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
Public Lands Forum
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!
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 Government 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
ATIA Annual Members Meeting / Voice of the Membership
Connect with colleagues, friends, and new partners to share challenges, opportunities, and ideas with ATIA leadership.
Sponsored by: The Mat-Su
Networking Break in the Trade Show Room
Sponsored by: Explore Skagway
Tails & Trails - Where Dog Mushing and Tourism Meet
Speakers: Jeff King, Paige Drobny, Matt Failor, Tekla Butcher-Monson
Moderator: Liz Failor
Lunch Program
Alaska Cruise Update
Moderator: Renée Limoge Reeve, CLIA
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
Partnering with Influencers: Best Practices & Marketing Strategies
Speaker: Kailee Stickler, Lesli Olson, Carly Padrta
Sustainability
Speaker: Cathy Renfieldt
Alaska Tourism Research Roundup
Speaker: Heather Haugland
Convention with Alaska's Congressional Delegation State Directors
Speaker: Karina Waller, Adam Trombley, Rick Whitbeck
Afternoon Break in Trade Show Room
Sponsored by: Visit Anchorage
Concurrent Sessions
Effective HR Strategies for Small Businesses
AI Search Strategies
Airline Update
Small Business Funding Solutions
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
Split General Session
General Session 1: Cultural Tourism
General Session 2: Destination Development
Morning Break in the Trade Show Room
Legislative Panel
Lunch Program: Travel Alaska Marketing Plan
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! As our sponsor for this event, Thompson & Co, says: 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 Roundtable
AGA Business Roundtable
DMOs & Chamber Roundtable
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
Join us for the culmination of the ATIA convention at our Awards Banquet and Advocacy Live Auction.
After Party