Arts and Opportunity: Amplifying Tourism and Driving Growth

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Turning the Tide,” is scheduled for August 14-17, 2024, in Ocean City, MD. Topics will include discussions on how county governments are using innovative solutions to difficult budget problems. Learn more about one of these sessions below.

Tourism is an integral part of any local government’s economic development strategy. While not every county has waterfalls or mountains or beaches to draw in visitors, all counties have residents with talent they can showcase or the capacity to draw in visitors interested in exploring music, art, and social activities. Learn more about how some counties are creating tourism opportunities through the arts in the MACo Summer Conference session listed below:

  • Title: Arts and Opportunity: Amplifying Tourism and Driving Growth
    Photo courtesy of Plein Air Easton
  • Description: Today’s travelers seek more than a selfie or a plastic souvenir while sightseeing; they crave meaningful experiences. The arts play a pivotal role in delivering experiences that offer rich, immersive encounters for both residents and visitors alike. Music festivals, murals, and outdoor painting competitions are just some of the ways counties are connecting arts and tourism to entice visitors. Speakers will discuss how to provide unique local experiences, attract tourism, and spur economic revitalization and community pride.
  • Speakers:
    • Kristen Pironis, Executive Director, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
    • Kara Norman, Executive Director, Downtown Frederick Partnership
    • Marie Nuthall, Plein Air Easton Coordinator, Avalon Foundation
    • Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director, Maryland State Arts Council
  • Moderator: The Honorable Johnny Ray Salling, MD State Senate
  • Date/Time: Thursday, August 15, 2024; 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

You must be registered to attend – REGISTER TODAY!

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: