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AI and How It's Reshaping the Tourism Industry: Panel at 2026 NYS Tourism Conference

Apr 11, 2026

"You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!!"

On Wednesday, April 22 at the 2026 New York State Tourism Conference, rove co-founder James Sauter will moderate a panel of tourism industry thought leaders who will discuss the rapidly evolving use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impacts across all aspects of the tourism industry. 

No matter your current level of AI knowledge, this session is designed for DMOs, TPAs, business partners, attractions and organizations alike. Hear what is coming in the AI landscape, how it might impact your work, and why you "ain't seen nothin yet!"

Register for the 2026 NYS Tourism Conference

About the Presenters:

Listed alphabetically after moderator:

James Sauter (moderator)

Co-Founder, Rove

With over 20 years of experience in marketing and data analysis, James brings a combination of both client side and agency side experience to solve business challenges. James co-founded Rove combining his passion for tourism with data and analysis. Seeing a need for DMOs to better harness their data, Rove set out to offer world leading BI technology and data solutions at rates all DMOs can afford.

Susan Burke

International Account Director, Wheresight

Susan is the International Account Director at Wheresight, partnering with destinations globally to drive measurable digital maturity and long‑term strategic impact. With over 15 years’ experience across tourism, hospitality, and digital transformation, she specialises in building trusted client relationships and turning strategy into measurable value. At Wheresight, Susan works closely with DMOs, CVBs, and partners, helping destinations benchmark, measure, and improve digital maturity across their operator networks. Her work supports Wheresight’s mission to help destinations use data and insight to turn digital potential into measurable and sustainable destination growth.

Gavin Landry

New York University Adjunct Professor

For the past 8.5 years Gavin Landry served as International Director at VisitBritain, leading the organization's global network across 22 markets and advancing the UK's international tourism strategy. Appointed to the role in 2022, he previously served as Director of the Americas since joining in 2017. Prior to VisitBritain, Gavin was Executive Director of Tourism for New York State, where he transformed the I LOVE NEW YORK program from a $9 million campaign into a $65 million integrated marketing platform, driving record-breaking visitor volume and economic impact. He holds a degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Gavin has received accolades for excellence in leadership from both New York University and the New York State Tourism Industry Association

Rudi Thun

Chief Operating Officer, Mindtrip

Rudi loves off-the-beaten-path travel. When he’s not managing operations at Mindtrip, he’s out seeing the world and exploring new cultures. Before joining the Mindtrip team, Rudi was COO at Roadster and at Carwoo! He was also Head of Vehicles for eBay Motors, and VP and General Manager of AOL’s automotive properties. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University and an MBA from UC Berkeley.