The NYSTIA Wednesday Webinar Fall 2025 schedule is still ongoing, so please feel free to register for free for an upcoming webinar this season! Register Now
Below you'll find the links to the recaps for all past webinars for the Fall 2025 series. Each recap includes a bullet-point summary, slide decks, and a video recording.
Community Branding: From Neighborhood to County
September 17 - with BLKDOG
Our first Wednesday Webinar of the season featured Chris Coughlan and Alexis Shippee from Black Dog Designs, who explored how communities can build authentic brands that resonate with residents, businesses, and visitors. With multiple examples and visuals, they highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders early, using tools like the Community Vitality Wheel, and applying practical exercises such as workshops, focus groups, and benchmarking against other destinations throughout the branding process. Full recap.
Accelerate Digital Maturity Across Your Operator Network
September 24 - with Wheresight
By addressing gaps like outdated booking systems, slow websites, and lack of online availability, destinations can “mend the leaky bucket” and see stronger returns on their marketing investments. This webinar, presented by David Brett and Karl Llewellyn from Wheresight, shared practical strategies for helping tourism operators improve their digital presence and boost visitor conversion. Full recap.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): A New Era of Visibility
October 1 - with Orange 142
GEO builds on SEO but doesn't replace it. While they work hand in hand, they are not the same thing. In this webinar, Cassandra Razzi of Orange 142 led an engaging presentation on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—a new approach to improving visibility within AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. Full recap.
Attracting and Hosting Sustainability Minded Organizations and Events
October 8 - with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business. Featuring Brendan Woodruff from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this webinar discussed insights and actionable strategies for hosting more sustainable events at destinations and facilities across New York State. Full recap.
The Soul of the Story: Keeping Human Imagination at the Heart of AI-Driven Campaigns
October 15 - with BBG&G Integrated Marketing
While AI is transforming how stories are created, it’s not replacing the human storyteller—it’s redefining how we work. AI can generate captions, outlines, and ideas in seconds, but emotions—the soul of the story—still come from human imagination and experience. In this webinar, Kayla Lloyd from BBG&G Integrated Marketing shares insights on keeping the human element at the center of marketing in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. Full recap.
Accessible Recreation on the Canalway
October 22 - with New York State Canal Corporation
The On the Canals program, launched in 2020 has evolved from a one-time initiative during the pandemic into a transformative, statewide effort supporting outdoor recreation, small businesses, and community engagement. A key focus of recent years has been accessibility. In this webinar, Darby Racey and Alyson Danielewicz from New York Power Authority/NYS Canal Corporation share their work making recreation along New York’s canal system more inclusive and accessible for all, with multiple examples and funding opportunities through grant programs. Full recap.
Immersive Exploration: Building the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum
October 29 - with STQRY
This week’s Webinar featured Kyle Pierce and Lydia Ireland from STQRY, along with Jessica VanDeMar from the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, who shared their exciting work bringing Ontario County’s history to life through the Finger Lakes Virtual Museum. The innovative project combines physical historical markers with a digital experience accessible through QR codes, a web app, and augmented reality. Full recap.
Reclaiming Inspiration: Using Tech to Bring Back the Heart and Soul of Tourism
November 5 - with Tiki
AI can help destinations reach travelers more effectively, but true inspiration still starts with human creativity and authentic storytelling. In this webinar, Jackie Saunders from Tiki explored how destinations can embrace artificial intelligence while keeping inspiration, storytelling, and human connection at the center of tourism marketing. Full recap.
How to Use Group Pace Reporting to Improve Your Sales Performance
November 12 - with Tempest
A disciplined CRM, paired with clear group pace insights, gives DMOs the clarity they need to strengthen forecasting, communicate with hotel partners, and make more strategic decisions. Brent Foerster and the team from Tempest share practical insights on strengthening CRM habits, fine-tuning lead tracking, and using group pace reporting to support smarter decision-making for DMOs in this reporting-focused webinar. Full recap.
Zoomed In or Zoomed Out: Destination Strategies in Contrast
November 19 - with Zartico
Knowing who your visitors are, using data to build clear profiles, and focusing on efficient, targeted strategies will deliver the strongest return on limited marketing dollars. This webinar brought together Dylan Forsyth of Zartico and Gina Mintzer from the Lake George Regional Chamber to explore how destination strategies shift depending on the type of visitor. Full recap.