Annual Convention & Trade Show Schedule

Registration and Trade Show Set Up

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!

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!

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