EXPLORE MINNESOTA

TOURISM 20 14 CONFERENCE
F u t u r e s S o B r i g h t
February 4-5, 2014

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) Duluth, MN

Welcome
Were looking forward to being back in Duluth and I hope to see as many of you as possible at the 2014 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference this February. The Tourism Conference offers information on the latest trends in tourism marketing, networking opportunities, and a celebration of our achievements at the Excellence in Tourism Awards Banquet. With our increased budget, new partnership and cooperative advertising programs, and an ever-changing marketplace, this is an exciting year to be part of the Minnesota tourism industry because the Futures So Bright! I look forward to seeing you there.

EXPLORE MINNESOTA

TOURISM 20 14 CONFERENCE
F u t u r e s S o B r i g h t

John Edman
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For Online Registration

Schedule
CLICK HERE for education session descriptions.

EXPLORE MINNESOTA

All conference activities will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) except the Monday night dinner Monday, February 3 Optional pre-conference activities (additional fee $25): 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4 Pre-conference meeting: 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Minnesota Lodging Association MACVB Meeting Pre-conference seminar: Be Proactive - Working With Government Officials to Create Change Dinner at Canal Park Brewing Company - Brewery tours will also be offered Wednesday, February 5 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast

TOURISM 20 14 CONFERENCE
F u t u r e s S o B r i g h t

8:30 a.m. General Session Transportation & Tourism Working Together To Build for the Future Charles Zelle, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Transportation 9:30 a.m. Breakout Session II Social Media Overview & Digital Trends 2014 Focus on the Fundamentals Fitness Is Fun and Fruitful Promoting Across Borders North & South - Canada & Mexico Minnesotas Image vs Our Competition Break in the Travel Marketplace

10:00 a.m. Making the Most of Explore Minnesota Tourism Opportunities Conference begins: 11:30 a.m. 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Opening Session Minnesota Tourism Futures So Bright John Edman, Director Explore Minnesota Tourism Breakout Session I State of the Industry Roundtable Pool Your Resources to Produce Bigger Results Big & Small: Communities Can Score with Sports Marketing Getting the Most from Online Travel Agencies Focusing on Foodies Pays Off Break Travel Marketplace/Silent Auction opens Keynote Speaker Travel Advertising Getting the Right Mix Steve Parker Jr, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Levelwing Opening Reception in the Travel Marketplace Excellence in Tourism Awards Banquet 10:45 a.m.

11:15 a.m. Breakout Session III Technology Speed Session This session offers an opportunity to connect with those knowledgeable about technology issues. There will be 5 -15 minute sessions. Topics to include: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, User Reviews, Yelp, Web Content, Mobile 12:30 p.m. Luncheon Growing Minnesotas Image as a Sports Destination Michelle Kelm Helgen, Chair, Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority 2:15 p.m. Wrap-up session and prize give-away 2:45 p.m. Conference ends

2:30p.m. 3:15 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

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For Online Registration

Lodging
Holiday Inn and Suites Downtown Duluth 200 West First Street Duluth, MN 55802 www.hiduluth.com Reservations: 218 722 1202 or 800-477 7089 Rate: $89 + tax Click here for online reservations.

EXPLORE MINNESOTA

TOURISM 20 14 CONFERENCE
F u t u r e s S o B r i g h t

Lodging is available at two properties in Duluth offering special rates for the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. Make your hotel reservations directly with the hotels at the phone numbers or online link below. Room blocks are held until January 21, 2014 and are subject to availability after that date.

Canal Park Lodge 250 Canal Park Drive Duluth, MN 55802 www.canalparklodge.com Reservations: 1-800-777-8560 Rate: $85 + tax Click here for online reservations.

Group ID: 1548 Password: 37000890

CLICK HERE

For Online Registration

Payments for online registrations must be postmarked by January 24 to qualify for Early Registration of $249.
If you are unable to register online, please complete this form and return it along with a check payable to Explore Minnesota Tourism or with credit card information completed. $249 Early Registration: Registrations received with full payment, postmarked by January 24

$279 Registration: Registrations received without payment or postmarked January 25 or later $25 Optional Pre-Conference Activities: Includes Monday educational session and dinner. Please check the type(s) of registration: Pre-Conference Activities $25 q

$225 Multi-Attendee Registration: Registration for the 2nd and all subsequent registrations/same organization

EXPLORE MINNESOTA

Early Rate $249 q Registration Rate $279 q Multi-Attendee Rate $225 q Student Rate $125 q Tuesday only $139 q Wednesday only $139 q Awards Dinner Only $40 q Please check meals attending: ALL meals q or Wednesday, February 5: Breakfast q Lunch q Please list any special dietary needs:

Tuesday, February 4: Lunch q Evening Welcome Reception q Awards Banquet q

PRINT OR TYPE: (one form per person) Name as preferred on badge Organization Address

TOURISM 20 14 CONFERENCE
F u t u r e s S o B r i g h t

City State Zip Code Phone E-mail

MAIL or FAX COMPLETED FORM AND PAYMENT TO: Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference, 121 7th Place E, #100, St. Paul MN 55101-2146 ; Fax: 651 296-7095 Payment policy: Registration fee must be paid prior to the conference or at time of check-in at the conference registration desk. (For state agencies - Interagency Payment Info: Agency B20, Acct 2000-B202404-B2034400, Rev Source 622515) Visa and Mastercard are accepted for registration. If using a credit card, fill out the information below: Visa q Mastercard q (Account number) (Expiration date) (3-digit security code) Total amount to charge: $ Cancellation Policy: Any cancellations made prior to January 25 will be given a full refund. Cancellations made after that time, or no shows, will not receive a refund. Registrations are transferable. If you need special accommodations to register or fully participate in this event, call Tina Skala at 651 757-1848, 800 657-3637 or email tina.skala@state.mn.us. TTY Relay Service for Hearing Impaired, 800 627-3529.