Agenda

SEE 2023 was jam-packed with new insights, engaging speakers, and of course, a fun offsite activity.

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  • 3:00pm – 6:00pm MT

    Registration

    Get ready with us for a jam-packed three days!


    4:00pm – 6:00pm MT

    Headshot Zone

    Don’t leave your headshot up to AI! Snag fresh captures with our onsite photographer and stop worrying if your
    hands look real.


    5:00pm – 6:00pm MT

    Happy Hour Reception

    Kicking around after checking in? Join us on the second floor Atrium for a casual happy hour welcome, sponsored
    by Connect Travel.


    7:00pm – 10:00pm MT

    Welcome Reception

    Reconnect with old pals and make new ones! It’s time to celebrate the beginning of SEE 2023. Snack, groove,
    network!

  • 8:00am – 9:00am MT

    Breakfast


    9:00am – 10:30am MT

    Welcome, CrowdRiff Keynote & Panel

    Coffee in hand, we’ll start the day with a welcome from the CrowdRiff team, a look ahead at the future of visuals, and in true SEE fashion, a framework for you to get started in your own destination.

    Expect to hear from industry colleagues, short-form video pros, and some familiar CrowdRiff voices.

    Dan Holowack


    10:30am – 11:00am MT

    Building Your Short-Form Video Strategy

    Ready to action everything short-form video but not sure where to start?Renowned marketing consultant Mary Nice will dive into the power of short form video in destination marketing, and where it’s headed.

    Learn how destination makers (like you!) can use short form video develop an authentic connection with your followers, visitors, and locals!

    Mary Nice


    11:00am – 11:30am MT

    Coffee Break

    Top up that java! Sponsored by Simpleview.


    11:30am – 12:45pm MT

    The Paradox of AI: Harnessing its Potential while Mitigating Risks in the Digital Marketing Landscape

    The AI revolution is transforming the landscape of search engines, marketing, and SEO, offering unprecedented opportunities for those who can skillfully harness its potential. However, the proliferation of AI also introduces significant risks, particularly for those not well-versed in this technology or who fail to utilize the appropriate models for specific tasks. AI dangers stem from bad actors exploiting this technology and the unintended consequences of improper implementation.

    In this captivating talk, Britney delves into the dynamic world of AI, sharing her unique insights and expertise on machine learning while highlighting the importance of knowledge and discernment in navigating both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents.

    Britney Muller


    12:45pm – 1:45pm MT

    Lunch


    1:45pm – 2:45pm MT

    Authentic Storytelling: Black Travel in Virginia

    Virginia is home to the longest continuous experience of Black culture in the country. We acknowledge our complicated history and uplift the stories that for too long were not told. It is our unique role as marketers to highlight authentic stories that promote inclusive destinations. We’ve accomplished this by centering Black creators and giving them space to share their personal experiences as the Heart and Soul of Virginia.

    Liza Mickens & Taylor Paul


    1:45pm – 2:45pm MT

    ABC’s of Data Literacy

    Many of us feel obligated to become instant data experts, but are secretly uncomfortable with the basics–what does “data” really mean, and how do we actually master the key skill of data literacy? Get the quick start guide to how to understand and communicate data. Leave with confidence in how to deal with the data in your life,including Big Data.

    Kristin Thompson


    1:45pm – 2:45pm MT

    Work Smart Not Hard: A Guide to Content Gathering and Strategizing

    The best content happens at the intersection of strategy and creativity. Learn tips and tricks on how to gather great content around your region, then learn how to build a strategy around your content to achieve the best results. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot easier than you think. This session is great for anyone looking to build and optimize their digital content, especially if you are dipping your toes into photography or short-form video.

    Nate Riggs & Ashley Pettay


    2:45pm – 3:00pm MT

    Coffee Break

    Follow for follow social media networking break


    3:00pm – 3:30pm MT

    Short-Form Video Showdown

    Get ready for a showdown of visual creativity as three destination marketer contestants go head-to-head to create short-form videos live on stage.

    Each participant will have limited time to produce a video that combines a captivating narrative and stunning visuals from local creators. This event promises to ignite your imagination as you discover their techniques,insights, and best practices to enhance your own creative endeavors.


    4:15pm – 6:00pm MT

    Denver Graffiti Tour

    Let’s hit the streets of Denver’s historic RiNo Arts District to find out why the city is known as the street art capital of the US.

    On this guided walking tour we’ll learn the rich stories behind some of the city’s best murals, graffiti, and street art, as well as their historical, political, and social contexts.


    6:30pm – 10:00pm MT

    Denver Milk Market

    We hope you’re hungry, ‘cause we’re off to the Denver Milk Market!

    Located in the heart of downtown Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, this renowned destination is an all-local, all-wonderful mix of unique food and beverage.

  • 8:00am – 9:00am MT

    Breakfast


    9:00am – 10:00am MT

    The Destination Makers Panel

    Moderator: Wendy Olson Killion
    Panelists: Cody Chomiak, Zane Buchanan, Kathryn Shea Duncan


    10:00am – 11:00am MT

    Travel Content Across Google

    How can DMOs take full advantage of tools to help bring their destination to life on the web? Join this unmissable session hosted by Google to learn how they’re addressing user needs for travel and building visual content to help travelers discover where to go next.

    Farah Shirzadi


    11:00am – 11:30am MT

    Coffee Break

    Top up that java! Sponsored by Simpleview.


    11:30am – 12:30pm MT

    How Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Developed the World’s Most Innovative User Generated Trip Planner

    With a significant post-COVID travel surge on the horizon, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism wanted to be prepared to offer the best possible guest experience. Armed with a clear understanding of pain points, they developed a best in class online trip planner. This session will discuss the insights gathered from over 60,000 trips planned using the tool.

    Jeremy Roche & Samantha Reid


    11:30am – 12:30pm MT

    How CrowdRiff Can Support Your DEI Initiatives With Inclusive Imagery

    Learn how CrowdRiff can bolster your organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts through inclusive imagery.

    This session will delve into the power of diverse representation in visual content and explore how you can use CrowdRiff’s features to curate and promote inclusive visuals in your online marketing. Discover practical strategies to enhance DEI communications, engage diverse audiences, and build a more inclusive brand.

    Auston Matta


    11:30am – 12:30pm MT

    GA4 for DMOs: Google Analytics 4 Basics

    Unpacking the new landscape of website measurement with Dana Wacker.

    Dana Wacker


    12:30pm – 1:30pm MT

    Lunch


    1:30pm – 2:30pm MT

    Maximize UGC to Appeal to the Sustainable and Wellness Traveler

    Discover how Visit Corpus Christi harnessed UGC to elevate wellness and sustainable experiences. We’ll cover everything from content needs based on sustainable development goals, to utilizing CrowdRiff for UGC discovery. In this session we’ll uncover inspiring stories of sea turtle hatchlings, yoga experiences, plant-based dining, and more.

    Savannah Garza


    1:30pm – 2:30pm MT

    The Anti-Performative Approach to Social Media

    You can’t simply throw up a rainbow profile picture in June and call your destination an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

    Why we approach social media content with an anti-performative and always-on approach to showcasing and sharing authentic stories from all communities, people and experiences.

    Andy Kutcher


    1:30pm – 2:30pm MT

    Changing Traveler Behavior for Good

    Wouldn’t it be amazing if destinations had more ways of influencing traveler behavior? What if DMO professionals had ways to influence the choices that visitors make, the ways in which they spend their time at the destination or even the food choices they make?

    Roll up your sleeves and join behavioral scientist Milena Nikolova for a workshop that will show that visitor behavior can be changed. You will learn how to influence the hearts and minds of visitors, and what tools you have at your disposal to do that. A fun lab will engage you in testing the effects of visual content on traveler decision making, and will equip you for behavior-smart destination communications you can start practicing immediately.

    Milena S. Nikolova


    2:30pm – 3:00pm MT

    Coffee Break

    Follow for follow social media networking break


    3:00pm – 3:30pm MT

    Final Keynote: We Remain

    In this closing keynote address, Sarah Ortegon will share the importance of respecting indigenous people and places. Sometimes it is a somber ask, to respect places like Maui in their time of need. She will discuss how vital it is to give our areas time to heal, like a wound: we would not pick and prod if it was on our skin. Communities are asking for time and resources to be poured back into the places we love to visit,  and to give respect to the areas that need it most. Diversity and equity is sometimes one of the hardest things to apply to our world of consumerism.

    Sarah Ortegon Highwalking