About The Conference

The Maine Office of Tourism presents the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism, a two-day event for tourism and hospitality professionals from across the state. In addition to a presentation of the Maine Office of Tourism’s annual report on the “state of the state” for tourism, and roll-out of the marketing plan and creative for the coming year, the conference features dynamic and relevant workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, and multiple networking opportunities for the tourism industry. This is Maine’s premiere tourism event and if you’re in the industry – we’ll see you there!

April 16-17 2025 | Cross Insurance Center | Bangor, Maine

2025 Keynote Speaker

Keynote

Joe Diaz

Afar Magazine

The Future of Tourism: Leaning Into High-Value Visitation

Travel has many benefits. It also comes with costs. In a time when more and more people are visiting our destinations, learn how you can lean into the trends and insights that drive growth while maximizing the benefits and minimizing the costs for all stakeholders.

About Joe

Joe Diaz is the co-founder of Afar, the leading media brand for travelers who care. Founded by Diaz and Greg Sullivan in 2009, Afar believes in the power of travel to make the world a better place through experiences that enrich the traveler personally, directly support communities visited, and are sensitive to the effects on our planet.

Joe frequently lends his expertise on a variety of topics and has been featured in the NYTimes, Fast Company, CNN, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, as well as numerous speaking engagements around the world.

He resides in Kennebunkport, Maine with his wife and 5yr old daughter.

2025 Plenary Speakers

Cheryl Hargrove

Hargrove International

Cultural Heritage Tourism Trends and Opportunities

Every place has a story to tell, often found in historic sites or cultural traditions of the people who settled or live there. Cultural heritage tourism shares these stories with visitors and is a growing industry segment. Learn how Maine destinations are implementing planning and resources to develop exciting, impactful cultural tourism offerings and opportunities for our state.

About Cheryl

Author, Instructor, and 40-year travel industry veteran, Hargrove is best known as the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s first Director of Heritage Tourism. During her tenure with the organization, Hargrove developed the key steps and principles for sustainable tourism, focusing on history and culture. She recently worked with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Tourism Division, as Director of Industry & Partner Relations. Hargrove also served as Associate Director of National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, assisting destinations in developing and marketing their place-based experiences.

Jennifer Stoll

Cimarron Global

Transforming Maine Through Sports Tourism

Sports tourism is on the rise and with FIFA World Cup 2026, the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the “golden age” for sporting events in the US will be over the next 10-year cycle. From community events using natural assets like trails and waterways to sport venues offering spectator sports, Maine can set itself apart as a sports tourism destination with year-round impact throughout all eight regions of the state that enhances the quality of life for Maine communities. Learn about emerging trends in the sports tourism industry nationwide and throughout North America, how the Maine Sports Commission is charting a course to Transform Maine Through Sports Tourism, and how you can catch the wave and benefit from sports tourism, whether you are in a rural or urban part of Maine.

About Jennifer

Dr. Jennifer Stoll founded Cimarron Global Solutions in 2024, following the success of Stoll Strategies, which she launched in 2018. Known for her dedication to advancing the sport and tourism industry, Dr. Stoll excels in innovative research, communicating the value of sport and tourism, and strategic business advisory. Recognized worldwide, she guides clients toward impactful transformations through sport and tourism.