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Opening General Session & Lunch
November 14: 11:45 am - 2:00 pm
State of the Restaurant Industry: 2024 and Beyond
Where is the restaurant industry heading the remainder of this year and into 2025? What will this future hold for Virginia restaurateurs? Get the latest data on current and upcoming trends critical to the industry’s growth and explore how these opportunities are reshaping the industry’s sales, workforce, operations, technologies, menus and off-premises markets.
Speaker: Hudson Reihle
Elevating Destinations: The Power of Strategy, Partnerships, & Inclusive Initiatives for Growth
In the ever-changing tourism landscape, successful destination marketing requires more than promoting attractions—it’s about capturing the authentic energy and culture of a city, fostering inclusive partnerships, and driving sustainable growth. This session will explore how Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) can harness leadership, innovative marketing strategies, and reimagined partnership models to promote not just destinations, but the vibrant stories behind them.
Join Executive Vice President of Meet Boston, Hilina D. Ajakaiye, as she discusses how DMOs can create marketing strategies that reflect the unique culture and energy of their cities, while building inclusive partnerships that provide opportunities for all businesses across the tourism and hospitality spectrum. Learn how leadership, workforce development, accessibility, eco-tourism, and supplier diversity can be seamlessly integrated into a holistic marketing approach that highlights the diversity and vibrancy of a destination.
Speaker: Hilina Ajakaiye