Annual Convention & Trade Show Schedule
Welcome to the ATIA Annual Convention & Trade Show, October 21 - 23 in Anchorage! View the daily schedule below. The convention will be held at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. View the Convention Center map.
MONDAY
OCTOBER 20
Registration and Trade Show Set Up
TUESDAY
OCTOBER 21
CultureHost Training
Sponsored by: Travel Juneau
AlaskaHost Training
AI and Travel
Listen to AI expert C.A. Clark, VP of AI at Miles Partnership, discuss the impacts of AI on the travel industry. From web search to online booking, AI is rapidly changing and shaping the travel landscape. Get an introduction to these changes from this top tier expert.
Speaker: C.A. Clark, Miles Partnership
Public Lands Forum
Federal land management representatives will provide end of summer updates and answer questions on visitor-facing facilities, projects, and services.
Speakers: Zach Babb, National Park Service; Tyler Glenn, US Forest Service; Kevin Painter, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Trade Show Set Up and Registration Open
ATIA Board Meeting
First Timer's Event
Opportunity for first timers of Convention to learn more about what to expect, how to make the most of Convention, and network.
Sponsored by: Alaska Helicopter Tours
ATIA Convention Kick-Off!
Speakers: Tom Marriage, Aaron Leggett, Becky Windt Pearson
Sponsored by: Visit Anchorage
ATIA Year in Review
Speakers: Jillian Simpson & Josh Howes
Led by Industry: The Founding of ATIA
Speakers: Ann Campbell & Tina Lindgren
Afternoon Break in Trade Show Room
Sponsored by: Northrim Bank
US Travel Association
Speakers: Nicole Porter, VP Political Affairs
Speed Networking
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!
Opening Night Reception
ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER
Sponsored by: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises
Enjoy dinner on your own with friends in Anchorage!
WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 22
Economic Update
Speaker: Kevin Berry
Sponsored by: White Pass & Yukon Railroad
Legislative Panel
Moderator: Wade Binkley; with Senator Stedman, Representative Schrage, Representative Stapp, Senator Bjorkman
Tails & Trails - Where Dog Mushing and Tourism Meet
Moderator: Liz Failor; with Jeff King, Paige Drobny, Matt Failor, Tekla Butcher-Monson
Sponsored by: Explore Fairbanks
Lunch Program
Alaska Cruise Update
Moderator: Renée Limoge Reeve with Robert Morgenstern, Preston Carnahan, Brianna Freeman
Sponsored by: Premier Alaska Tours
Concurrent Sessions
Do You Own Your Business, or Does It OWN You?
Ral will speak about stepping into the owner role vs being involved in the day-to-day operations increases your strategic focus, improves workflows and team productivity, and enables your business to grow and scale without needing you to increase your time commitment. Learn six foundational principles that will ensure lasting success for your business, while freeing you to enjoy more of your own life.
Speaker: Ral West
Sponsored by: Subway
Partnering with Influencers: Best Practices & Marketing Strategies
Speakers: Kailee Stickler, Lesli Olson, Carly Padrta
Sponsored by: Alaska Tour & Travel
Sustainability: Adventure Green Alaska Member Meeting
Speaker: Cathy Renfeldt
Alaska Tourism Research Roundup
Speaker: Heather Haugland
Sponsored by: Mahay's Jet Boat Adventures
Federal Delegation Updates
State directors for Alaska’s congressional delegation will share updates from their offices and field questions regarding tourism-related policies.
Speakers: Karina Waller, Adam Trombley, Rick Whitbeck
Afternoon Break in Trade Show Room
Sponsored by: Simple View
Concurrent Sessions
Wait..what? A Review for Essential Employment Laws
Working with Tour Operators
Getting Found in an AI World
Web search results are being impacted by the use of generative AI, affecting business web traffic and sales. Learn from AI expert, C.A. Clark, VP of AI at Miles Partnership, on specific strategies and tactics on how to change your website strategy to meet the age of AI.
Speakers: C.A. Clark, Miles Partnership
How to Utilize YouTube for Small Business
Learn more about YouTube and how it can help your small business marketing efforts. Get a deeper understanding of trends, user base, and features as well as high level learning of SEO best practices, channel optimization and growth strategies.
Speakers: Annika Knutsen, Miles Partnership
Airline Travel Trends
Speakers: Eric Peterson, Jeff Sigmon
Emerging Tourism Leaders Networking Reception
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!
THURSDAY
OCTOBER 23
Hair of the Sled Dog: Mocktails & Breakfast Cocktails
General Session
Marketing Plan Presentation
Speakers: Tanya Carlson and Ruth Kimerer
General Session
Destination Development
Morning Break in the Trade Show Room
Sponsored by: Doyon Limited
Voice of the Membership
We want to hear from you! Share your priorities and feedback for ATIA.
Lunch Program: Cultural Tourism
Speakers: Stacey Simmons, Steven Sahlender, Kelsey Ciugun Wallace, Jordan Sanford
General Session: 5 for 5
Want a chance to introduce your business to ATIA Convention Attendees? Sign up for the new "5 for 5" event, where you'll get to come up on stage and have 5 minutes to present up to 5 slides about your business or product! Good PR starts at home. This is your chance to tell your story or pitch your product in front of your tourism industry peers. Tell us about your business in a quick and captivating 5-minute presentation. Presenters must sign up in advance and time slots are now full for this session.
Small Business Roundtables
Speaker: Kirk Hoessle, Alaska Wildland Adventures
DMOs & Chamber Roundtable
Join fellow DMO and Chamber leaders for a focused roundtable discussion, organized into dedicated groups for membership, marketing, and executive leadership. Connect, collaborate, and share insights with peers who understand your unique challenges and goals.
Moderator: Casey Ressler
ATIA Board of Directors Meeting and ATIA Foundation Board Meeting
Banquet Reception
Mix and mingle with your fellow attendees before the closing night Banquet.
Sponsored by: Fareharbor
Banquet
ATIA Awards Banquet & Advocacy Auction
Celebrate ATIA's 25th Anniversary by donning your best silver outfits.
After Party
Disco After Party: Transportation from 9-10pm provided by the Anchorage Trolley
Location: Wild Birch