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| Hawaii // Photo by Joe Pike |
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is bringing a fresh approach to the annual Hawaii Tourism Conference, September 26-30, by expanding it to a weeklong event with a focus on a more interactive format that fosters engagement amongst attendees.
Hosted at the world-class Hawaii Convention Center, the theme for this year’s conference is “Transforming Tourism Together.”
HTA is bringing together leaders, visionaries, suppliers, operators, and policy makers in an innovative format of networking, sharing of best practices and discussion on topics ranging from cultural preservation, sustainability, the environment and education to enhancing the visitor experience. Technology will also be a common theme during the conference schedule.
This year’s new multi-track schedule will allow attendees to customize their conference experience by participating in pre-conference learning tours of the neighbor islands, and selecting the sessions, workshops and panels most relevant to their interests.
To help everyone stay connected, a custom Hawaii Tourism Conference app will be available with personalized scheduling, live audience polling and features that enable attendees to connect for one-on-one networking opportunities.
The centerpiece of the conference will be the Village Square, a high-profile common area where participants will congregate each day, encouraging collaboration and providing businesses with an opportunity to showcase their products and services in a highly visible setting.
A special highlight of the conference program will be the Tourism Legacy Awards, which will honor businesses and individuals making significant contributions to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture at a luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Surfing is the focus of this year’s awardees.