Agenda Outline
Outline below only for planning purposes. Subject to change.
Tuesday, April 21:
For those arriving on Tuesday, the team at Oneida County Tourism have put together a few suggestions to help you explore some of the great local things Oneida County has to offer! Tuesday Arrivals Suggestions
Wednesday, April 22:
|
Program |
Time | Location |
|
Pre-Conference Session |
Supporting Agritourism Through New York State Lindsey Pashow & Laura Biasillo, Cornell Cooperative Extensions About this Session |
9:00 - 10:50 AM |
Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica Room name TBA |
|
Pre-Conference Session |
Advocacy Masterclass Josiah Brown, Advocacy Sherpa About This Session
|
10:00 - 11:30 AM |
Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica Room name TBA |
|
Welcome to the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference! Luncheon Program Opening Remarks Welcome to Oneida County Sarah Calero, Oneida County Tourism |
11:45 - 1:30 PM |
Grande Ballroom |
|
Keynote Session: Angie Briggs, Senior Vice President, Industry Partnerships and Engagement & Chief Development Officer at Brand USA About Angie |
1:15 - 1:40 PM | Grande Ballroom |
|
International Marketing & Partner Strategies Chelsea Sullivan Kaiser, Brand USA Diana Keating, Visit Rochester Patrick Keyes, Rainbow Air |
1:40 - 2:00 PM | Grande Ballroom |
|
I LOVE NY Update Richard Gagliano, Senior Vice President, Marketing Empire State Development |
2:30 - 3:30 PM | Grande Ballroom |
| Turning Stone Developments
Sarah Just, Director of Sales & Conference Services, Turning Stone Enterprises |
3:30 - 3:45 PM | Grande Ballroom |
|
Breakout Session |
TPA Convening TPAs ONLY |
3:55 - 4:50 PM | Jr Ballroom |
|
Breakout Session |
AI Panel more information TBA |
3:55 - 4:50 PM | Grande Ballroom |
|
Welcome Reception |
5:30 - 6:15 PM | Jr Ballroom |
|
NYSTIA 'Game Plan for the Future' Banquet Dinner For those who only wish to attend the banquet dinner, they can purchase tickets here. A ticket includes entry to the Welcome Reception, Banquet, and Scholarship Auction. |
6:15 - 7:15 PM | Grande Ballroom |
|
Destinations of New York State Scholarship Auction |
7:15 - 8:30 PM | Grande Ballroom |
|
Nightcaps, Nibbles & Networking and/or Explore Oneida County!
|
Post-Auction - 9:30 PM | Lobby Area / Shade Bar & Grill |
Thursday, April 23:
|
Program |
Time | Location |
|
Breakfast: Welcome and Greeting from our Oneida County Destination Hosts Sarah Calero, Oneida County Tourism |
7:30 - 8:45 AM |
Grande Ballroom |
|
Morning Programming Hidden in Plain Sight Brian Hayden, Visit Buffalo Workforce Development Speakers TBA |
8:45 - 10:00 AM |
Grande Ballroom |
|
1:1 Networking Sessions: |
10:00 - 12:00 PM |
Lobby Restaurant |
|
Welcome Luncheon New York City Update Kelly Curtin, New York City Tourism + Conventions Trails That Pay Off: How Greenways Drive Visitation, Spending, and Placemaking Erica Schneider, Parks & Trails New York. About This Session |
12:00 -1:15 PM |
Grande Ballroom |
|
Immersion Tours for Professional Development 1. Sports Marketing 2. Heritage Tourism 3. Sustainable Tourism 4. Inclusive Tourism 5. Economic Development |
1:30 - 5:00 PM | Multiple Offsite Locations |
|
Return Reception Hosted by Oneida County Tourism, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton as you connect with fellow attendees before heading out into Utica for a dine-around night. |
5:00 - 6:30 PM | DoubleTree by Hilton |
|
Freestyle Dining |
6:30 PM | Explore Oneida County! |
Friday, April 24:
|
Program |
Time | Location |
|
Breakfast Welcome and Greetings |
7:30 - 9:00 AM |
Grande Ballroom |
|
Breakout Session |
Tourism Advocacy | 9:00 - 10:15 AM |
Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica Room name TBA |
|
Breakout Session |
Who's Selling New York? Meet the Buyers Behind the Bookings |
9:00 - 10:15 AM |
Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica Room name TBA |
|
Adjournment |
10:15 - 10:30 AM | Grande Ballroom |