Travel & Tourism 2021 Virtual Conference
June 15 and 16, 2021
CRAFT YOUR COMEBACK
Everyone loves a comeback story. Join the PRSA Travel & Tourism Section as we hone our craft. And, craft our comeback stories—together.
The PRSA Travel Conference is coming to you online: June 15 and 16, 2021. Register now and join the nation’s top travel media, thought leaders and communications strategists for a two-day virtual event.
- Gather travel trends, industry forecasts and fresh perspectives.
- Track changes in the media landscape; learn what editors and writers need right now.
- Infuse your comms plan with practical strategies and timely tactical shifts.
- Re-engage with your colleagues and build your travel comeback community.
The 2021 conference program schedule is intentionally condensed, dense with insights and flexible to let you stay connected to your work, while delivering inspiration and information to build resiliency and momentum for your travel brand.
| 2021 Registration Rates | |
| PRSA Travel and Tourism Section or SATW Associates Council | $199 |
| PRSA Member | $245 |
| Nonmember | $295 |
| PRSSA Student Rate | $99 |
| Hardship Rate* | $75 |
*Hardship Rate applies to anyone currently furloughed or out of work.
Day One
Tuesday, June 15, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
Pre-Conference Networking
10-11 a.m.
Join us for a speed networking session: automatically move tables every 15 minutes to network with other attendees.
Welcome & Conference Overview
11-11:15 a.m.
Keynote
11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Hear from key travel editors across the country on what trends we can expect in travel -- especially as we begin to craft our comeback.
Pauline Frommer, Frommer's; Sean Flynn, Digital Editor, Departures Magazine; Arnie Weissmann, Editor-In-Chief, Travel Weekly; Starlight Williams, Associate Editor, National Geographic Travel
Lunch & Bio Break
12:30 p.m.-1 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
1-1:55 p.m.
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Influencer Trends on the Horizon
June 15, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
From DEI to emerging digital platforms to legal considerations, this session will give you insight into trends and what’s next with influencer relations.Speaker: Onyi Azih Alicia Tenise Chew Sharon Toerek -
Accelerating Recovery With the Science of Human Engagement
June 15, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
In this eye-opening session, we will walk through the growing field of human communication science.Speaker: Elizabeth Edwards -
Idea Steal: How-To Edition | PR Survival Skillsets
June 15, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
The world of travel and tourism PR has been turned upside down, but what have we learned in the midst of the chaos?
Sponsored by:
Speaker: Mindy Bianca Leah Chandler Kim Jamieson Craig Trost
5-Minute Break
1:55-2 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
2-2:55 p.m.
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How to Own Your Story in the New Media Landscape
June 15, 2021 2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.
This panel session will provide the opportunity to discuss what the pitch of tomorrow looks like. -
Measurement on a Shoestring Budget
June 15, 2021 2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.
Learn from industry thought leaders on how to prioritize measurement with minimal funds.Speaker: Gathan Borden Josh Collins Chaille Munn -
How to Move Forward? Take Purposeful Actions Towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
June 15, 2021 2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m.
Gain insight into the core principles that are integral for messaging, shaping and developing your initiatives.Moderator: Stephen MaciasSpeaker: Stephanie M. Jones Rickey L. Thigpen Melissa Vela-Williamson, M.A., APR, CDP
5-Minute Break
2:55-3 p.m.
Breakout Sessions
3-3:55 p.m.
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The Forgotten Audience: Your Residents
June 15, 2021 3:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
How to identify and speak to your local audience to build trust and understanding.Speaker: Ronele Dotson Amy Demuth -
Building Back Better: Roles & Responsibilities of PR to Reshape Tourism
June 15, 2021 3:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
Learn proven proactive PR approaches to nurture or win back community support for tourism.Panelist: Jonny Bierman Barbara Marrett Amy Nesler -
Steal This Idea: Pro Pivots During Unprecedented Times
June 15, 2021 3:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
How to knit together and strengthen your client or community partnerships through an unexpected situation.Speaker: Lauren Bowes Elizabeth Connor, APR Melissa Muntz Ly Tran
5-Minute Break
3:55-4 p.m.
General Session
4-5 p.m.
Amplifying the Movement: Travel Media's Relationship to the BIPOC Community
Is your brand around for the moment, or the movement?
Day Two
Wednesday, June 16, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
Pre-Conference Networking
10-11 a.m.
Join us for a speed networking session: automatically move tables every 15 minutes to network with other attendees.
Welcome & Morning Keynote
11 a.m.-12 noon
A Conversation with Apolo Ohno, Moderated by Amber Gibson
Eight-Time Olympic Medalist & The Most Decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in History
Reinvention is at the core of Apolo Anton Ohno. He acquired and honed this skill over a decade of Olympic speed skating competition during which he became the most decorated US Winter Olympian of all time. Apolo continually adapts that performance mindset to support ongoing personal and professional growth. He has drawn on this acumen to become a global cross-industry entrepreneur, a successful sports broadcaster and television personality, a New York Times best-selling author, and a lifelong scholar inside and outside the university setting. Apolo harnesses these experiences to educate and inspire organizations on how to foster a sustained leadership mindset needed to overcome current business challenges.
An interview with travel journalist Amber Gibson, this keynote conversation will cover Asian-American violence in our country, Apolo’s own travel experiences and his role as a commentator for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. Apolo will also inspire PRSA Travel attendees with insights on professional growth, adaptation and how to maximize your comeback potential.
Lunch & Bio Break
12:00-12:30 p.m.
Media Panel Discussions
12:30-1:25 p.m.
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Culinary: What Does Food Writing Look Like Moving Forward?
June 16, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
How Do We Talk About Food in 2021 and Beyond?Panelist: Gowri Chandra Hanna Raskin Emily Saladino -
What Is Wellness Now?
June 16, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
Wellness Travel Will Be the Focus in the Post-Pandemic Era -
Road Trips Reign
June 16, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.
The Resurgence of Traveling Near and Far By CarSpeaker: Robert Annis Rosalind Cummings-Yeates Gemma Peckham
5-Minute Break
1:25-1:30 p.m.
Media Panel Discussions
1:30-2:25 p.m.
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Trading Spaces
June 16, 2021 1:30 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
How to Expand Your Message Through Meetings and Sports Trade PublicationsSpeaker: Jason Gewirtz Gloria Herbert Barbara Palmer -
Get These Pubs On Your Radar
June 16, 2021 1:30 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Pitching Travel to Non-Travel OutletsSpeaker: Kevin Max Marjorie Korn Brian Underwood -
The Future of Air Travel
June 16, 2021 2:25 a.m. – 1:30 a.m.
What the Future of Air Travel Looks Like Moving ForwardSpeaker: Harriet Baskas Chris Elliott Barbara Peterson
5-Minute Break
2:25-2:30 p.m.
Media Panel Discussions
2:30-3:25 p.m.
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The Pitch Workshop: Multi-Generational Travel
June 16, 2021 2:30 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.
This interactive session offers a constructive place to test drive pitches with top writers and editors. Bring your story ideas or sit back and take notes as these media pros share their process in real time.
**To ensure your pitch is heard, reserve your spot in line. Click here to pre-register for one of The Pitch sessions.
Speaker: Denny Heinze Aviva Patz Anne Rodrique-Jones -
The Pitch Workshop: The Feature Landscape
June 16, 2021 2:30 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.
This interactive session offers a constructive place to test drive pitches with top writers and editors. Bring your story ideas or sit back and take notes as these media pros share their process in real time.
**To ensure your pitch is heard, reserve your spot in line. Click here to pre-register for one of The Pitch sessions.
Speaker: Rachel Chang Elaine Glusac Fred Gonzalez -
The Pitch Workshop: Outdoor Travel Now / Sustainability
June 16, 2021 2:30 p.m. – 3:25 p.m.
This interactive session offers a constructive place to test drive pitches with top writers and editors. Bring your story ideas or sit back and take notes as these media pros share their process in real time.
**To ensure your pitch is heard, reserve your spot in line. Click here to pre-register for one of The Pitch sessions.
Speaker: Lauren Gay Nick Heil Megan Michelson
5-Minute Break
3:25-3:30 p.m.
Keynote & Closing Remarks
3:30-5 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Shaping the Future of Travel
Sponsors
Conference Champion
Travel Titan
Friend of PRSA
Industry Ally
Industry Ally
Industry Ally
