Advocacy Masterclass: Become an Effective Advocate for Your Organization, Destination and Industry

Advocacy Masterclass: Become a Destination Advocate

September 16, 2026
Radisson Hotel Corning | Corning, NY

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Tourism advocacy is no longer optional. It's essential.

What happens when someone in an important meeting says:

  • "Tourism is just low-paying service jobs."
  • "Tourism has made housing unaffordable."
  • "Occupancy tax revenue should be spent elsewhere."

Would someone in the room be prepared to respond?

Successful destinations don't leave those conversations to chance. They build advocates who can confidently communicate tourism's value in boardrooms, community meetings, legislative offices, media interviews, and everyday conversations.

Join Josiah Brown, The New York Sherpa and President of Famous Destination Marketing, for an immersive professional development program designed to help tourism professionals become more effective advocates for their organizations, destinations, and the industry as a whole.

Advocacy is More Thank Lobbying

Advocacy isn't just meeting with elected officials once a year. It is a year-round commitment to building understanding, support, and appreciation for tourism among residents, business leaders, community organizations, policymakers, and funding partners.

This masterclass will provide practical tools and techniques to help you become a stronger voice for tourism wherever conversations about your destination take place.

What You'll Learn:

  • Advocacy language models that build support and trust
  • The art of persuasion and effective communication
  • Public speaking fundamentals and presentation techniques
  • How to become the "Tourism Mayor" for your destination
  • Practical advocacy actions you can implement immediately
  • Advocacy planning strategies for long-term success

Included With Your Registration:

Each participant will receive The Destination Advocate Guidebook, a hands-on workbook that will be used throughout the program and serve as a valuable resource long after the session concludes.

5-Hour Professional Development Program

  • 2.5-hour morning session
  • Lunch
  • 2.5-hour afternoon session

Registration:

NYSTIA Member Rate: $279

Non-Member Rate: $329

Invest in your ability to advocate for tourism, communicate your destination's value, and ensure that tourism has a trained advocate in every room where important decisions are being made.

Register Now