Annual Convention & Trade Show Schedule

Registration Open

GARDEN ROOM

Sponsored by: JL Hospitality Management

7:30AM - 8:30AM: Morning Yoga

PIKE'S WATERFRONT LODGE

Sponsored by: Alaska TourSaver

9:00AM - 1:00PM: Alaska Host Train the Trainer Day 2

TAIGA ROOM

Cost: $100 for 2-day training (Monday & Tuesday)
Pre-registration required. 
Trainers: Tay Clayton, ATIA; Rachel Roy, Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce

9:00AM - 10:30AM: Public Lands Forum

GAZEBO ROOM
Hear from land management agency representatives on operational, policy, and facility updates from around the state. 

Speakers: Ricky Gease, Alaska Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation; Kara Moriarty, Special Assistant for Alaska Affairs - Department of Interior; Kevin Painter, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Kyle Gallaher, US Forest Service; Laura Buchheit, US Forest Service

Sponsored by: Visit Anchorage

10:30AM - 11:30AM: ATIA Board of Directors Meeting

BOARD ROOM

12:00PM - 1:00PM: First Timer's Event

GAZEBO ROOM

Welcome first timer's! If this is your first time to Convention, you are invited to this special event to learn more about what to expect, how to make the most of Convention, and network with fellow first timer's.

Sponsored by: Salmon Berry Travel & Tours

Enjoy lunch on your own in Fairbanks! On-site food options include Wedgewood Resort and food trucks in front of Conference Center. 

Food Trucks in front of Conference Center: Cheechako Tacos, Alaska Cheesesteak, T's BBQ, Spice It Up, Bubble Buggy, Smash Bros.

Trade Show Open

CONFERENCE CENTER

All-Day Coffee Sponsored by: Granicus Destinations

Convention Kick-Off

CONFERENCE CENTER

Emcee: Tekla Butcher-Monson, Trail Breaker Kennel
Music Performance: Bill Wright, Explore Fairbanks

Sponsored by: Doyon Tourism, Inc.

Life in a Northern State: A Year in Review

Speakers: Josh Howes, Premier Alaska Tours & ATIA Board Chair; Jillian Simpson, ATIA President & CEO

Trade Show Open with Networking Break and Snacks

CONFERENCE CENTER

Sponsored by: Borealis Basecamp

Concurrent Sessions
 

The Influencer Equation: What Alaska Tour Companies Need to Know

CONFERENCE CENTER
Valerie Stimac Bailey will moderate this panel, where you'll hear from fellow operators across the state on why and how they work with influencers, how they screen and manage influencer outreach, how they measure success, and more. Walk away with practical takeaways to manage influencers if they turn up in your DMs, or how to reach out to ones worth working with – and to make any partnerships good for your business and your bottom line.
Moderator: Valerie Stimac Bailey, Travel Writer
Panelist: Trinidad Collier, Northern Epics; Ben Rubenstein, Harv & Marv's; Katy Etterman, Kennicott Wilderness Guides

Sponsored by: Mahay's Jet Boat Adventures

Small Business Focus: Being a More Effective Leader

GAZEBO ROOM
Kirk will share some of the time-tested tenets of leadership that are woven into Alaska Wildland Adventures’ company culture as well as share some research and resources to back them up. His goals are to inspire you to consider some new approaches, share ways to enhance your own manager training programs, help reinforce the great things you already do, and encourage you to keep learning and growing. He’ll also share “a few things they don’t teach you in Management School!”
Speaker: Kirk Hoessle, Alaska Wildland Adventure

Sponsored by: Northstar Helicopters

Peer Roundtable: Destination Marketing Organizations

BOARD ROOM
Join fellow destination marketing professionals for an interactive peer roundtable focused on the challenges and opportunities facing DMOs today. This open discussion will explore membership, marketing, and administration topics, with participants sharing practical strategies, tools, successes, and lessons learned.
Moderator: Casey Ressler, Mat-Su CVB

Sponsored by: Travel Wrangell

Mentorship Connections: Meet, Match, and Grow

BOREALIS ROOM
Looking to grow your career, expand your network, or share your experience with someone new to the industry? Join us for an interactive hour focused on creating meaningful mentorship connections. Through speed mentoring, guided activities, and networking prompts, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with Alaska tourism professionals, share experiences, discover potential mentor or mentee relationships, and leave with a plan for staying connected.
Moderators: Tay Clayton & Spiff Chambers, ATIA

Sponsored by: Explore Skagway

Speed Networking

TRADE SHOW - CONFERENCE CENTER

Stock up on business cards and get ready to make some new connections! The concept is simple: two lines of attendees face each other and take a minute to introduce themselves. With new faces to meet every 60 seconds, you'll end the session with a pile of new professional contacts in Alaska's visitor industry! 

Sponsored by: Northrim Bank

Transportation to Opening Night Reception

DEPARTING FROM BEAR LODGE

Opening Night Reception

FOUNTAINHEAD ANTIQUE AUTO MUSEUM

Sponsored by: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises

Late Night Karaoke & Fire Pits Open

BAR AT BEAR LODGE

Morning Yoga

PIKE'S WATERFRONT LODGE

Sponsored by: Alaska TourSaver

Trade Show Open

CONFERENCE CENTER

All-Day Coffee Sponsored by: Major Marine Tours

Registration Open

GARDEN ROOM

Sponsored by: JL Hospitality Management

Breakfast on your own.

Concurrent Sessions
 

What’s Working on Social Media in 2026 (and What’s Not)

BOREALIS ROOM
Social media changes fast — but not every trend deserves your attention. In this session, Thompson & Co.’s Senior Vice President Kailee Stickler will break down the biggest platform updates, algorithm shifts and content trends impacting Alaska tourism marketing today. Learn which platforms deserve your time, what types of content are driving engagement, and practical ways to create social media that inspires travelers without requiring a full-time marketing team. Whether you’re managing social media yourself or wearing multiple hats, you’ll leave with actionable ideas you can put into practice right away.
Speaker: Kailee Stickler, Thompson & Co.

Sponsored by: Alaska Tour & Travel

Expanding the Map: New Tourism Opportunities Across Alaska

BOARD ROOM
Representatives from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Office will talk about opportunities for tours, lodges, camps, and other visitor-related activities on TLO land across the state. 
Speaker: Jaimie Palmer, Lewis & Palmer Consulting; Jeff Green, Trust Land Office; Jeff Hermanns, Trust Land Office; Kyle Quinn, Alaska Port Innovations

Sponsored by: Alaska Private Touring

Peer Roundtable: Sustainable Alaska - Ideas Around the Table

GAZEBO ROOM
Join fellow tourism partners for a practical conversation about sustainability in Alaska. We’ll begin with updates from ATIA, including the future tiered AGA application system, before breaking into small-group discussions. Share what’s working, where sustainability is saving money or improving operations, what guests are asking about, and the resources businesses need to take the next step. Together, we’ll explore how we can support one another, learn from each other, and continue to be good stewards of Alaska for generations to come.
Moderators: Tanya Carlson & Carolina Hohl, ATIA

Sponsored by: Adventure Green Alaska

Trade Show Open with Networking Break and Snacks

CONFERENCE CENTER

General Session: Voice of the Membership

CONFERENCE CENTER
This is your opportunity to tell the ATIA Board of Directors what's on your mind about Alaska travel and tourism. 
Emcee: Jordan Sanford, Doyon Tourism

Sponsored by: Mat-Su CVB

General Session: 
The Front Door and the Back Office: How AI Is Changing Both Sides of Tourism

CONFERENCE CENTER

Brand USA's SVP of Innovation and Chief AI Officer Janette Roush gives a clear-eyed look at AI's two-sided impact on tourism. First: how AI is becoming the new front door to your destination — shaping how travelers discover where to go and which places get surfaced. Then: how AI is changing the way we work, with practical tools any team can put to use on Monday.
Speaker: Janette Roush, Brand USA

Sponsored by: Miles Partnership

Lunch Session: Alaska Gubernatorial Candidate Forum 

CONFERENCE CENTER

The top four candidates for governor will discuss how the tourism industry fits into their vision for Alaska.
Moderators: Wade Binkley, Riverboat Discovery; Colleen Stephens, Stan Stephens Glacier & Widlife Cruises
Gubernatorial Candidates: 
Dave Bronson (confirmed)
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (confirmed)
Treg Taylor (confirmed)
Bernadette Wilson (confirmed)

Lunch Sponsored by: Alaska Railroad
Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Sponsored by: Visit Anchorage

Concurrent Sessions

Maximizing Your Co-Op Marketing on TravelAlaska.com for AI

BOREALIS ROOM
Learn more about digital cooperative marketing opportunities on TravelAlaska.com and how to maximize your opportunities to get the best return. Join experts from Miles Partnership and your ATIA Sales Team in this session to learn more.
Speakers: ATIA Staff; Jackie Contaldo and Justin Gibbs, Miles Partnership

Sponsored by: Riverboat Discovery

Small Business Focus: Leveraging AI Solutions

CONFERENCE CENTER
Demystify AI and how to use it for improved business operations, enhanced customer experiences, and product development. Pascual from the UAA Business Enterprise Institute's AI Resource Program will give practical, actionable guidance on navigating in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Speaker: Pasqual Reig-Munoz, Small Business Development Center, UAA

Sponsored by: Holiday Vacations

Growing Dark Sky Tourism in Alaska

GAZEBO ROOM
Carl Johnson will lead a session on the growing “dark sky” tourism in Alaska. The session will discuss the value of dark skies and increasing interest in visiting the state between August and April for celestial and aurora viewing opportunities.
Speakers: Carl Johnson, Alaska Photo Treks; Omega Smith, University of Alaska Fairbanks Planetarium; Scott McCrea, Explore Fairbanks; Grier Hopkings, Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor

Sponsored by: Alaska Tour & Travel

Effective Advocacy: How to be a Successful Champion for Tourism 

BOARD ROOM
Gain tips from a pro on how best to communicate the value of tourism to policy makers in Juneau. Learn how to be a "grassroot" for advocacy in Alaska's tourism industry. 
Speaker: Sarah Erkmann Ward, Thompson & Co PR

Sponsored by: TEMSCO Helicopters

Trade Show Open with Networking Break

CONFERENCE CENTER

Sposored by: All Alaska Tours

Concurrent Sessions

Small Business Roundtable: Human Resources

CONFERENCE CENTER
Speaker:

Sponsored by: Yuit Communications

Sustainability: Do Solar Energy Systems Make Sense for your Business?

GAZEBO ROOM
Off-the-grid solar panel installations are increasing in frequency for remote lodge operations, Listen to this panel discuss logistics, cost savings, and tax benefits of making the switch from diesel to solar. 
Speakers: Stacey Simmons, Koniag, Inc; Jason Toole, Long Spring LLC; Jason Paskvan, Tanana Chiefs Conference

Sponsored by: JL Hospitality Management

Avoiding the Disaster Zone: Managing Environmental Threats in Alaska's Tourism Industry

BOREALIS ROOM
Speakers: Barrett Salisbury, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys; Tasha Shields, US Wildland Fire Service

Sponsored by: Travel Juneau

Emerging Tourism Leaders Networking Reception

TRADE SHOW - CONFERENCE CENTER

We will be hosting a special reception for young professionals who are the next generation of leaders in the Alaska tourism industry. Everyone is welcome to attend. Mix and mingle with emerging and established leaders in the tourism industry.

Sponsored by: Pursuit

COMMUNITY NIGHT
 

The community of Fairbanks will be hosting a special SURPRISE event for ATIA Convention attendees full of food, fun, and festivities. All ATIA attendees are welcome to attend. 

Late Night Karaoke & Fire Pits Open

BAR AT BEAR LODGE

Morning Yoga

PIKE'S WATERFRONT LODGE

Sponsored by: Alaska TourSaver

Registration Open

GARDEN ROOM

Sponsored by: JL Hospitality Management

Trade Show Open with "Hair of the Sled Dog" Bar: Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Hot Chocolate, & Snacks

CONFERENCE CENTER

Sponsored by: Alaska By Design

General Session: 
The Road Ahead - The Outlook for the Economy and Travel in Alaska

CONFERENCE CENTER

In this dynamic and fast-paced session, Travis will present the latest insights from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, offering a comprehensive macroeconomic forecast that highlights the key forces shaping the future of travel and tourism. Through an in-depth analysis of both U.S. and international travel trends, attendees will gain a clear understanding of the economic drivers, evolving visitor behaviors, and shifting expectations influencing destinations across the globe. With a focused lens on Alaska, Travis will examine the specific opportunities and challenges facing the state's visitor economy, from seasonality and cruise volume to air access and visitor spending, providing practical and strategic insights to help local stakeholders navigate an ever-changing environment.
Speaker: Travis Napper, Tourism Economics

Sponsored by: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

General Session: Cultural Tourism & Respectful Travel

CONFERENCE CENTER
Speaker: Kelsey Wallace, Alaska Native Heritage Center

Sponsored by: Huna Totem Corporation

Lunch & General Session: 
 - ATIA Foundation Lunch 

 - Life in a Northern State: How We're Sharing Alaska with the World 

CONFERENCE CENTER

Lunch Sponsored by: Norwegian Cruise Line
Marketing Plan Presentation Sponsored by: Thompson & Co.

180 Seconds of Fame!

CONFERENCE CENTER

Now is your chance to share your story with 180 Seconds of Fame! Convention attendees get to come up on stage and have three minutes to present on your business, product, updates, and more. Anything goes - PowerPoint slides, song and dance, show and tell - just make it a quick and captivating 180 second presentation. Presenters must sign up in advance and spaces are full!
Emcee: Kris Miller, MSI Communications

Sponsored by: MSI Communications

Unveiling of 2027 Convention Location & Theme!

Trade Show Open with Networking Break and Dessert

CONFERENCE CENTER

All-Day Coffee Sponsored by: Lighthouse Excursions

ATIA Foundation Board Meeting and ATIA Board of Directors Meeting

BOARD ROOM

Concurrent Sessions
 

Small Business Focus: Experience Gathered While Starting, Operating, & Selling a Small Business 

BOREALIS ROOM
Kelley Bender will lead an open discussion on what she wished she knew when she started: experience gathered along the way while starting, operating, and selling a small business. 
Speaker: Kelly Bender

Sponsored by: Alaska Wildland Adventures

Reimagining Web Strategy in an AI-First World

CONFERENCE CENTER
AI is changing the rules for website strategy. The way people search, discover, and decide is shifting, and AI tools are becoming a new front door to your website. This session covers what's changing, why it matters, and how to keep your site visible and competitive in an AI-driven world.
Speaker: Justin Gibbs, Miles Partnership

Sponsored by: Alaska Railroad

Alaska's Air Passenger Market: Report from Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Sitka Airport Surveys

GAZEBO ROOM
Get the latest insights from McKinley Research on the air passenger profiles and interests from their airport wifi surveys. 
Speaker: Heather Haugland, McKinley Research Group

Sponsored by: Visit Ketchikan

Transportation to Closing Reception & Banquet

DEPARTING FROM BEAR LODGE

Sponsored by: Premier Alaska Tours

Closing Reception

8 STAR EVENTS CENTER

Mix and mingle with your fellow attendees before the closing night Banquet.

Sponsored by: Northrim Bank

ATIA Awards Banquet & Advocacy Live Auction

8 STAR EVENTS CENTER

Emcee: Jerry Evans, Explore Fairbanks
Auctioneer: Jacob Griswold

Sponsored by: Alaska Airlines
Banquet wine sponsored by: Knightly Tours

Banquet After Party

PIKE'S WATERFRONT LODGE

Continue the celebration with an after party hosted by Pike's Waterfront Lodge. Enjoy drinks, appetizers, and their new wellness experience.