Agenda

Welcome to the Gulf Coast & Setting the Stage

12–2 p.m.: Sip & Shuck Oyster Cruise

• Kick off the conference with a one-of-a-kind Gulf Coast experience featuring fresh oysters, coastal views, and time to connect with fellow attendees.
• Optional pre-conference activity.

3–4 p.m.: Registration

• Check in, pick up conference materials, and get settled before the official program begins.
• Location: UTMSI

4–4:15 p.m.: Welcome & Launching the Lab: Objectives & Our Collaborative Commitment

• Official conference welcome and introduction to the Lab’s goals, shared objectives, and commitment to collaboration throughout the program.

4:15–5 p.m.: Turning Friction into Forward Motion: Radical Collaboration for Regenerative Destinations

• Keynote Speaker: Leslie Bruce, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
• Explore how destinations can move beyond traditional collaboration to create meaningful partnerships, overcome friction, and advance regenerative tourism.

5:15–7:15 p.m.: Opening Reception

• Connect with fellow attendees while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at a historic Port Aransas landmark.
• Location: Roosevelt's 1886 Bar Courtyard

Innovation Lab: Doing the Work of Regenerative Tourism

7–8 a.m.: Optional Sunrise Beach Cleanup or Yoga

• Start the day with an optional wellness or service activity along the Port Aransas coast.
• Choose between a sunrise beach cleanup or yoga on the pier/beach.

8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.: Registration

• Conference registration will remain open throughout the day.
• Location: UTMSI

8–8:30 a.m.: Morning Coffee, Light Breakfast & Networking

• Ease into the day with coffee, a light breakfast, and time to connect with fellow attendees before sessions begin.

8:30–9:30 a.m.: From Friction to Action: Putting Radical Collaboration to Work

• Speaker: Leslie Bruce, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
• Building on her keynote, Leslie will lead an interactive working session focused on turning collaboration into action. Through practical examples and small-group discussion, attendees will explore how to bring competing priorities together, build shared ownership, and identify concrete next steps they can take back to their own destinations.  

9:30–10:15 a.m.: The Economics of Sustainability

• Speaker: Matt Klug, Expedia/VRBO
• Explore the connection between sustainability and destination economics, including how evolving traveler expectations and industry trends can influence long-term growth.

10:15–10:30 a.m.: Networking Break

• Refresh, recharge, and continue conversations with fellow attendees.

10:30–11:15 a.m.: Global View of Sustainability: Best Practices Around the World

• Speaker: Amy Bjarnason, Destination Think
• Explore sustainability strategies and destination best practices from communities around the world.

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.: Lunch

• Take a break from the Lab and continue the conversation over lunch.
• Location: Grumbles Seafood Co.

1:15–2 p.m.: Turning Sustainability into a Cornerstone of Your Destination’s Story

• Speaker: Brianna Francis, VP Communications & Strategy, Madden Media
• Discover how sustainability can become an authentic and meaningful part of a destination’s brand story, messaging, and visitor experience.

2–3 p.m.: Sustainable Tourism Experiences Panel: Connecting the Dots of Community Engagement

• A collaborative discussion focused on creating sustainable tourism experiences through meaningful community involvement and partnerships.

3–3:15 p.m.: Networking Break

• Take a short break and connect with speakers and fellow attendees.

3:15–3:30 p.m.: Sustainability Certification Launch

• Introduction and official launch of the new sustainability certification initiative.

3:30–4:15 p.m.: Beachcombing Port Aransas Beaches

• Speaker: Jace Tunnell, Director of Community Engagement, Harte Research Institute

4:15–4:30 p.m.: Closing Remarks

• Recap key takeaways from the Innovation Lab and close out the day’s programming.

5:30–7:30 p.m.: Closing Party & Dinner

• Celebrate the connections, ideas, and momentum built throughout the conference with an evening of dinner and networking.
• Location: Lisabella’s