born in the desert of Nevada and started gardening as a young teen. She landed in Cedar City, graduating from Southern Utah University with a Masters Degree in Education. After spending time in England and Hawaii she returned to Southern Utah and cultivated Nature Hills Farm. In 2023 Heather celebrates her fifteeth year of farming and remains committed to the process by attending weekly farmer's markets, teaching classes, and hosting annual community events on her farm.
Heather Carter is the owner of both Nature Hills Farm and Festival City Farmers Market.
Email: heather@naturehillsfarm.com
Associate, Canada / Canuckiwi Consulting
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Heather McGillivray
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Heather McGillivray represents the Utah Office of Tourism in Canada. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, she is a public relations consultant with over 25 years of communications experience, specializing in destination marketing and the tourism industry. Heather has held roles with Destination Canada, Destination British Columbia and Tourism Victoria, and has worked with Canuckiwi Consulting for the past seven years to represent the best travel destinations in the west, including Utah.
Email: heather@canuckiwi.com
Account Director - UK & Ireland / KBC PR & Marketing
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Jenni Bridgman
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Jenni Bridgman is Account Director at KBC PR & Marketing where she oversees the travel trade, media and consumer sales and marketing activities for Utah Office of Tourism in the UK and Ireland. With a specific focus on the travel trade, Jenni works in partnership with British and Irish tour operators and agents to build their Utah programs, educate sales agents and execute co-operative marketing campaigns. She also works alongside her colleagues at KBC on consumer-facing activities and promotions as well as earned and paid media partnerships. Jenni’s passion for travel and the great outdoor means she is perfectly placed to increase visitation and length of stay to Utah from UK and Irish travelers.
Email: jenni.bridgman@kbc-pr.com
President & CEO / Park City Chamber of Commerce | Convention & Visitors Bureau
SESSION: Breakout 2: How Roles of CVB's and DMO's Are Evolving
Jennifer Wesselhoff
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Jennifer Wesselhoff is the President & CEO of the Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. She has served in the position since October 2020.
The Park City Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is responsible for the marketing and management of Utah’s preeminent luxury tourism destination, driving revenues in excess of $1 billion annually. Park City is home to the Sundance Film Festival, the nation’s largest independent film event. The town’s two ski resorts served as major event sites for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and the Utah Olympic Park continues to attract Olympians to Park City for high-altitude training. Almost 3 million skiers hit the local slopes each year at both Park City Mountain, featuring the nation’s largest ski terrain, and Deer Valley Resort, consistently rated amongst the top ski resorts in North America. In summer months, more than one million visitors flock to Park City for hiking, blue-ribbon fly-fishing, and biking on its 400-mile trail system.
Prior to arriving in Park City, Jennifer was CEO/President of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, which she joined in 2007. During her tenure, she led Sedona, Arizona to national recognition as a destination. Jennifer guided the Sedona Chamber’s accreditation as a Destination Management Organization, led the development of Arizona’s first Sustainable Tourism Plan, and saw tourism grow to become Sedona's largest industry, with a $1 billion annual impact and 10,000 tourism-related jobs.
Jennifer is a Certified Destination Management Executive with Destination Marketing Association International and founded Tourism Experts International, and tourism consultancy with clients from all over the world from Arizona to Saudi Arabia.
Before joining the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, Jennifer taught English in Japan and spent three years in the hospitality industry in Interlaken, Switzerland. She holds bachelor’s degrees in French and Communications from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. When Jennifer and her husband Rick are not biking, hiking, skiing, or spearing hunting lobsters, they enjoy cooking and traveling with friends.
Email: jennifer@visitparkcity.com
Professional in Residence: Event & Hospitality Management / Utah Valley University
Jessica Ballard
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Jessica Ballard is an Event Professional with over fifteen years of experience in the education, non-profit and performing arts industries. She is a Professional in Residence Faculty Member at Utah Valley University (UVU) in the Woodbury School of Business teaching Event Planning/Management and other related courses for the Hospitality Management Program.Jessica previously worked as the Senior Director of Executive Events at UVU planning events for the institution such as galas, ceremonies, ribbon-cuttings, and other major celebrations. Prior to UVU, she has managed events for the American Red Cross of Utah, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and Westminster College. Jessica currently serves as a board member on the Young Leaders Advisory Board for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and as Past President of the UVU Chapter of the Utah Women in Higher Education Network (UWHEN), and previously served as Chair of Utah Event Tribe. Jessica has a Master of Professional Communication Degree from Westminster College of Salt Lake City. She is also a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). She has been recognized as a Fellow by the Higher Education Academy. Award recognitions include the UVU Dean’s Award of Excellence in Service (2021), Presidential Award of Excellence for Effectiveness (2014) and a UVU Divisional Award of Excellence (2013).
Email: jessica.ballard@uvu.edu
Chief of Staff / Zonos
SESSION: Breakout 4: AI in Tourism
Joshua Aikens
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Joshua Aikens is the Chief of Staff at Zonos, a SaaS cross-border technologies provider. His journey over 8+ years at Zonos has led him to work in various roles in Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, HR, PR, and Business Development.
As a Co-Founder of the Dixie Technical Association, now Silicon Slopes St. George Chapter, he has helped facilitate growth in the tech sector. His role in the Southern Utah Advisory Council for Make-A-Wish Utah showcases his dedication to the region and its community.
He helped establish Tech Threads 501c3 to boost the tech community through initiatives like Code Camp, a 24-hour programming contest. Joshua also contributes to the tech ecosystem of Utah as a member of Utah's Talent, Education, and Industry Alignment Board and co-organizer of the Tech and Eng. Pipeline Meeting.
Email: joshua@zonos.com
Regional Director / The Ironman Group
SESSION: Breakout 1: Sports Tourism
Judy Stowers
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Judy Stowers has been involved in the endurance sports industry since 2004 in various capacities and types of events. What started as a volunteer opportunity with IRONMAN soon became a passion for seeing the possibilities of helping people achieve their goals of crossing finish lines. Judy joined IRONMAN in 2007 and has served in various capacities from Volunteer Director to Race Director, including for the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship in St. George, the first and only of its kind conducted outside of Hawaii. She’s worked with hundreds of municipalities, organizations and entities to coordinate event logistics and volunteers. Now, as the Regional Director of the Southwest, she is responsible for overseeing the events in the region, as well as for the creation and development of new events. A recent transplant to St. George, she enjoys biking, hiking, traveling, and everything this area has to offer.
Email: judy.stowers@ironman.com
Social Media Director / Canuckiwi
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Kate Wienburg
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Kate Wienburg brings over 18 years of industry expertise to her role as the Social Media Director at Canuckiwi. With an extensive professional background across the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, she has been an integral part of the Canuckiwi team for more than five years. Kate's responsibilities encompass crafting compelling content and overseeing social media strategies tailored to engage audiences in the Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand markets, primarily on Facebook and Instagram.
Email: kate@canuckiwi.com
Social Media Director / Vibrant Management
Kyle Aldridge
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A Recent Hospitality Management graduate from Southern Utah University. Aiming to leave a mark in the industry with a passion for winter sports and cycling. Solid foundation in hospitality marketing, customer service, event planning, and team management. Thrives in fast-paced environments, always seeking improvement and exceeding expectations. Off the clock, finds joy in hitting the slopes and exploring new areas on a bicycle, embracing perseverance and goal-setting.
Email: kyle@thevibrantteam.com
Account Manager - India / AVIAREPS India
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Mansi Oza
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Account Manager with Aviareps India for representing the Utah Office of Tourism in the India market.
Email: moza@aviareps.com
Executive Director / Visit Cedar City Brian Head
SESSION: Breakout 4: Celebrate 100 Years of Utah Film & Television in Your Community
Maria Twitchell
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Maria was born and raised in Cedar City, Utah where she attended Southern Utah University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications & Marketing. Following graduation, she held various marketing positions for the county tourism office and was promoted to Executive Director of Visit Cedar City · Brian Head Tourism Bureau in 2005. At the bureau, she combines her love of travel, hiking, skiing, history, food and photography with her career. She serves on many local and state boards and is a past president of Utah Tourism Industry Association. In 2022, Maria was inducted into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame.
Senior Vice President / J/PR
SESSION: Breakout 1: #Trending: How to Identify and Leverage Trends
Marrissa Mallory
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Marrissa is a former lifestyle journalist and seasoned PR tastemaker with more than 15 years of media experience—and an incomparable palette in her arsenal. She has spearheaded national campaigns for clients in a variety of markets, from culinary, hospitality and tourism, to retail, technology, real estate, health and wellness. As a former journalist, Marrissa is a proven strategist who speaks the language of media today and navigates the crowded landscape with ease. As a trend forecaster, she wields this next-level, macro-micro insight to orchestrate strategic campaigns for some of the most exciting emerging and established brands today. Marrissa revels in driving creative strategy for many of the agency’s largest hospitality and destination clients, generating meaningful, brand-building storylines and driving strategic leadership that leads to award-winning work for clients.
Email: marrissa@jpublicrelations.com
Co-founder and Head Astronomy Guide / Stargazing Zion
SESSION: Breakout 3: Astrotourism
Matthias Schmitt
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- Since Aug 2020, Dark Skies Coordinator Cedar Breaks National Monument
- Co-Founder Stargazing Zion
- Member Dark Sky Association and experienced in Dark Sky Park and location management and support (Cedar Breaks, Springdale)
- MSc in Astronomy, Swinburne Centre for Astrophysics (Melbourne, Australia) 2022
- American Astronomical Society Member, Astronomische Gesellschaft Member, St. George Astronomy Group Board Member, New York Amateur Astronomers Association Member and Instructor
- Observer of four total solar eclipses (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023)
- Former COO and Executive Producer Space Racers TV show, New York City
- MBA Virginia Commonwealth University 1998
Email: matthiasgschmitt@gmail.com
Account Manager / Viator/Tripadvisor
Maxwell Key
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Maxwell Key, goes by Max, and is an Account Manager for Viator, Tripadvisor's activities and attractions division, who looks after suppliers in the North American West. He has been with Viator since the start of 2022 and have been in the travel industry since 2010 working for such companies as Flight Centre and EF Explore America. He lives in Walnut Creek, CA with my wife and two toddlers.
Email: mkey@ytripadvisor.com
Area Manager / Booking.com
Nicholas Doble
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Nicholas Doble is an Area Manager for Booking.com based in Denver. He's worked for Booking.com for seventeen years and has extensive OTA experience in both the British and American accommodation markets. In his role as Area Manager, Nicholas is responsible for coordinating the multiple account management teams for nine states in the Mountain West. Nicholas has a passion for creating strong relationships and helping Booking.com's accommodation partners develop their profitability, aligning with their business goals.
Nicholas holds a seat on the HSMAI Revenue Optimization Board where, alongside his peers, he supports the advancement in the revenue optimization discipline by providing education, a best practices exchange, thought leadership, and networking for revenue professionals, other sales and marketing professionals, and senior management in the hospitality industry.
In his spare time, Nicholas resides in Denver, CO with his wife and their doghter, Alice. He is an avid mountain biker, mediocre golfer, and devoted West Ham United football fan.
The Ironman Group
SESSION: Breakout 1: Sports Tourism
Paul Huddle
Global Markets Director / Utah Office of Tourism
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Rachel Bremer
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Rachel Bremer is a successful hospitality and tourism industry leader with over 20 years of tourism and hospitality marketing & management experience. She currently represents the Utah Office of Tourism as the Director of Global Markets. Leading international marketing campaigns, PR strategies, and travel trade/airline development to promote Utah's responsible discovery and visitation. Working with the Utah Office of Tourism, she has also managed the Destination Development & Management programs. Fostering partner relations & creating product development pathways, enriching visitor experiences to support community-led tourism planning and long-term sustainable visitor economies.
Before working at the Utah Office of Tourism, she positioned City Creek Center as a premier shopping destination for domestic and international visitors. Over the years, Rachel has successfully led sales and marketing initiatives, working for hotel chains spanning eight Western States. She has served on several committees and boards, including the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA), the Salt Lake Hospitality & Tourism Network (SLHTN), The Salt Lake Chamber & the VisitSaltLake Membership Committee. An alum of Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah, and a Utah native, she enjoys building relationships, hiking, rollerblading, reading, spending time with her family, and walking her dogs. She is passionate about enjoying Utah and sharing her love for the state and the Mountain West with others.
Email: rbremer@utah.gov
Donor Relations and Donor Events Coordinator / Utah Tech University
Rochelle Blatter
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Rochelle Blatter has worked at Utah Tech University for over six years including five years in Career Services. She is a certified Strengths coach and a Global Career Development Facilitator. She is passionate about developing professionals and has found joy and fulfillment in mentoring students and interns. She feels their enthusiasm and fresh perspective can add to the culture of an organization and is excited to share her insights.
Email: rochelle.blatter@utahtech.edu
President/CEO / Visit Ogden
SESSION: Breakout 2: How Roles of CVB's and DMO's Are Evolving
Sara Toliver
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Sara Toliver, CDME, is President/CEO of Visit Ogden. A graduate of Ogden High School, she went on to receive both her BS and MBA degrees from Utah State University before opening three retail stores on Historic 25th Street in downtown Ogden. Her participation in the ensuing redevelopment of this historic district led to Sara’s increased involvement in and passion for the Ogden community. This passion continues to drive her in her day-to-day activities to make the greater Ogden area an amazing visitor destination and wonderful place to live.
Sara joined Visit Ogden in 2007. Over those last 16 years, the Ogden community has experienced significant progress in developing, including its outdoor recreation product, arts and culture districts, and industry at large, of which Sara is incredibly proud to have been a partner in leading, collaborating or supporting. The collaboration of the Ogden community is what she believes is its “secret sauce.” Sara is a strong advocate for the importance of the visitor economy in her community and around the state and region serving on several community and industry boards. In 2021, Sara was inducted into the Utah Tourism Hall of Fame.
Sara and her husband, Brett, are the proud parents of 18-year-old twins and love spending any time they can in the mountains.
Email: sara@visitogden.com
CEO / Harwardt PR & Marketing
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Sarah Harwardt
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Sarah Harwardt is the CEO of the boutique, in-market representation firm ‘Harwardt PR & Marketing’. Since 2016 she is the Account Director for the Utah Office of Tourism on the German-speaking markets (Germany, Switzerland, Austria). Sarah has an extensive network of key tourism-industry players and has a passion for strategic and innovative marketing campaigns. Before running her own company, Sarah was Marketing Manager for a German tour operator specialized in North America and previously worked for a member of the German Parliament in Berlin and the Bertelsmann Foundation in Brussels. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Transnational Media & Global Communication from the University of London.
Email: sarah@harwardt-marketing.com
Utah's Own Program Manager / Utah Department of Agriculture & Food
SESSION: Breakout 1: Agritourism
Tamra Watson
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Tamra Watson is currently the program manager for Utah's Own, a state of Utah program dedicated to connecting consumers to Utah-grown and Utah-made products wherever they shop.
Throughout her career, Tamra has worked in every sector of Utah agriculture and food - from manufacturing and retail operations to academic and governmental institutions. For the last 10 years, Tamra has focused on helping local businesses elevate their brands through authentic story-telling, experiences and farm events.
As taught by her mentor, her advice is always: "People don't remember what you did, but they'll always remember the food you served. Make it an experience.”
Email: tamrawatson@utah.gov
Account Manager / Utah Office of Tourism China
SESSION: Breakout 2: International Markets
Top Dong
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13 years of working experiences in the tourism sector. Account Manager for Utah Office of Tourism in China since 2020.
Email: dongzhicheng@tlmchina.com
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Tyler James Bellinger is a singer/songwriter who has amassed over 27 million plays on Apple and Spotify in the last two years, thanks to his solo works and being a member of the band KNGDAVD . As part of KNGDAVD, his single, ‘Blood on Our Hands’ has been featured in Guinness’ 200th anniversary commercials, and the trailer for the movie “The Public.” KNGDAVD’s single "You Never Know" was featured in the Marvel TV show Cloak and Dagger, and their song "Say My Name" is featured in the fourth season of Netflix's “Lucifer.”
Bellinger wrote Australian singer Meg Mac's US Single "Don't Need Permission" and Spanish pop artist Blas Canto’s song "Save Me". As a solo artist Bellinger’s single “Giving You Up” was featured on NBC’s “Songland” and recently passed 9 million plays, Bellinger is currently featured on over 25 Apple Music playlists including “A List Pop” and “Today’s Easy Hits." Bellinger is currently writing on new projects for Ryland James, Rozes, Takis, Xriss and was recently featured on “make me feel the night" with Robin Schulz!
Singer/songwriter