2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Awards & Summit
September 16-18, 2026 | Corning, N.Y.
Join us for the 2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Summit & Awards in beautiful Corning, NY! This premier event is your chance to gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives on best practices from award winning tourism marketers and organizations, explore strategies for the coming year ahead, and more. Connect with peers, industry veterans, and thought leaders during dedicated networking sessions while building valuable relationships that can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and growth.
Registration:
NYSTIA Members: $525 or $475 with $50 early bird discount (expires on August 28, 2026)
General Registration: $795
Register Now
"We are thrilled to showcase Corning, a place where ideas take shape and creativity shines, from its legendary glassmaking to our historic Gaffer District, alive with boutique shops, art-filled public spaces, and an impressive culinary scene. The Explore Steuben team is honored and energized to host the 2026 Tourism Excellence Summit, a celebration of visionaries shaping tourism’s future, set in a destination that reminds us of what’s possible when art, science, and passion fuse together. We cannot wait to welcome you — with true Steuben County hospitality — to Corning!"
- Kevin Peterson, Host DMO / Event Co-Chair
President & CEO, Explore Steuben
"Join us in Corning for the 2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Awards and Summit—where industry leaders come together to celebrate success, share insights, and look towards the future of tourism in New York State. The Southern Finger Lakes’ vibrant spirit and hospitality make it the perfect setting to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. We look forward to seeing you there!"
- Todd Garofano, Event Co-Chair
Executive Director, Discover Schenectady
Join Us for the Annual Meeting Luncheon:
I look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces in Corning for the 2026 New York State Tourism Excellence Summit. We’ve got a busy lineup—Annual Meeting Luncheon, committee reports, and board elections—but the real highlight is always the chance to celebrate our collective wins. It’s the perfect moment to reconnect, share what’s working, and brush up on the latest advocacy efforts. I can't think of a better place to gather than the Finger Lakes during harvest season. See you there!
- Cass Majestic, Event Co-Chair
President, Destination Marketing Corp. / NYSTIA Board Chair
Host Hotel: Radisson Hotel Corning
Address: 125 Denison Pkwy E, Corning, NY 14830
Room Rates: : $155.00 pre-tax, $173.60 with taxes
*rate expires on August 8, 2026
Book Your Room - If you're having issues accessing the booking link, please call the front desk directly at 607-962-5000. State your date of check in and that you are with the "2026 NYS Tourism Excellence Summit" group room block.
Destination Hosts: Explore Steuben
Corning, New York: America's Crystal City
Embark on your Finger Lakes Journey and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, enchanting waterfalls, award-winning wineries, charming small towns, and the captivating artistry of hot glass. Explore Steuben
Proud Partner Of:
The New York State Division of Tourism is part of the Empire State Development Corporation and goes to market under the consumer brand I LOVE NEW YORK.
Presenting Partners:
Tourists experience a dreaming and planning phase of their journey, long before they book. You want your destination or attraction in front of those travelers while they are choosing a vacation spot, not after. As a travel marketing partner, Advance Media New York Travel & Tourism utilizes first-party data, extensive knowledge of the decision-making process and market analysis to deliver messaging through search, social media, display and content. Not to mention our award-winning creative team that has earned international awards for work they’ve done in the travel industry!
Rove is a leading travel & tourism data and analytics company. Leading tourism organizations & destinations globally rely on their tourism data & analytic products and industry expertise to navigate change, maximize travel visitation, and grow revenues.
The New York State Canal Corporation relies upon engineers to ensure the safe, reliable operation of the 524 miles of the canal system within New York State. NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean, renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.
Presented By:
