Over the weekend, 35 diverse speakers presented a universal message at Connect THRIVE Summit. That is—no matter where your destination, attraction, or service may be in its journey toward inclusivity, it’s a 365 days/year and 24/7 commitment.
Cocktails & Conversations sponsored by Kentucky Department of Tourism & Louisville Tourism
Sure, Kentucky has thoroughbreds. But they didn’t fit into the room, so they brought Bourbon instead.
David Downing, emcee, and Brian Boitano, keynote speaker, join
Chenelle McGee, Director of International and Group Sales, Kentucky Department of Tourism
Jessica Morgan, Director of Tourism Development, Louisville Tourism
“Say gay and say it all year long, not just in June for Pride Month or by slapping a rainbow logo on a piece of content.” — Tom Whitman, President, ION Marketing Group.
“Unless you’re authentic about the commitment, you’re going to come across as mercenary.” — José E. Arana Rodriguez, Marketing Manager, Discover Puerto Rico.
“It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s good business.” — Todd O’Leary, Vice President Marketing & Communications, Sonoma County Tourism.
“Our latest annual survey, a huge sampling of 15K people via hundreds of organizations, indicates that big city tourism is coming back fast.” — Thomas Roth, President, Community Marketing & Insights (CMI)
Generations coming into power next are not fearful of differences and diversity. I’m the most optimistic person…but silence is not an option.” — Nadine Smith, Executive Director, Equality Florida.
“Diversity isn’t only LGBTQ. Our bold rebrand, ‘Everyone Under the Sun,’ is short and simple to say, ‘we are the organization that invites people to visit us throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale.’ In both our leisure and group business advertising, Visit Lauderdale is also our call to action.” — Stacy Ritter, President & CEO, Visit Lauderdale.
“Begin by defining what DEI (a.k.a. belonging) feels like to you. And think of me as a resource for destination organizations.” — Sophia Hyder Hock, Chief Diversity Officer, Destinations International.
