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The following is the schedule of events for MOF 2008. This schedule is subject to change without notice. Bookmark this page for future program updates, speaker information, and much more.
as of Thursday, October 23, 2008
Click on the hyperlinked dates below to jump to the schedule for the desired date:
Registration, sessions, & the Odyssey Awards Gala will be held in the Oregon Convention Center.
Click here to download the Pre-Conference Brochure pdf.
Monday, October 27, 2008
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11:00 am-5:00 pm
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Registration
The Registration Desk will be located in the Oregon Ballroom Lobby during the hours of:
Monday, October 27 - 11:00am 5:00pm Tuesday, October 28 - 7:15am 5:15pm Wednesday, October 29 - 7:30am 5:30pm Thursday, October 30 - 8:15am 9:00am |
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6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Sponsored by:


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Opening Evening Event - Experience Oregon and Portland Too!
At the Portland Art Museum
When was the last time a marching band heralded your arrival at an event? Been a while? Well, we can remedy that during an evening reception designed to introduce you to Oregon's culture from green and outdoorsy to creative and quirky. Step off the bus and step in time to the tunes of Portland's MarchFourth Marching Band. Then slip inside the elegant Portland Art Museum for a peek at culture both refined and raucous. We'll have all our favorite Oregon characters on hand, as well as great food, terrific entertainment and unrivaled Oregon wines. "Buses will depart at 5:30 pm; Attire snappy casual.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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7:15 am-5:15 pm
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Registration The Registration Desk will be located in the Oregon Ballroom Lobby during the hours of:
Monday, October 27 - 11:00am 5:00pm Tuesday, October 28 - 7:15am 5:15pm Wednesday, October 29 - 7:30am 5:30pm Thursday, October 30 - 8:15am 9:00am |
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7:30 am-8:00 am |
Continental Networking Breakfast |
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8:00 am-8:30 am |
Welcome Remarks
Speakers: Roger Dow, President & Chief Executive Officer, Travel Industry Association; Todd Davidson, Planning Committee Chair, TIA's Marketing Outlook Forum, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Oregon; Caroline Beteta, TIA's National Chair, President & CEO, California Travel and Tourism Commission |
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8:30 am-9:15 am |
The Economic Outlook and its Implications
Spiking oil prices, rising unemployment and falling home prices have been wreaking havoc with credit markets and make for an uneasy consumer. Can economic stimulus packages turn the tide of the business cycle? Based on objective leading indicators, this essential presentation offers a thought-provoking review of where we are in the economic cycle and what lies ahead for the U.S. and global economies — including the impact on leisure and business travel in the coming year.
Speaker: Lakshman Achuthan, Managing Director, Economic Cycle Research Institute |
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9:15 am-10:30 am |
Sustainability 360 - A Travel Industry Overview
With sustainability at the top of the industry's agenda, the travel business landscape is changing fast. Staying ahead of the curve requires dynamic leadership and systemic solutions that deliver solid financial, social and environmental results. Join us for a conversation with some of the travel industry's leading experts.
Hear case studies from American Express, Sabre Holdings and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts about their approaches to sustainability within their own companies, and for their customers. In addition, the TIA will provide a sneak peak of travelgreen.org, a website launching in early 2009. The site, designed to make crucial information about sustainability more easily accessible, can serve as a guide for the travel industry in its response to assuring sustainability in travel and tourism.
Moderator: Judy Tenzer, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, American Express Company
Panelists: Faith Taylor, Vice President, Innovation and Development, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts; Leilani Latimer, Director, Sustainability Initiatives, Sabre Holdings; Dr. Suzanne Cook, Senior Vice President, Research, Travel Industry Association |
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10:30 am-11:00 am
Hosted by:


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TIA Signature Events Coffee Break
Bring your favorite morning beverage, 2009 calendar and a pen to this special coffee break, where you will want to save-the-dates on your calendar to be sure to attend the industry's leading conferences and meetings. TIA's 2009 Signature Events include: TravelCom'09 on March 31-April 2 in Altanta, GA, TIA's International Pow Wow on May 16-20 in Miami followed by the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) this Summer and next year's Marketing Outlook Forum in October. Be sure to mark your calendars so that you do not miss out. Stay tuned for the announcement of locations and dates for ESTO and MOF. For more information on all of TIA's Signature Events, go to www.tia.org. |
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Concurrent Sessions I |
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11:00 am-12:15 pm |
The "Greening" of Travel - Two Steps Forward and One Step Back
The "greening" of travel is a complex topic, further complicated by consumer demand and potential supply chain issues, as well as government mandates. How can sustainable tourism be developed in the real world? What will it cost? How can your organization leverage this new reality to gain a competitive advantage? These issues and other tough questions will be addressed in this informative session.
Moderator: Brian Mullis, President, Sustainable Travel International; Mia Casey, Senior Vice President, Edelman; Darren Berg, Chief Executive Officer, MTR Western |
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11:00 am-12:15 pm |
Business Travel Trends
Based on the latest stats, this panel of travel industry executives will review the current state of business travel and discuss its expected strengths and weaknesses in 2009.
Moderator: Daphne Bryant, Foundation Director, National Business Travel Association Foundation
Panelists: Lisa Stanford, Advisor - Strategy, Policy & Compliance, ConocoPhillips; Doug Ducate, President & Chief Executive Officer, Center for Exhibition Industry Research; Michael W. Lyons, Vice President, Corporate Events & Travel Services, HSBC |
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11:00 am-12:15 pm |
International Inbound Travel and Emerging Markets
International inbound tourism has benefitted from the very weak dollar and pent-up demand, while new countries such as China and India are on the verge of exploding with potential outbound travelers. Are you taking advantage of this recovery and are you ready to handle this influx of new visitors? Join us as we explore the intricate nature of the inbound travel market and hear about the latest trends and forecasts. Find out on which countries you should focus your marketing efforts in the months and years ahead.
Moderator: Adam Sacks, Managing Director, Tourism Economics
Panelists: Helen Marano, Director, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries; Dr. Rich Harrill, Director, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center, University of South Carolina |
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11:00 am-12:15 pm |
Outlook for Attractions - Online Marketing/Social Media
Social media has completely changed the way we have traditionally looked at marketing. This panel will discuss successful examples of social media and cost-effective opportunities to drive attendance to your website.
Moderator: Andreas Sappok, Vice President & General Manager, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Speakers: Jon Schepke, Founder & President, Strategic Internet Marketing Partners; Fran Stephenson, Director, Communications, SeaWorld San Antonio |
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12:20 pm-1:30 pm
Sponsored by:

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Luncheon
Speaker: Terry Jicinsky, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
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1:35 pm-2:50 pm
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The Millennial Mindset
Dubbed the Millennials or Generation Y, those in their 20s and early 30s are digitally dependent, motivated differently than their Boomer parents, and are literally turning the business, political and social order upside down. Similarly, they approach travel decisions in non-traditional ways. Better get inside their heads—the Millenials are a major market opportunity. Join advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy in unraveling who these consumers are and how they travel. Take a look at their use of technology before, during and after trips, as well as effective methods to engage this audience.
Speaker: Drew Guiteras, Strategic Planner, Wieden+Kennedy |
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2:55 pm-3:25 pm
Hosted by:


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TIA Signature Events Coffee Break
Bring your favorite morning beverage, 2009 calendar and a pen to this special coffee break, where you will want to save-the-dates on your calendar to be sure to attend the industry's leading conferences and meetings. TIA's 2009 Signature Events include: TravelCom'09 on March 31-April 2 in Altanta, GA, TIA's International Pow Wow on May 16-20 in Miami followed by the Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) this Summer and next year's Marketing Outlook Forum in October. Be sure to mark your calendars so that you do not miss out. Stay tuned for the announcement of locations and dates for ESTO and MOF. For more information on all of TIA's Signature Events, go to www.tia.org. |
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Concurrent Sessions II |
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3:30 pm-5:00 pm |
Outlook for Hispanic Travel
The Hispanic/Latino population is the fastest growing minority segment in the U.S. According to the U.S. Census, the Hispanic/Latino population is currently estimated at 45.5 million with a projected growth to 47.8 million for 2010. This "minority" segment has the potential to be a very lucrative market for leisure travel. This session will present the overall findings of the new TIA Profile of Hispanic/Latino Leisure Travel which examines the leisure travel behaviors, preferences, and motivations of the Latino population living in the U.S. Additionally, learn about successful marketing initiatives used by some major corporations to address and grow their share of this vital market.
Moderator: Chris Cordova, President, CRC & Associates
Panelists: Barbara (Bobbie) Leflein, President, Latino Life Research; Wendy Kheel, Director, Consumer Insights, Universal Studios Hollywood; Andrea Blanco, Director, Hispanic Sales Strategy and Development, ESPN |
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3:30 pm-5:00 pm |
Outlook for Accommodations
Please join us for a STR report on the state of the lodging industry, some new learning on hotel guests' real feelings about "green" initiatives, and a presentation about one of the new and exciting "lifestyle" hotels, Cambria Suites. A "question and answer" session with the audience will also be conducted.
Moderator: Kevin Hanstad, Vice President, Customer Research and Insights, Carlson Hotels Worldwide
Speaker: Duane Vinson, Vice President, Smith Travel Research; William Edmundson, President, Cambria Suites |
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3:30 pm-5:00 pm |
Outlook for Travel and Shopping
Shopping, Dining and Cultural Tourism are the top three travel activities in America. Learn how innovative destinations of all sizes successfully market these passions through online dynamic packaging strategies to attract domestic and international travelers. Even in today's challenging economy, travelers are spending in luxury boutiques, quaint museum stores, mega-malls and factory outlets. Special preview of the new Shop America Travel Study.
Moderator: Rosemary McCormick, President, Shop America Alliance
Speakers: Susan Houck, Vice President, Marketing, Las Vegas Premier Shopping Places; Bonnie Carlson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Destination Bloomington Minnesota, the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Art Jimenez, Senior Director, Leisure Sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority |
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3:30 pm-5:00 pm |
Outlook for Attractions: Turning "Green" into Green
More and more, companies are realizing the importance of incorporating environmentally sensitive practices as a way to differentiate their product and impact their bottom line. Gather insight from our expert panel as they present case studies from their own attractions.
Moderator: Barbara Steinfeld, Vice President of Tourism Sales, Travel Portland and National Council of Attractions Board of Directors Member
Panelists: Jane Hartline, Marketing Director, Oregon Zoo; Debbie Friedel, Director, Sustainability, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts; Thomas See, Vice President, Sales, Universal Studios Hollywood |
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Reception 6:45 pm-7:30 pm
Gala 7:30 pm-9:30pm
in partnership with:

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TIA & National Geographic Traveler Presents the Odyssey Awards TIA and National Geographic Traveler for the third consecutive year are proud to present the Odyssey Awards. During this special evening, the best in the travel and tourism industry will be recognized for their outstanding marketing and advertising programs, public awareness initiatives and sustainable tourism efforts. This year's competition was especially high as the number of entries doubled over recent years. You'll have a chance to see firsthand what it takes to be called "the best." In the same evening, the travel industry will pay tribute to James "Jay" Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and former TIA National Chair. Mr. Rasulo will be inducted into TIA's Hall of Leaders, a distinction reserved only for those who demonstrate "sustained, noteworthy contributions that have positively impacted the travel industry, stimulated greater achievement, and raised industry-wide standards." Join us as we recognize and thank Mr. Rasulo for his many contributions to the industry, and celebrate excellence within the industry. |
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
TIA Salutes American Express as an Outstanding Leader in Travel Industry Sustainability

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7:30 am-5:30 pm
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Registration The Registration Desk will be located in the Oregon Ballroom Lobby during the hours of:
Monday, October 27 - 11:00am 5:00pm Tuesday, October 28 - 7:15am 5:15pm Wednesday, October 29 - 7:30am 5:30pm Thursday, October 30 - 8:15am 9:00am |
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7:30 am-8:00 am
in partnership with: |
Continental Networking Breakfast
TIA Salutes American Express as an Outstanding Leader in Travel Industry Sustainability |
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8:00 am-9:15 am
Sponsored by:

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Good Morning Marketing Outlook Forum: Meet the Leaders of the Travel Industry
Tune in for a morning conversation with a cross section of the industry's leading executives as they talk about the latest news, developments and trends in their respective businesses and segments, and the industry overall. More candid than your favorite morning television program, this session will also provide a sneak peak into the future, as the panelists predict what's coming next and share some of their plans. Stay tuned.
Moderator: Caroline Beteta, National Chair, TIA and President & Chief Executive Officer, California Travel & Tourism Commission
Panelists: Chuck Bowling, Executive Vice President, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino; Gary Sain, President, Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Jim Lewis, President, Disney Vacation Club, Kit Simon, Vice President, Partner Marketing, Orbitz Worldwide |
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9:15 am-10:15 am |
The Luxury Market - Outlook and Insights
Despite the state of the economy, luxury seekers are still traveling. Examine where they are going, what they are doing, and what they want. Most importantly discover how to tap into this elusive market.
Moderator: Mark Miller, Executive Strategy Director, Team One Advertising
Panelists: Bruce Himelstein, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, LLC; Milton Pedraza, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Luxury Institute, LLC |
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10:20 am-10:50 am
in partnership with: |
Networking Coffee Break
TIA Salutes American Express as an Outstanding Leader in Travel Industry Sustainability |
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Concurrent Sessions III |
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10:55 am-12:10 pm |
Outlook for Leisure Travel
For the most part, the events of 9/11 had minimal impact on domestic leisure travel. Expecting a significant downturn in leisure travel, destinations were able to breathe a sigh of relief when the industry found out how resilient leisure travelers are. Fast forward to 2008. The economic "pinch" has turned into a "punch" with leisure travelers hit on all sides by high gas prices, double-digit increases in the cost of food, disappearing airline flights, rising airfares, and a generally sour economy. How are leisure travelers adapting to this new environment and what are the impacts and opportunities for destinations?
Moderator: David Sheatsley, Director, Marketing Research, Travel Industry Association
Panelists: Dr. Greg Dunn, Vice President, Director of Insights, Ypartnership; Bob Sharak, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Distribution, Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.; Shirley Tafoya, President, North America & Senior Vice President of Sales, Travelzoo |
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10:55 am-12:10 pm |
Air Travel: Where Are We Headed?
In these times of airlines filing for bankruptcy, merges between "big carriers", and the removal of major routes to popular destinations, what is next for this ailing industry? Get the latest facts and forecasts from this critical sector of the travel industry.
Moderator: Joni Newkirk, Senior Vice President, Business Insight & Improvement, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
Panelists: Barbara Higgins, Vice President, United Contact Centers, United Airlines; Dr. Mike Tretheway, Executive Vice President & Chief Economist, InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. |
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10:55 am-12:10 pm |
Outlook for Destinations
Join leading destination marketers for an in-depth discussion of external events and new market trends affecting travel overall and to their destinations, new innovative marketing programs, and their outlook and plans for the future. Also, learn from the innovative sustainable tourism initiatives they have launched.
Moderator: Todd Davidson, Chief Executive Officer, Travel Oregon
Panelists: Susan Whitaker, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development; John Edman, Director, Explore Minnesota Tourism; Jeff Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer, Travel Portland; Joe D'Alessandro, President and Chief Executive Officer, San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau |
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10:55 am-12:10 pm |
Outlook for Attractions - Online Advertising
Are you confused by the advertising efforts of Google, Yahoo! And MSN? Do Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Clicks have your head spinning? This session will walk you though the ins and outs of online advertising with special emphasis on getting the biggest bang for your buck.
Moderator: Brian Wright, Director of Marketing, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc and National Council of Attractions Board of Directors Member
Panelists: Jeff Weibel, Vice President, Southeast Sales, Travel Ad Network; Dean Sullivan, Director, Lifestyle Marketing and Emerging Media, Busch Entertainment Corporation |
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12:15 pm-1:40 pm
in partnership with: |
Luncheon
TIA Salutes American Express as an Outstanding Leader in Travel Industry Sustainability
Presenter: Steve Faulstick, General Manager, Doubletree Hotel Portland -- Lloyd Center |
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1:45 pm-2:50 pm |
Fast Tracks
Explore trends and get answers to your questions from industry leaders at informational round table discussions on topics pertinent to your company's marketing efforts. Two sets of 30 minute concurrent sessions sponsored by some of the leading research, marketing and eBusiness companies, including:
- Entertainment Corporate Marketing Solutions- In this session we'll show you how to engage with your customers by leveraging local or destination discount offers targeted to support your marketing efforts.
- Ruf Strategic Solutions - Attend this session to learn how to use analytics to discover, acquire and retain your travel customers to market smarter in difficult economic times.
- simpleview - simpleview will showcase best-of-breed technologies for content management, customer relationship management and interactive marketing to cultivate new business opportunities and dramatically increase bottom line results.
- TNS - Become the destination of choice. TNS' combination of worldwide reach, and innovative technologies, can help you grow your visitation base, secure more conventions, and ensure your marketing efforts are effective.
- eBrains - Measuring and assessing online marketing options based on actual conversions to visit and ROI. Presented by the leader of measurable online visitor conversion for states and destinations
- JackRabbit - Travel Widgets upgrade the core functionality of destination websites. DMOs benefit from an improved end-user experience and incremental revenue; advertisers get qualified, targeted clicks.
- Yellowstone International -The travel planning process as well as the vacation experience has changed dramatically during recent years due to advancing technology. Learn how podcasts, consumer-generated media, and other new media can be used to promote your destination or business in today's changing landscape.
- Acxiom Travel & Entertainment - High performance marketing solutions made affordable. Learn how instant access to your customer data can help you optimize relationships across multiple properties while ensuring every dollar spent leads to greater campaign success.
- National Research Network - Very little research has been done to grade various hospitality providers on how they deliver on women traveler's particular needs. Our study highlights the companies that get it right and how to capitalize on this valuable market, whether they're traveling for business or leisure.
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1:45 pm-2:50 pm |
New Tools for Business Success
Learn how your organization can get ahead by leveraging three new TIA initiatives: National Attractions Barometer, discoverameria.com, and The Benefits of Travel. Jumpstart your success!
Moderator: Alisa Bailey, President & Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Tourism Corporation
Panelists: Patty Hubbard, Vice President, National Councils, Travel Industry Association; Dennis Petroskey, Senior Vice President of Communications, Travel Industry Association; Rebecca Pearson, Director, Content Strategy & Advertising, Travel Industry Association; |
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2:55 pm-3:25 pm
in partnership with: |
Networking Coffee Break
TIA Salutes American Express as an Outstanding Leader in Travel Industry Sustainability |
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3:30 pm-4:45 pm |
The NEXTgen Traveler
Ypartnership and PhoCusWright have partnered to co-author the "NEXTgen Traveler™," a provocative new study of how active travelers use emerging technologies to plan, purchase and now share information about their travel experiences . The study provides an in-depth examination of the lifestyles, travel preferences and media habits of this is remarkably mobile group of travelers that is defined more by their attitudes toward technology than their demography.
Speakers: Dr. Peter Yesawich, President & Chief Executive Officer, Ypartnership; Lorraine Sileo, Vice President, Research, PhoCusWright |
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4:50 pm-5:35 pm |
Marketing Outlook Forum Wrap-Up To get the most out of your Forum attendance, be sure to attend this highly-rated session that summarizes and synthesizes the outlook for major industry sectors, traveler segments and insights gained from Forum speakers. Delegates leave with a comprehensive recap of what's hot and what's not, and an informed appreciation of what lies ahead for the U.S. travel industry.
Speaker: Dr. Suzanne Cook, Senior Vice President, Research, Travel Industry Association |
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Open Evening |
Experience Portland - Dine Around
When the Food Network last year recognized Portland as the nation's "most delicious destination," local chefs, growers and food makers weren't surprised. The area's mild climate, long growing season and, yes, even its famous rain, make the region ideal for producing top-quality fruits and vegetables. But there's more
the region is also known for its Pacific Ocean ultra-fresh seafood, Oregon Pinot wines, Portland craft beers and artisan cheeses--all of which await you in Portland's restaurants.
To experience this culinary showcase, visit the Portland Information Booth, located in the Marketing Outlook Forum's registration area, where one of the visitor specialists will recommend a restaurant, make dining reservations for you or give you great "insider" information on things to see, do and experience in the region.
Visit the Portland Information Booth:
- Monday, Oct. 27 12:30-4:00 pm
- Tuesday, Oct. 28 9:30-5:00 pm
- Wednesday, Oct. 29 9:30-5:30 pm
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
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7:15 am-5:15 pm
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Registration
The Registration Desk will be located in the Oregon Ballroom Lobby during the hours of:
Monday, October 27 - 11:00am 5:00pm Tuesday, October 28 - 7:15am 5:15pm Wednesday, October 29 - 7:30am 5:30pm Thursday, October 30 - 8:15am 9:00am |
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8:30 am- 10:00 am
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10:30 am-12:00 pm
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Strategic Professional Development Sessions
In addition to the two full days of programming, we have added an additional half-day of strategic professional development sessions, free to MOF delegates. Join members of the renowned Walt Disney Parks and Resorts research team for practical and actionable sessions on "Measuring Program Success" and "Technology Applications for Travel Research". Each session will be held twice, with a break between each sessions so you can attend both!
Measuring Program Success Participants will learn about the approaches used to measure the success of marketing programs and other initiatives at Walt Disney World Resort. Using examples, the WDW team will discuss its measurement process, share critical success factors for measurement programs, present a variety of approaches used to evaluate program success, and offer thoughts on reporting results. Q&A and discussion with other participants will provide additional opportunities for sharing thoughts on how to evaluate tough-to-measure initiatives.
Presenter: Michael Robbins, Manager, Forecasting, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
Technology Applications for Travel Research Learn how Researchers at Walt Disney World Resort apply the latest methods and technology to efficiently gather data, while enhancing the Guest experience. Real examples will reveal ways to build trust and fully engage your customers as a prerequisite to gleaning key insights. Please bring your questions and also your own research experiences you can share with the group.
Presenter: Paul Caswell, Senior Manager, Research, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts |
Focus on the Future of Travel and register today.
Click here to lock in the special hotel rates. Guaranteed until September 29, 2008.
Please click here to return to the MOF Main page.

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