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Session II– Richmond, Virginia

September 16-17, 2025

Engaging Voices: Mastering Effective Communication Strategies and Advocacy for Tourism Professionals

This session will provide a comprehensive framework for exploring communications and public relations strategies in the tourism industry, covering key topics such as Brand Identity, Media Relations, Digital Communication, Storytelling, Stakeholder Engagement, Measurement, Collaboration, and Innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to enhance their communication efforts and drive success in the tourism sector. Additionally, participants will gain practical strategies to become effective advocates for positive change in the tourism sector. The session will cover key topics such as Stakeholder Engagement, Sustainable Tourism Practices, Digital Advocacy, Public Policy, and Impact Measurement is provided.

VTLI – Session II: Communications

September 16, 2025

 

Moderator - Becky Nave

Presenter - Steve Chandler, Chandlerthinks 

             

AGENDA

8:30 a.m. - Breakfast

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9:00 a.m. - Communication in Tourism

  • Effective Communication Strategies for Tourism Professionals

  • Customer Relationship Management in Tourism

  • Interpersonal Communication Skills

  • Cross-cultural Communication in Tourism

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10:45 a.m. - Branding in Tourism (Steve Chandler, Chandlerthinks)

  • Importance of Branding in Tourism

  • Brand Identity Development for Destinations

  • Brand Positioning and Differentiation Strategies

  • Destination Brand Management

  • Branding Ethics and Sustainability

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Noon - LUNCH

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1:00 p.m. - Crisis Management in Tourism

  • Understanding Crisis Management in Tourism

  • Crisis Preparedness and Planning

  • Crisis Communication Strategies for Tourism Organizations – Media Training Module

  • Crisis Recovery and Reputation Management

  • Case Studies and Best Practices in Tourism Crisis Management

 

VTLI – Session II: Advocacy

September 17, 2025

 

Moderator - Becky Nave, VA Tourism Corporation

Speakers - Halle Czechowski, Public Policy Consultant

Training Guide Provided By - Halle Czechowski, Tommy Herbert, VRLTA

                     

AGENDA

8:30 a.m. - Breakfast

 

9:00 a.m. - Introduction to Advocacy

  • Understanding the Role of Advocacy in Tourism Development – Local and State

  • Building Stakeholder Relationships – Local and State

  • Creating an Advocacy Program

  • Lobbying and Public Policy Advocacy in Tourism

  • Tourism Advocacy Campaign Planning

 

10: 30 p.m. - Rapid Response and Planning

  • New funding or loss of funding 

  • How to Contact/Secure Appointments with Legislators

  • How to Conduct a Meeting with a Legislator

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 12:00 p.m. - Working Lunch with Presenter

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