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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

Richmond, VA

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​Meet the Speakers!

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Moderator:   Becky Nave, VA Tourism Corp

Presenter:    Steve Chandler, Chandlerthinks 

                      Tommy Herbert, VRLTA

                      Delegate Terry L. Austin
                      Angela Costello, AngelaCostelloGroup

                     

AGENDA

8:30 a.m.  Breakfast - 2nd floor Pipeline Conference Room - James Center 

 

9:00 a.m.  Tourism Advocacy & Process - Delegate Terry L. Austin

                   Facilitated Q&A – Becky Nave, VA Tourism Corp; Eric Terry, VTLTA

  • How to Contact/Secure Appointments with Legislators

  • How to Conduct a Meeting with a Legislator

  • Making the Case for Tourism – Becky Nave, VTC

  • Tommy’s Ten Tips – Eric Terry, VRLTA

 

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

 

Noon:  Lunch

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1:00 p.m.  Communication in Tourism – Angela Costello, AngelaCostelloGroup

  • Effective Communication Strategies

  • Customer Relationship Management

  • Cross-cultural Communications

  • Social Media Best Practices

  • Interpersonal Communication Skills

 

3:00 p.m.  Shuttle/Walk to Capitol – RRT or Omni Shuttle - Walk

3:30 p.m.  Virginia Capitol Tour

 

VTLI – Session II: Advocacy

 

September 17, 2025

Richmond, VA

 

Moderator:   Becky Nave, VA Tourism Corporation

Speakers:     Halle Czechowski, Public Policy Consultant

                       Training Guide Provided By: Halle Czechowski

                       Angela Costello, AngelaCostello Group

AGENDA         

 

8:30 a.m.  Breakfast - 2nd floor Pipeline Conference Room - James Center 

 

9:00 a.m.   Introduction to Advocacy – Halle Czechowski, Public Policy                                                          Consultant

  • 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      

 

Noon:  Working Lunch

Communications & Crisis Management in Tourism – Angela Costello

  • Understanding Crisis Management

  • Crisis Preparedness & Planning

  • Crisis Communication Strategies for Tourism – Media Training Module

  • Crisis Recovery & Reputation Management

  • (Case Studies – Optional?)

                                   

1:30 p.m.  Rapid Response and Planning  - Halle Czechowski, Public Policy Consultant

  • 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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