Transformational Tourism – Turning Today’s Opportunities Into Tomorrow’s Necessities

Tourism – a major economic driver in Maryland – looks very different now than it did a generation ago. Like many county service areas, tourism has experienced significant challenges and found new opportunities post-COVID.

A red barn next to a field of cornCounties across Maryland are embracing the new “work from anywhere“ corporate mindset, and hot new travel trends like eco– and agro-tourism have opened up a world of possibilities. The legalization of adult-use cannabis may also become its own factor in Maryland‘s tourism landscape. Focusing on emerging tourism industries and building a workforce to meet these evolving needs should be central to any county‘s economic development strategy.

Transformational Tourism – Turning Today‘s Opportunities Into Tomorrow‘s Necessities 

At the 2023 MACo Summer Conference panel, “Transformational Tourism – Turning Today‘s Opportunities Into Tomorrow‘s Necessities,” experts will discuss new trends in the tourism industry, exciting opportunities, and how to best leverage today‘s tourism to support the local economy. 

Speakers

  • Kelly Groff, President and CEO, Visit Montgomery (confirmed)
  • Terry Hasseltine, Executive Director, Maryland Sports Commission; President – Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland & Baltimore (confirmed)
  • Clint Sterline, Director, Parks and Recreation, Somerset County (confirmed)
  • Kristen Pironis, Executive Director, Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (confirmed)

Moderator: The Honorable Senator Steve Hershey (confirmed)

Date/Time: Thursday, August 17, 2023; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The 2023 MACo Summer Conference will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, on August 16-19. This year’s theme is “Where the Rubber Meets the Road.” More information can be found on our conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: