General Session:

Introductions and Welcome

Governor John E. Baldacci

Pat Eltman, Director, Maine Office of Tourism

Announcement of Maine Tourism Awards

John Richardson, Commissioner, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

Remarks from our Major Sponsor
Vaughn Stinson, Maine Tourism Association

Keynote Address
Dr. Lalia Rach New York University Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management
8 Trends for ‘08
Are you prepared to weather the change forecasted to impact business in 2008? This session will feature a brief but informative and entertaining overview of eight economic, social and industry issues that will influence your success in the coming year.

Morning Workshops

It’s All Right Here in your Region - Packaging: An Effective Marketing and Partnership Building Tool
This session will be divided into eight facilitated regional packaging roundtables: Maine Beaches, Greater Portland/Casco Bay, Mid-Coast, Maine Lakes & Mountains, Kennebec Valley, The Maine Highlands, Aroostook and DownEast & Acadia.

Lunch/Trade Show

It's All Right Here in Customer Service – The Little Things that Make a Big Difference: Chicken Soup

Presenter: J ulie Burnes, Project Manager - Customer Satisfaction, L.L. Bean

It's All Right Here – Packaging the Maine Woods Experience – Building Partnerships and a Connection to Place

Panelists: Dave Herring, Maine Huts & Trails; Laura Hurley and Kevin Breunig, Appalachian Mountain Club; Kate Williams, Northern Forest Canoe Trail

It's All Right Here in Maine – Inter-regional Itineraries

Presenters/Facilitators: Curt Cottle, Consultant, Columbia , South Carolina

It's All Right Here for Business Resources and Development – Where to Turn for Answers and Assistance

Presenters: Jim Nimon, Director, Maine Office of Business Development; Meriby Sweet, Interim Director, Small Business Development Centers

Identifying your Target Market

Presenter: Dr. Lalia Rach