2025 Conference on Travel Schedule

Please note times and room assignments are subject to change.

Day One: Wednesday, Oct. 1

8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Registration Open
Sponsored by: Visit Greater Lima

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The New Growth Playbook: Where Marketing Meets Sales | John Fimiani, LaMark Media
Sponsored by: Discover Clermont
This educational opportunity is not included in conference registration but is an additional investment designed to deepen your learning. Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Board Excellence: From Functional to Exceptional | Melinda Huntley, Ohio Travel Association
Sponsored by: Cincy Region
This educational opportunity is not included in conference registration but is an additional investment designed to deepen your learning. Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

5 - 5:25 p.m.
New Attendee Welcome
Sponsored by: Cincy Region

5:30 - approximately 9 p.m.
Reception, Dinner & Leadership Gala
Sponsored by: Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau

Immediately following dinner
Live Media Auction
Sponsored by: Destination Toledo and Explore Licking County
Supercharge your marketing for less! Don't miss out on the live auction at our conference, where you can snag exclusive media packages at a fraction of the cost. We're talking savings over 50% on some of the most coveted advertising opportunities you won't find anywhere else.

 

Day Two: Thursday, Oct. 2

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration Open
Sponsored by: Visit Greater Lima

8:30 - 9 a.m.
Breakfast
Sponsored by: Gray Destination Marketing

9 - 10 a.m.
Keynote: The Five Key Ingredients to Creating an Exceptional Visitor Experience | Roger Brooks, Destination Development Association
Sponsored by: Explore Hocking Hills
Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

10 - 10:08 a.m.
Networking Break
Sponsored by: Longwoods International
Learn the latest from media representatives. Plus, take this chance to network with industry colleagues.

10:10 - 11 a.m.
Professional Development Breakouts | Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

  • The Five Mandatory Rules to Effective Tourism Marketing | Roger Brooks, Destination Development Association | Sponsored by: Visit Chillicothe Ohio

  • Preparing for 2026: How to Leverage the 250th Anniversary for the U.S. for Local Success | Chris Hurtubise, America 250-Ohio Commission | Sponsored by: America 250-Ohio

11:05 - 11:50 a.m.
Professional Development Breakouts | Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

  • Know Your Crowd, Grow Your Numbers: Smart Social Marketing with Visitor Profile Data | Brian Screptock, Longwoods International and Kendahl Plank, Destination Toledo | Sponsored by: Sojern

  • Video Production Strategies & Implementation Key Considerations | Mollie Khay, New Vision Media | Sponsored by: Tour Lake County


11:50 a.m. - noon
Networking
Sponsored by: Longwoods International
Learn the latest from media representatives. Plus, take this chance to network with industry colleagues.

Noon - 1:20 p.m.
RUBY Awards Luncheon
Sponsored by: Ohio Magazine
Celebrate award-winning marketing and promotional accolades during the RUBY Award Luncheon. Photo opportunities will be available following the RUBY Awards from 1:20-1:30 p.m.

1:30 - 1:55 p.m.
Ohio Travel Association Annual Meeting: A Year in Review

1:55 - 2:15 p.m.
Networking Break
Sponsored by: Visit Athens County, Ohio
Learn the latest from media representatives. Plus, take this chance to network with industry colleagues.

2:16 - 3:05 p.m.
Professional Development Breakouts | Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

  • Content Cardio: How to Create More Travel Marketing Content with Less Burnout | Eric Hultgren, Advance Ohio | Sponsored by: Yodel

  • Knowledge Work in the AI Era: A Guide for the Tourism Professional | Matt Clement, Madden Media | Sponsored by: Orange 142

3:05 - 3:55 p.m.
Professional Development Breakouts | Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

  • Efficient Content Marketing on a Budget | Brian V. Matson, Two Six Digital

  • The Anatomy of a High-Preforming Destination Digital Experience | Bruce Williams, thunder::tech | Sponsored by: Expedia Group

  • Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy Projects | Class of 2025 | Sponsored by: Visit Wayne County

4 - 4:15 p.m.
Networking
Learn the latest from media representatives. Plus, take this chance to network with industry colleagues.

4:30 - 5:30
Optional Scavenger Hunt on the Strip

6 - 8:30 p.m.
Party at the Lake | Thursday Evening Celebration

Lake Erie is the perfect backdrop for lakeside party on Thursday night! Start with a scavenger hunt (optional) full of prizes on the Geneva-on-the-Lake Strip, before joining the sights, sounds, and smells of an Ohio Wine Country celebration. Enjoy food and drinks from local partners, like fresh apple cider slushies and small batch fall ice cream flavors. ODNR will be serving fresh walleye tacos from their mobile kitchen. Seven Brothers distillery will be opening a special bourbon, made in a small batch just for OTA, that will pair perfectly with the cigar bar. Wine tastings and wine Olympics will entertain, as will the live music.  Go night zip-lining through the trees and enjoy a sunset fireworks show over the water. We can’t give away all the surprises; come hungry and expect to be delighted! Network with colleagues, celebrate achievements, and create unforgettable memories under the stars. This is more than just a party - it's a night to recognize all the hard work and dedication that makes our industry better together.

Sponsored by: Visit Greater Springfield, Miami County Visitors & Convention Bureau, Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Long’s Retreat Family Resort, Gleason Media, The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Fulton County Visitors Bureau, Visit Canton, Brightr, and Destination Seneca County.

 

Day Three: Friday, Oct. 3

8:30 - 9 a.m.
Breakfast
Sponsored by: Roberts Centre

***Please note the following is a running schedule. Times listed are approximate and subject to change during the event.

9 - 9:40 a.m.
Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA) 2025 Graduation Ceremony
Sponsored by: Explore Licking County

9:40 - 10 a.m.
Installation of 2025-26 OTA Board President

10 - 10:10 a.m.
Emerging Leader Award Recognition
Sponsored by: Destination Mansfield.
Trophy Sponsored by: Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau

10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
Keynote: Rocketfuel: How AI Is Transforming Travel & Hospitality Marketing (And Careers) | John Fimiani, LaMark Media
Sponsored by: TravelHost
Click here to learn more about learning labs, keynotes, and professional development breakout sessions.

11:15 a.m.
Closing Remarks