Schedule
Celebrate TourismSchedule
August 4: Pre–Summit Social
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Red Stag Restaurant & Bier Garten at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater
170 Malin Drive, Wytheville, VA 24382
https://www.wohlfahrthaus.com/the-matterhorn-restaurant
We invite all summit attendees to join us on Monday, August 4 th for the Pre-Summit Mix and Mingle at The Red Stag Restaurant & Bier Garten, located at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. This is a free event that will include light fare and select beverages with a cash bar also available. We hope you will join us the evening before the summit for a casual evening of networking, socializing, and catching up with colleagues from throughout the region. The Mix and Mingle event is free to attend but please register via the Eventbrite link.
August 5: 6th Annual Celebrate Tourism Summit
8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Wytheville Meeting Center
333 Community Blvd, Wytheville
8:00 AM
Doors Open & Registration
Grab your name tag, some coffee, and get ready to connect with tourism partners from across Southwest Virginia!
8:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Let’s kick things off with energy and inspiration as we set the tone for a day focused on marketing, storytelling, and celebration. Special Welcome for the Town of Wytheville and Virginia Tourism Corporation.
9:00 AM
Keynote Speaker: Are You Ready for the Search Revolution? SEO Best Practices in the Age of AI
Get ready for a powerful keynote from digital marketing strategist Sarah Benoit as she dives into meaningful, mission-driven destination marketing and AI.
10:00 AM
Break & Networking
Refill your coffee, mingle with fellow attendees, and get ready for a jam-packed morning of insights.
10:15 AM
Hotel Trends & Travel Insights: Panel Discussion
Hear directly from regional hotel leaders about what’s changing, what’s working, and what’s next in the lodging landscape.
Panelist include:
- Wirt Confroy, Director of Business Development for Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Kimberly Christner, Cornerstone Hospitality
- James Houchins, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Patrick County
- Nick Patel, Raga Corp President
11:15 AM
Research & Destination Marketing Deep Dive with Virginia Tourism Commission
Join Dan and Lindsey from VTC as they share the latest travel trends and how you can plug into state marketing efforts to elevate your local impact.
Speakers include:
- Dan Roberts, Vice President of Research & Strategy for Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Lindsey Norment, Brand Director for Virginia Tourism Corporation
12:00 PM
Tourism Ambassador Program Peview
Discover how one Virginia community is building local pride and visitor engagement through their new regional Tourism Ambassador Program.
Lisa Meriwether, Tourism Manager for City of Danville
12:30 PM
Lunch Break
Enjoy a delicious lunch and connect with colleagues new and old.
1:00 PM
2025 Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards Ceremony
Presented by Friends of Southwest Virginia
Celebrate the best of the best in tourism across our region—from standout marketing and events to leadership and service. Let’s recognize the incredible work being done in SWVA!