USCHMC to speak 'IITA SUMMIT 2026'

I’m pleased to share that International Inbound Travel Association’s 2026 Summit will feature an education session I’m presenting alongside two outstanding colleagues: Helen Marano, Founder of Marano Perspectives, and Sally Berry, Tourism Director for GreatLakesUSA and Cruise the Great Lakes.

Our session—“Community-Led Experiences: Turning Local Pride into Inbound-Ready Product”—is designed for destinations, inbound operators, and partners who are working to develop experiences that are both authentic to residents and ready for international markets. We’ll share practical frameworks for moving from “great local ideas” to clear, packaged, and bookable products that align with travel trade expectations while staying true to place.

Together, we’ll explore proven approaches to:

• Community listening and stakeholder alignment

• Experience design, storytelling, and respectful representation

• Packaging and operational readiness (seasonality, group-readiness, service standards, and reliability)

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The session takes place Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during the IITA 2026 Summit at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls.

Full Press Release Found Here