2024 Conference on Travel Schedule

Day One: Wednesday, Oct. 2

8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Registration Booth in Mosaic Foyer
Registration Open
Sponsored by: Yodel

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Mosaic Ballroom 3
True NORTH Guest Satisfaction: Training Workshop
Sponsored by: Visit Cincy
Click here to learn more about the True NORTH Guest Satisfaction Workshop

5 - 5:25 p.m. | Prism
New Attendee Welcome

5:30 - approximately 9 p.m. | Mosaic Foyer & Mosaic Ballroom
Reception, Dinner & Leadership Gala
Reception & Dinner Sponsored by: Destination Toledo
Paul Sherlock Legend in Ohio Travel Award Sponsored by: TravelHost
Hear from Sarah Wickham with TourismOhio and other industry leaders. Celebrate our industry’s lifetime achievement Paul Sherlock Legend in Ohio Travel Award recipient.

Immediately following dinner
Live Media Auction
Sponsored by: COSI
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. 3

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Registration Booth in Mosaic Foyer
Registration Open
Sponsored by: Yodel

8 - 8:55 a.m. | Mosaic Ballroom
Breakfast
Sponsored by Premion

8:55 - 9:50 a.m. | Mosaic Ballroom
Keynote: Future Proofing your Travel Business: A Step into AI’s Realm | Ray Waite, Lighthouse Force
Sponsored by: Explore Hocking Hills
Click here to learn more about the keynote presentations and breakout sessions.

9:50 - 10 a.m. | Mosaic Foyer
Networking Break
Sponsored by: Henley Graphics
Learn the Latest from Media Representatives. Plus, Take this Chance to Network with Industry Colleagues.

10 - 10:50 a.m.
Professional Development Breakouts
Click here to learn more about the keynote presentations and breakout sessions.

• Gather Around the Watering Hole: Sharing ideas and information through roundtable discussions | Prism | Ohio Travel Association board members, statewide industry award winners and project experts

• Start Thinking "Branding First" for Your Destination | Mosaic Ballroom 3 | Josiah Brown, The New York Sherpa

• Putting Current Technology Trends to Work on Real-World Applications | Mosaic Ballroom 1 | Brian V. Matson, TwoSix Digital | Sponsored by: Travel Spike

10:50 - 11:40 a.m.
Professional Development Breakouts
Click here to learn more about the keynote presentations and breakout sessions.

• Capturing Attention: Creating and Distributing Video Content to Drive Visitation | Mosaic Ballroom 3 | Joe Vargo, Quest Digital | Sponsored by: Visit Chillicothe Ohio

• Story Voyaging: Using the Humanities to Deepen Visitor Experiences | Prism | Rebecca Asmo, Ohio Humanities | Sponsored by: Fahlgren Mortine

11:40 a.m. - noon | Mosaic Foyer
Networking
Learn the Latest from Media Representatives. Plus, Take this Chance to Network with Industry Colleagues.

Noon - 1:15 p.m. | Mosaic Ballroom
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 1:15-1:25 p.m.

1:25 - 1:50 p.m. | Mosaic Ballroom
Ohio Travel Association Annual Meeting: A Year in Review

1:50 - 2:10 p.m. | Mosaic Foyer
Networking Break
Sponsored by: Epsilon
Learn the Latest from Media Representatives. Plus, Take this Chance to Network with Industry Colleagues.

2:10 - 3 p.m.
Professional Development Breakouts
Click here to learn more about the keynote presentations and breakout sessions.

• Email Marketing Best Practices | Mosaic Ballroom 3 | Brian V. Matson, TwoSix Digital | Sponsored by: Expedia Group

• Ditch the Clicks! Impress your Board with Real Metrics | Mosaic Ballroom 1 | Jonathan Keslow, Epsilon

3:05 - 3:55 p.m.
Professional Development Breakouts
Click here to learn more about the keynote presentations and breakout sessions.

• Opening the Door to New People and New Ideas: How Toledo Museum of Art is Expanding Local and Regional Relevance | Mosaic Ballroom 3 | Gary Gonya, Toledo Museum of Art

• Sports Tourism's Impact Nationally and How You Can Benefit | Mosaic Ballroom 1 | Ben Huffman, Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau

• 2024 Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy Group Projects | Prism | Sponsored by: Explore Licking County

4 - 4:20 p.m. | Mosaic Foyer
Networking
Learn the Latest from Media Representatives. Plus, Take this Chance to Network with Industry Colleagues.

6 - 9:30 p.m. | The Toledo Zoo
Thursday Evening Celebration
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 ROAR! Plus, get up close with some amazing animal friends at The Toledo Zoo.
Sponsored by: Long’s Retreat, Greater Springfield, Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Sandusky County CVB, Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Discover Clermont, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum, Miami County VCB, Visit Canton, Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, Visit Perrysburg, Fulton County Visitors Bureau, Tony Packo’s, and the Toledo Zoo

Day Three: Friday, Oct. 4

8 - 8:50 a.m. | Mosaic Ballroom
Breakfast
Sponsored by: Ohio Wine Country

***Please note the following is a running schedule. Times listed are approximate and subject to change during the event. All events will take place in the Mosaic Ballroom.

8:50 - 9:35 a.m.
Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA) 2024 Graduation Ceremony | Sponsored by: Explore Licking County

9:35 - 9:50 a.m.
Installation of 2024-25 OTA Board President

9:50 - 10:10 a.m.
Emerging Leader Award Recognition
Sponsored by: Destination Mansfield. Trophy Sponsored by: Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors & Convention Bureau

10:20 - 11:15 a.m.
Keynote: The Art of Speaking, Actually Speaking, Advocacy | Josiah Brown, The New York Sherpa
Sponsored by: Explore Licking County
Click here to learn more about the keynote presentations and breakout sessions.

11:15 a.m.
Closing Remarks