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.
Scroll below the Program for the list of DMO Table Assignments.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
| Noon | Conference Check-in Desk open | Venice Foyer |
| 1:00 p.m. | Welcome to Travel & Words, Presentation by Visit Tacoma-Pierce County | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 1:30 p.m. | DMO Panel Discussion: Matt Wakefield, Visit Tacoma-Pierce County Dan Haag, Tillamook Coast Michelle Peters, Visit Lewis Clark Valley Carole Skeeters-Stevens, Travel Medford Moderator: Allen Cox | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 2:30 p.m. | Refreshment Break | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 2:45 p.m. | Meetup Appointments 1 – 8 | Venice 2 & 3 |
| 4:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 5:00 p.m. | FREE TIME | |
| 5:45 p.m. | Board bus for Welcome Reception | In front of hotel |
| 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | WELCOME RECEPTION: Our host destination, Visit Tacoma-Pierce County, invites you to enjoy a casual evening of beverages, food and camaraderie at the new Seven Seas Brewery tasting room on the waterfront in picturesque Gig Harbor. Transportation is provided. | Seven Seas Brewery, Gig Harbor |
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast, sponsored by Premier Media Group | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 8:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks Workshop sign-ups Sponsor presentation: International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 8:45 a.m. | Meetup Appointments 9 – 13 | Venice 2 & 3 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Refreshment Break, sponsored by Visit Lewis-Clark Valley | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 10:15 a.m. | Meetup Appointments 14-18 | Venice 2 & 3 |
| 11:30 a.m. | KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: “The City and the Sea” by Dean Burke, President & CEO, Visit Tacoma-Pierce County | Venice 3 & 4 |
| Noon | Lunch, hosted by Explore Wilsonville | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 1:00 p.m. | OFF-SITE ACTIVITY: You won’t want to miss this. With a wide selection of tours and a deep knowledge of the area, Pretty Gritty Tours has something for everyone, from ghosts to sweets to brews and more. They offer private and group tours year-round. Activity level: easy, with walking required. | |
| 3:30 p.m. | FREE TIME: Explore on your own and enjoy a complimentary visit to any or all of the following museums. Just show your Travel & Words name badge for free entry. – Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St. (15 min. walk from hotel) – Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave. (10 min. walk from hotel) – Foss Waterway Seaport Museum, 705 Dock St. (1 mile from hotel) – LeMay – America’s Car Museum, 2702 East D St. (1.5 miles from hotel) | |
| 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | WELCOME RECEPTION: You are invited to the Hotel Murano Lobby Bar for a private reception to enjoy complimentary beverages, food and camaraderie with the other Travel & Words attendees. Don’t miss it. Generously hosted by Hotel Murano. | Hotel Murano Lobby Bar |
Thursday, October 3, 2024
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast, sponsored by Premier Media Group | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 8:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks Sponsor Presentation: AMTRAK Cascades Special Presentation | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 9:00 a.m. | OPTION A: Workshop: “Discover Your Digital Path: Social Media Strategies for Travel Writers” by Kathryn Anderson | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 9:00 a.m. | OPTION B: Panel Discussion: “Publish Your Travel Book.” Published travel authors Matt Wastradowski, Dan Shryock and Lisa Maloney discuss their experiences in travel book publishing from concept to publication to marketing. Moderated by author Adam Sawyer. | Gallery (4th floor) |
| 10:00 a.m. | Refreshment Break, sponsored by Premier Media Group | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 10:30 a.m. | Meetup Appointments 19-26 | Venice 2 & 3 |
| 12:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks, 2025 Travel & Words Announcement | Venice 3 & 4 |
| 12:45 p.m. | Adjourn |
DMO Table Assignments
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