The Merging of Lodging and Real Estate

Monday, March 26 at 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Condo-Hotel developments are growing throughout Michigan. What are the key strategies that help ensure success and what are common mistakes to avoid? Learn how to replicate the success enjoyed by our panel of experts.

Expanding the Pure Michigan Brand

Monday, March 26 at 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

When you have an award winning and effective campaign, it's important to expand that brand in a logical fashion. There has always been synergy between tourism and local business development. Learn how to tie into the brand that can generate increases in both tourism and local business development!

The Interconnected Economy: Global, National and Regional Impacts on International Business

Monday, March 26 at 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for CBS News

Named one of the most influential people in travel, by Travel Weekly, Peter has 11 million miles of direct travel and tourism under his belt. He is the consummate insider when it comes to reporting the travel business as news. Join this Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and producer as he presents The Interconnected Economy. This session will provide global, national and regional impacts of modern trade policy, terrorism, health and human rights but he also will offer the audience an insider's perspective on business issues immediately relevant to your organization.

Pure Michigan Update

Monday, March 26 at 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

George Zimmermann, Travel Michigan

Recognized by his peers as the country's best state tourism director for 2011, George Zimmermann has been Vice President of Travel Michigan for the MEDC since October 2001. George will provide a detailed review of 2011 results and an in-depth review of "Pure Michigan" plans for 2012. Consistently rated as one of the best parts of any tourism conference, this is a presentation you won't want to miss.

Michigan Tourism Outlook

Tuesday, March 27 at 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Drs. Sarah Nicholls and Dan McCole, Michigan State University

Sarah Nicholls is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS) and Geography at Michigan State University. A native of Kent, England, she has been living in Michigan since graduating from Texas A&M University in 2002. Dan McCole is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University. Dan began working in Michigan's tourism industry in 1994 and has been exploring the state ever since.

Michigan State University's Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center has been tracking tourism activity in Michigan since 1985. In this presentation, Dr. Nicholls will review the industry's performance in 2011, while Dr. McCole will provide the Center's annual forecast for the coming tourism season. It's a reading of where we've been and where we're going that you will not want to miss.

All Industry Luncheon, Brand USA - Gateway to the International Market

Tuesday, March 27 at 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Joel Secundy, Vice President for Strategic Outreach

Brand USA (formerly the Corporation for Travel Promotion) was created for the purpose of encouraging travelers from all over the world to visit the United States of America. Created in 2010 to work in partnership with the travel industry Brand USA works to maximize the social and economic benefits of travel to communities around the country. Learn how Brand USA, Great Lakes North America and Pure Michigan can work to drive international tourism to our state!

The Interconnected Economy: Global, National and Regional Impacts on International Business

Monday, March 26 at 8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for CBS News

Named one of the most influential people in travel by Travel Weekly, Peter has 11 million miles of direct travel and tourism under his belt. He is the consummate insider when it comes to reporting the travel business as news. Join this Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and producer as he presents The Interconnected Economy. This session will provide global, national and regional impacts of modern trade policy, terrorism, health and human rights but he also will offer the audience an insider's perspective on business issues immediately relevant to your organization.

Pure Michigan Update

Monday, March 26 at 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

George Zimmermann, Travel Michigan

Recognized by his peers as the country's best state tourism director for 2011, George Zimmermann has been Vice President of Travel Michigan for the MEDC since October 2001. George will provide a detailed review of 2011 results and an in-depth review of "Pure Michigan" plans for 2012. Consistently rated as one of the best parts of any tourism conference, this is a presentation you won't want to miss.

Critical Legislative Issues

Monday, March 26 at 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Bret Marr, Muchmore, Harrington, Smalley & Associates

While Pure Michigan enjoys temporary funding, that $25 million is by no means permanent. Asian carp present a huge threat to our state and everything our Pure Michigan brand represents. Learn about the legislative threats and opportunities presented to Michigan's lodging and tourism industries in 2012. Learn how your participation in "grassroots democracy" is every bit as important in the future as it's been in our very successful past!

MSU Tourism Outlook

Tuesday, March 27 at 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Drs. Sarah Nicholls and Dan McCole, Michigan State University

Sarah Nicholls is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies (CARRS) and Geography at Michigan State University. A native of Kent, England, she has been living in Michigan since graduating from Texas A&M University in 2002. Dan McCole is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University. Dan began working in Michigan's tourism industry in 1994 and has been exploring the state ever since.

Michigan State University's Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center has been tracking tourism activity in Michigan since 1985. In this presentation, Dr. Nicholls will review the industry's performance in 2011, while Dr. McCole will provide the Center's annual forecast for the coming tourism season. It's a reading of where we've been and where we're going that you will not want to miss.

Zap the Gap

Tuesday, March 27 at 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Meagan Johnson C.S.P., Johnson Training Group

Generational humorist Meagan Johnson will help navigate the challenging generational waters in her unique presentation "ZAP THE GAP". For the first time we have four generations in the workplace at the same time. Each brings its own set of values, perspectives and attitudes. The level of interaction is often frenetic and frequently confusing. This session will help understand the dynamics that drive each generation. Have fun while considering a different way of thinking when working and communicating with the various generations in the workplace.

All Industry Luncheon, Brand USA - Gateway to the International Market

Tuesday, March 27 at 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Joel Secundy, Vice President for Strategic Outreach

Brand USA (formerly the Corporation for Travel Promotion) was created for the purpose of encouraging travelers from all over the world to visit the United States of America. Created in 2010 to work in partnership with the travel industry Brand USA works to maximize the social and economic benefits of travel to communities around the country. Learn how Brand USA, Great Lakes North America and Pure Michigan can work to drive international tourism to our state!

Monday, March 26 at 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Selling Internationally

The launch of Brand USA, America's first significant international tourism promotion effort worldwide, gives Michigan destinations new opportunities to market to overseas visitors. Find out how you can get more international visitors to your destination.

"From Mad to Glad"

This session will focus on the fact that there has never been a perfect business. There are times when a customer might have a concern or issue with your product or service. Your ability to work with this customer is key to success in any business... especially tourism. Learn how to help the customer to go from being "mad" to actually being "glad" that the issue happened. They are happy and you are happy... everyone wins!

The Merging of Lodging and Real Estate

Condo-Hotel developments are growing throughout Michigan. What are the key strategies that help ensure success and what are common mistakes to avoid? Learn how to replicate the success enjoyed by our panel of experts.

Monday, March 26 at 3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Plug Into Travel Michigan's New PR Efforts

The hiring of public relations firm Weber Shandwick has greatly expanded Travel Michigan's PR scope and reach. Connect with the program and the people who are making it happen.

Delivering on the Pure Michigan Promise (Formerly "Great Service is Great Theater")

Your guests expect nothing less. But outside pressures, or even having to work on a day off can get in the way of a flawless performance by your staff. As the "director" for your property, you must set the stage so your staff performs their customer service role so well that guests forget they are working! Learn the tips, methods and techniques to get your staff to deliver an award-winning performance every time. Join Bill as he teaches you how to convince your staff that "Great Service is Great Theater!"

Expanding the Pure Michigan Brand

When you have an award winning and effective campaign, it's important to expand that brand in a logical fashion. There has always been synergy between tourism and local business development. Learn how to tie into the brand that can generate increases in both tourism and local business development!