The primary focus of the Travel & Words conferences is to build productive connections between travel journalists and destination marketers. This takes the form of scheduled one-on-one meetings as well as plenty of casual networking opportunities. In addition, the program includes presentations by tourism experts, workshops, a guided tour and hosted evening receptions.

Monday, Sept. 28, Event Center

Check in 3 – 6 p.m.

Conference check-in at registration table, Event Center lobby.

Dinner 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Welcome reception and dinner, hosted by Skagit Valley Tourism

Tuesday, Sept. 29, Event Center

Breakfast 7 -8 a.m.

Hosted by Premier Media Group

Welcome 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Welcome & opening comments

Keynote Presentation 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Keynote Presentation: “The Future of Travel: Transformative for People, Regenerative for Place, Viable for Destinations,” Jake Haupert

Break 9:30 – 10 a.m.

Hosted by Premier Media Group

Meetups 10:30 a.m. – noon

DMO-Journalist Meetups

Lunch noon – 1 p.m.

Hosted by Premier Media Group

Media Workshop 1 – 2 p.m.

“Travel Photography Best Practices,” by Levi Clark

DMO Workshop 1 – 2 p.m.

“Designing Transformational Experiences,” by Jake Haupert

Break 2 – 2:30 p.m.

Hosted by Premier Media Group

Meetups 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

DMO-Journalist Meetups

Wrap Up 4:30 – 5 p.m.

Wrap up and closing comments

Dinner 5:30 p.m.

Meet in hotel lobby for transportation to the evening excursion and dinner, hosted by Skagit Valley Tourism.

Wednesday, Sept. 30, Event Center

Breakfast 7 – 8 a.m.

Hosted by Premier Media Group

Welcome 8 – 8:30 a.m.

Welcome and opening comments

Meetups 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

DMO-Journalist Meetups

Break 10:30 – 11 a.m.

Hosted by Premier Media Group

Meetups 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

DMO-Journalist Meetups

Closing 12:30 – 1 p.m.

Closing Comments, Adjourn