Tahoe Chamber, LTVA host joint Tourism Forum April 18

Tourism is a constantly evolving industry. Each year, the TahoeChamber and the Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority strive to keep our business community up to date on developing trends by hosting an Annual Tourism Forum.

This year’s forum is scheduled for April 18, 3:30-6pm in the Cabaret Theater at Harveys. Building off of last year’s presentations on local demographics, the 2013 Trends in Tourism Forum will cover the international guest along with service philosophies and what these culturally sophisticated visitors expect and demand.

The Forum will present two dynamic and highly coveted guest speakers. Caroline Beteta, President/CEO of Visit California and Board Chair of Brand USA will speak to international expectations. Beteta is responsible for implementing Visit California’s $50 million marketing plan.

She will share how those marketing efforts are being used to specifically target the international guest, what countries/cultures are they focusing on and which ones are we likely to see visiting our region in the coming years.

The second guest speaker, Denise Pirrotti-Hummel will be building on Beteta’s presentation to heighten the awareness of the changing visitor — one that is younger, as well as one that is more diverse ethnically and culturally. An overview of the services that appeal to a more global profile will be suggested as well as the Top Ten Tips of being aware, respectful, and accommodating to an ever increasing generationally and internationally diverse visitor.

After the forum, guests will have the opportunity to mix & mingle at the Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Harveys. The Business After Hours Mixer (BAHM!) will take place from 6-8:30 and will feature appetizers, drinks, raffle prizes and relationship building opportunities.

The Annual Tourism Forum is presented in partnership with TahoeChamber, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (TahoeSouth), the South Tahoe Alliance of Resorts (STAR), and El Dorado County. The Forum will take place in Harvey’s Cabaret Theater from 3:30-6pm, and will be immediately followed by a BAHM! at the Cabo Wabo Cantina.

Tickets to the forum are just $15 for members/$25 for prospective members and include entrance to the BAHM! Please reserve your space in advance at www.tahoechamber.org, email Emily@tahoechamber.org, or call Emily Abernathy at 775-588-1728 ext. 303.