VA1 Student Conference
Opening Remarks – Barry Biggar (Visit Fairfax)
Join us for the VA1 Tourism Summit Student Session! This engaging student program will provide attendees with the information they need to pursue a career in tourism and hospitality, benefits of working in the industry, and insights on how to take the first step.
Spotlight Conversation: Megan Hazzard (Visit Fairfax)
With her leadership at the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, Megan Hazzard brings a dynamic perspective on how sports, tourism, and large-scale events intersect to drive both community engagement and economic vitality. In this 20-minute conversation, Megan will share her journey into the sports and entertainment sector, highlighting the skills and strategies that position Virginia as a competitive host for major events.
Students will hear firsthand how securing and executing tournaments, concerts, and festivals contributes not just to visitor numbers but to long-term regional development—from job creation and hospitality demand to infrastructure investment and civic pride. Megan will also reflect on the importance of adaptability, relationship-building, and storytelling when working at the crossroads of sports, tourism, and community life.
This session offers an inside look at a fast-growing field, giving students a clear sense of the career opportunities available in sports and entertainment tourism and the impact they can have on both industry and community.
Game Changers: How DMOs Drive Tourism & Community Pride – Al Hutchinson (AVH Enterprise)
Destination marketing organizations (DMOs) play a pivotal role in shaping how communities attract visitors, investment, and pride. In this student-focused conversation, Al Hutchinson—former CEO of Visit Baltimore and now founder of AVH Enterprise—will unpack what DMOs are, how they operate, and why they matter for both tourism and economic development.
Drawing on his leadership experience, Al will highlight common career entry points, the skills that set young professionals apart, and the growth opportunities available in the destination marketing field. He’ll also spotlight key lessons from Baltimore’s transformation, including bold rebranding efforts, community engagement strategies, and DEIA-driven initiatives that strengthened both tourism and the city itself.
The session closes with an interactive Q&A, giving students the chance to ask candid questions about careers, community impact, and the evolving future of destination marketing.
PR/Marketing Panel Discussion – Catherine Fox (Friends of Southwest Virginia); Todd O’Leary (Visit Alexandria); Lynn Swann (Omni Homestead)
Tourism moves at the speed of the scroll, and effective communication has never been more critical. In this panel, a lineup of PR and marketing professionals will unpack how destinations, attractions, and hospitality brands capture attention, build trust, and convert interest into real visitation.
Students will gain insider perspectives on how campaigns are crafted—from the spark of an idea to pitching media, engaging influencers, and managing messaging across platforms. Panelists will tackle big questions: What makes a destination stand out in a crowded market? Which metrics actually matter? How do you prepare for the inevitable crisis curveball? And most importantly, what skills give students a competitive edge when stepping into the field?
This interactive conversation blends practical advice with real-world case studies, giving students a clear playbook for entering the world of tourism PR and marketing with confidence and creativity.