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| TravMedia Summit North America 2024 |
The TravMedia Summit is part of TravMedia's IMM (International Media Marketplace) North America, the leading media networking event for the travel industry.
The stellar line-up of media personalities and industry thought leaders included Emmy Amard-winning Keynote Speaker Michael Brown, the documentary filmmaker of weightofwater.com.
"We were honored for Michael Brown to share his personal story of summiting Mount Everest five times and taking the first blind climber to the summit. Michael's story is awe-inspiring for all of us storytellers," said Nick Wayland, CEO and Founder of TravMedia.
The TravMedia Summit brought travel professionals together to discuss the industry's trends, challenges, and opportunities.
The Summit presenters dove into top-of-mind issues: A.I., podcasting, content for streaming, the changing media landscape, destination marketing that works, sustainability, and a conversation with top travel editors.
A.I. Best Practices was moderated by Will Seccombe, President of Revolution Strategy. Panelists included Ross Borden (CEO and Founder, GuideGeek, Matador Network), Kara Franker (CEO, Visit Estes Park), and Tomiko Harvey (Digital Marketer, Passports & Grub). They discussed how A.I. will impact the travel planning process; A.I as disruptor, enhancer, and expander; and how do PR Pros and journalists join or beat A.I. in the marketplace.
To Podcast or Not to Podcast highlighted why a destination or tourism business should have its own podcast, how long it takes to pull off an audio campaign; what are podcasting's strengths and weaknesses compared to other media; and is it too late to start podcasting. The moderator was Gary Arndt, Producer and Host of Everything Everywhere. Panelists included Kristen Bonilla (Public Relations Manager, Visit California), Chris Christensen (Podcaster, Amateur Traveler), Danielle Desir Corbett (Podcaster and Podcasting Coach, The Thought Card & Road Trip Ready), and David Segura (CEO, Glassbox Media).
Travel Content for Streaming Platforms examined the role of linear television, how audience demographics changed the way travel content is programmed, how pitching to morning shows and network producers changed, and how to approach travel content for PBS. The moderator was Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, CBS News. Panelists included Kathy McCabe (Host and Executive Producer, Dream of Italy, Dream of Europe on PBS); Mary Ann Zoellner (Director of Media Relations & Communications, MazzyStar Productions); and Lulu Chiang (Vice President, Digital Content, ABC News), via a recorded segment.
In the afternoon, The Changing Media Landscape was moderated by journalist Sucheta Rawal. Topics ranged from what kind of travel stories we will see in 2024 and beyond to if you had a crystal ball to look at the future of travel media, what you see. Panelists included Maureen Littlejohn (Freelance Journalist, Executive Editor, Culture Magazine), Theresa Medoff (Lead Editor, AAA Club Alliance), and Taryn Scher (The Sparkle Boss, TK PR).
Destination Marketing That Works was moderated by Heather Wyatt, Senior Communications Advisor of CLIA. Panelists included Lei-Ann Field (Senior Director, Public Relations & Communications, Hawaiʻi Tourism United States), Kristina Nyström (Head of Partnerships & Global Campaigns, Visit Sweden), and Súsanna Sørensen (Marketing Manager Leisure and PR, Visit Faroe Islands). They shared how they are approaching sustainability, overtourism, and their carbon footprints – along with how they work with media and influencers.
Next up was the From Sustainable & Regenerative to Conservation & Stewardship panel moderated by Rob Holmes, Founder & Chief Strategist of GLP Films. It spotlighted the expertise of Gisele Abrahão (Regional Representative, Mato Grosso do Sul Tourism Board), Julie Andersen (Global Director, Brand & PR, PADI Worldwide), and Shannon Guihan (Chief Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation). They answered burning questions about challenges holding back progress, strategies and tactics to help destinations reach their sustainability goals, what big changes destinations would like to see, and calls to action.
The final panel of the day was Slam with Travel Editors: Get the Inside Scoop, expertly moderated by Andrew Nelson, Travel Writer and Educator, NatGeo Travel and the Wall Street Journal. He was joined by panelists Jacqui Agate (North America Travel Editor, Wanderlust), Becky Blaine (Editor, The Points Guy), Allyson Johnson (Executive Editor, NatGeoBooks), and Josh Rivera (Travel Editor, USA Today). They answered top-of-mind questions about story angles that resonate with readers, their positions on A.I., earned media versus commercial opportunities, and how they use press releases and press trips to research stories.
The day concluded with celebratory beverages from the Cocktail Reception partner, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, where they showcased their regional wine to all networking delegates.
The TravMedia Summit is the forum for the travel industry to connect and learn from our most influential leaders. The one-day conference brings together travel and tourism PR Professionals, editors, and travel writers to inspire ideas, share insights, and discuss the trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting our industry. Presented the day before IMM, The TravMedia Summit attracts A-list media from North America's top publications, including CNN Travel, BBC Travel, and Travel + Leisure.
For more information about The TravMedia Summit and speakers, visit travmedia.com/immnorthamerica.
* Kim Grant at kim.grant@travmedia.com
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