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2026 Maine Tourism Conference

Co-Presented by the Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Association
Learn more about this partnership here.
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The Maine Office of Tourism (MOT) promotes Maine as a tourism destination and works to support and expand the state’s tourism industry through programs and partnerships, including:

  • An integrated marketing and PR campaign that leverages the core natural and cultural assets of Maine to attract visitors to the state. 

  • Comprehensive annual research tracking visitation, tourism expenditures and Maine visitor profiles.

  • Regional and organizational grants to support the growth of the tourism industry in Maine.

  • Industry communications and meetings to inform and educate Maine businesses regarding MOT activities, marketing program results, tourism industry trends and industry best practices.

  • Destination development training and technical support to promote tourism readiness in rural Maine.

  • Partnerships with the Maine Tourism Association, Cruise Maine, the Maine Motorcoach Network and other groups to provide and manage visitor services.

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The Maine Tourism Association (MTA), established in 1922, is the state’s oldest and largest tourism organization. A trusted advocate for Maine’s tourism businesses, MTA also plays a vital visitor-facing role by managing the state’s 8 Maine State Visitor Information Centers, where travelers are welcomed and inspired to make the most of their visit, explore more destinations, and extend their stay. In addition, MTA provides education, resources, marketing opportunities, and industry connections that strengthen Maine’s tourism economy. Through this dual commitment to serving both visitors and businesses, MTA helps ensure a strong, sustainable future for tourism in Maine.

MOT&MTA
The Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Association Join Forces to present the 2026 Maine Tourism Conference

The Maine Office of Tourism and the Maine Tourism Association are co-hosting the Maine Tourism Conference to unify and elevate the state’s tourism sector through shared leadership, strategic alignment, and broad-based engagement. By presenting the annual tourism report and latest research in a single forum, they ensure consistent messaging and actionable insights for all stakeholders. The conference also serves as a platform to unveil MOT’s marketing plan and creative direction with MTA’s support, amplifying reach across member networks. Together, they address pressing challenges like workforce development, technology adoption, and product innovation through collaborative workshops and expert-led sessions, equipping attendees with tools to grow their businesses and communities.

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The event celebrates Maine’s tourism successes, showcases best practices that enhance the visitor experience, and fosters cross-sector dialogue to shape the future of the brand. With a commitment to broad-based engagement, the conference welcomes a wide spectrum of stakeholders—from policymakers and educators to business owners and marketers—expanding access to knowledge and resources by leveraging MOT’s institutional expertise and MTA’s grassroots connections. Ultimately, the joint effort models the power of partnership, driving regional collaboration, innovation, and economic impact while demonstrating mutual investment in Maine’s tourism future.

2026 Maine Tourism Conference Planning Committee

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Walter Briggs

Maine's Midcoast & Islands

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Hannah Collins

Maine Office of Tourism

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Mattie Hall

Miles Partnership

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Ed Hodgdon

Maine Beaches

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Jordan Kuglitsch

Miles Partnership

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Erin Laskey

Maine Tourism Association

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Betsy Lundy

Downtown Bangor Partnership

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Kate McDonough

Visit Portland

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Carolann Ouellette

Maine Office of Tourism

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Lisa Sturgeon

Husson University

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Bailey Underhill

Maine Tourism Association

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