10 Ways to Make the Most of the
Maine Governors Conference on Tourism

The Maine Governor’s Conference on Tourism team has curated two impactful days of learning, inspiration, and connection. With so much happening, it helps to have a plan. Here’s your insider guide to making the most of your time at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism:

​

1. Download the WHOVA app before you arrive.
Your all-in-one conference companion. The Whova app has the full schedule, session details, speaker bios, maps, attendee networking, activations, and real-time updates. Get it on your phone early so you’re ready to hit the ground running.

​

2. Take Advantage of the Explore Downtown Bangor Experiences.
On Wednesday, April 16, you’ll have the chance to explore Bangor through curated behind-the-scenes tours and local highlights that show off the city’s creativity, culture, and character. Space is limited—sign up early!

• 🎸 Maine Savings Amphitheater Backstage Tour

• 🎭 Historical Tour of Penobscot Theatre

• 🐝 The Birds & The Bees: Environmental Stewardship at Bangor Municipal Golf Course

• 👻 Stephen King’s Derry

• 🌿 Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness Tour

• 🎨 Beautiful Bangor Art Walk

• 🔬 Maine Discovery Museum Tour

Signups are part of your registration. To add a tour, please contact whitney@greentreeevents.com

​

3. Celebrate Maine’s tourism changemakers.
On Wednesday, April 16, at 4:45, we’ll honor this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Conference on Tourism Awards—individuals, businesses, and organizations that exemplify innovation, excellence, and alignment with the state’s Destination Management Plan. It’s one of the most uplifting moments of the event—don’t miss it.

 

4. Connect with your people—and meet new ones.
GCOT is all about building community in Maine’s tourism sector. Visit our Exhibitors and tourism Region Tables, chat between sessions, attend the opening reception, and say hello to someone new. You never know where a conversation could lead.

​

5. Be present for the sessions.
The breakout sessions are packed with insight into marketing, destination development, research, workforce trends, and more. Attend both days, resist the urge to multitask and soak up every bit of it. Your future self will thank you.

​

6. Divide and conquer.
Coming with a team? Split up and attend different sessions to maximize your coverage. Then regroup and share takeaways with each other—and your broader teams back home.

​

7. Practice the Pac-Man Rule.
When you're chatting in a group, leave a little open space for someone to join. It’s a small move that makes a big difference in creating a welcoming, inclusive vibe throughout the conference.

​

8. Don’t miss the grand finale: the Maine Office of Tourism Report.
The conference concludes with a powerful session with Carolann Ouellette, Director of the Maine Office of Tourism and industry leaders from Miles Partnership, Downs & St. Germain, and Tourism Economics. It’s a must-attend moment that ties it all together.

​

9. Need help? Find the GCOT team.
Our team will be visible and ready to help throughout the event. Swing by the registration table or catch us around the venue—whether you’ve got a question or just want to connect, we’re here for it.

 

10. Help shape the future—share your feedback.
After the conference, take a few minutes to fill out the post-event survey. Your ideas help us make GCOT even more valuable for years to come.