Destination Industry Seminar
A Successful Day of Professional Development and Networking!
Click here to view photos from the event
On Wednesday, September 12, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) produced the first annual NGLCC Destination Industry Seminar and Reception. The event took place at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC. The seminar, presented by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, was a one day educational event for the travel and meetings industry. Attendees heard from experts about reaching out to the highly influential lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Sessions included insights and success stories from Wyndham Hotel Group, American Airlines and Witeck-Combs Communications. Attendees also had a front row seat for an national LGBT Organizational Leaders & Event Planners Roundtable.
Highlights throughout the day included in-depth marketing statistics and information about market strategizing presented by Tom Roth, CEO of Community Marketing, Inc. as well as a panel discussion regarding the importance of successful LGBT business partnerships, moderated by NGLCC co-founder and President Justin G. Nelson. "What a fantastic day of education and networking! I came away with crucial information that will help me take our LGBT outreach to the next level,” said Laurie Nelson-Choice of the Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The day culminated with an exciting networking reception sponsored by the Albuquerque Conventions & Visitors Bureau where destination and meetings professionals had the opportunity to meet with decision makers from national and regional LGBT organizations.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor
Seminar & Reception Sponsors
Hilton Hotels Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau American Airlines Wyndham Hotel Group Witeck-Combs Communications Community Marketing National Lesbian & Gay Journalist
Association Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Log Cabin Republicans Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau OmniStudio Silver Wellspring Health Counseling VISIT Milwaukee The Accomplished Traveller Unique Venues Dolce International Smith Barney Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau Tremont Suite Hotels Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association Distinctively Yours Events Meet Minneapolis NYC & Company Kentlands Travel Hyatt Regency Crystal Gateway & Key Bridge Marriot Washington Blade Washington DC Convention and Tourism Bureau Tempe Convention and Visitors Bureau Professional Marketing Services, Inc Impax Marketing Marriot International Whitman-Walker Clinic Potomac Executives Network
Thank You to Our Speakers and Panelists
Tom Roth, Founder and CEO, Community Marketing, Inc.
Greg Land, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Distribution, Wyndham Hotel Group
Bob Witeck, CEO, Witeck-Combs Communications
George Carrancho, Rainbow TeAAm, American Airlines
Anita Nunez, Director of Multicultural Sales, Hilton Sales Worldwide
Justin Nelson, President & Co-Founder, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
John Lake, Director of Corporate Relations, Human Rights Campaign
Rick Fowler, Director, Meetings & Special Events, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Tom Cashman Avila, Acting Executive Director, National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
Stephanie Lurz, Manager of Development, Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
Russell Roybal, Director of Movement Building, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
Bryan Pruitt, Consultant, Log Cabin Republicans
Cassi Holder, Manager, Meetings & Special Events, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
