CLAYTON, New York (February 24, 2016) – The New York State
Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) announced today that it will host the
2016 Empire State Tourism Conference, along with I Love NY, this coming May 2-4
at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton.
“It is an honor for the 1000 Islands region to serve as
host of this prestigious conference which will draw tourism professionals from
all corners of this great state,” shared Michael Folsom, Conference Chairman.
“By being in Clayton, this conference provides an ideal opportunity for the
region to shine and share with fellow NY tourist destinations that the 1000
Islands is an extraordinary place everyone should experience and enjoy.”
The 3-day conference will kick-off on May 2 with opening
remarks from NYS Senator Richard Funke (55th District), Chair of the
Cultural Affairs, Tourism, and Parks & Recreation committee, as well as a
presentation by I Love NY. Also on May 2, the 1000 Islands International
Tourism Council, a diamond level sponsor of the conference, will host evening
festivities which include a tour boat ride and reception at the area’s most
iconic attraction, Boldt Castle.
The theme of this year’s conference, “The Future is Now,”
will be complimented by a number of breakout sessions and panel discussions on
topics ranging from social media to audience targeting. Barbara Wold, an
internationally known speaker and authority to the retail, consumer,
hospitality and tourism industries with more than 40 years of firsthand
experience in management and marketing, will serve as keynote speaker, as will
Michael Johnson, Dean of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.
“NYSTIA is looking forward to highlighting the tremendous
assets of the 1000 Islands Vacation Region during our annual conference,” said
Jill Delaney, President and CEO of NYSTIA. “As New York State’s 4th
largest employer, tourism continues to drive the state’s economy, and our
conference is sure to further support that momentum with cutting-edge
educational programming and collaboration opportunities.”
Along with today’s announcement, a logo for the conference
has been introduced, providing branding recognition for the region as the host
site. The logo, created by Riverside Media of Clayton, features the 1000
Islands International Bridge connecting upstate NY to Canada, NYS Park’s Rock
Island Lighthouse, the Antique Boat Museum’s commuter yacht Zipper, and
a row of tall standing trees representing the landscape of the Islands. A blue
ribbon encompasses the lower portion of the logo symbolizing the majestic St.
Lawrence River.
To register for the conference or for more information,
visit www.nystia.org/estc. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting
Dawn Borchert at dawn@nystia.org.
About NYSTIA
NYSTIA is organized for the purposes of bringing together
New York State tourism industry interests to: advocate government policies and
programs which will strengthen the industry; to raise the level of
professionalism within the industry; to encourage the development of
cooperative relationships and partnerships among its members; and to raise
consumer awareness and appreciation of travel and vacation opportunities in New
York State.
