Event Info | Social Media Toolkit

Sponsored by Gray Media

In an unpredictable business landscape, the ability to adapt, lead, and thrive is a competitive advantage. Resilience@Work is a high-impact experience designed for you and your team who want to build agile, high-performing teams that don’t just survive change—but leverage it for growth. This session will provide the following key takeaways:
• Future-proof your organization by developing the mindset, skillset, and willpower your team needs to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities.
• A Research-Backed, Actionable Approach – drawing from the State of Working America – Thriving in Resilience and Brilliance that blends cutting-edge insights with real-world application.
• Elevate team motivation and engagement through targeted, data-driven strategies.
• Well-being Optimization: Enhance productivity by fostering a culture of mental, emotional, and professional resilience.
Featured Speaker: Simon T. Bailey, Professional Speaker and Author

Join us for our networking luncheon where we will dive into the TTA Annual Business Meeting - the business of YOUR association, and we'll celebrate the bright minds of tomorrow by announcing the Texas A&M University college scholarship winners and the Daniel J. Decker scholarship award winner. Seize this chance to learn more about TTA, meet new people, and build lasting connections with your peers.

*Texas A&M University College Student Scholarship Awards sponsored by Natural Bridge Caverns

Take a front row seat as Travel Texas spotlights FY25 highlights and previews the marketing strategies shaping FY26. From advertising, marketing, PR and research & development to standout results from the Tourism Friendly Community Certification program, this session will provide important details to stay in the know about statewide efforts promoting tourism

Speaker: Tim Fennell, Tourism Director, Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism and Nate Gieryn, Tourism Deputy Director, Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism

Sponsored by AJR Media Group
As our industry continues to change, travel brands must adapt to a new set of consumer expectations. In this session, Craig Compagnone, President of the Americas for MMGY Global, reveals the latest in traveler sentiment to illustrate how shifting behaviors and digital acceleration are transforming every stage of the traveler journey.  From demands for personalization and experience to how AI-driven is reshaping search, this session offers a look at what creates relevancy in a new era of travel.

Speaker: Craig Compagnone, President, MMGY Global Americas

Travel in Transition: National Insights & Texas Market Performance
Room 214A
This presentation shares key findings from Expedia Group’s latest research, offering a deep dive into what drives today’s travelers—from motivations and spending habits to evolving expectations. It also includes a focused look at the latest Texas and U.S. travel data, providing a clear picture of how Texas is performing in a competitive national landscape.

Speaker: Matt Klug, Senior Regional Manager of Business Development for North America, Expedia Group Media Advertising

Mastering Digital Storytelling: Practical Tips for America’s 250th and Beyond
Room 214B
This roundtable session will empower Texas DMOs, hotels, and attractions with practical digital storytelling strategies—drawing inspiration from the Smithsonian’s trusted content approach—to help them stand out in a crowded market. It will also connect storytelling to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, positioning Texas tourism brands as part of the national narrative in 2026.

Speaker: Jaime Duffy, Travel Sales Director, Smithsonian Media

Money Talks (And We’ll Teach You Its Language)
Room 214C
Think numbers are dry? Think again. Finance is full of stories, surprises, and opportunities hiding in plain sight. Join us as we break down financial concepts into approachable, practical insights—helping you not just ‘get the numbers,’ but actually enjoy working with them.

Moderator:  Julie Hart, President & CEO, CFO by Design
Panelists: Margo Richards, Sr. Vice President, Lower Colorado River Authority; Keith Minick, President, Cinnamon Shore; and Diann Bayes, How Big is Texas

Game On! The Beautiful Game Comes to Texas
Room 214D
This panel session will focus on the World Cup from the perspective of a Host Committee and a Destination Marketing Organization.  You’ll leave with an understanding of how the Houston and DFW metro areas will take on the awesome responsibility of hosting a total16 games in Texas along with practical information about what DMO's and businesses in the state can and cannot do during the games in Texas.

Moderator: Jorge Franz, SVP of Tourism and Industry Relations, Houston First Corporation
Panelists: David Brady, Chief of Staff, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host
Committee and Matt Wilson, Senior Vice President of Sports & Events, Arlington CVB

Sponsored by Tripadvisor
Last year, Texas Travel “Jeoparty” made its debut — and it was a huge hit! The energy, the laughs, and the friendly competition had everyone talking long after the session ended. This year, we’re bringing it back for round two, hosted once again by Tripadvisor.

Think you know Texas like the back of your hand? It’s time to prove it! Texas Travel Jeoparty will test even the most seasoned Texans with questions about quirky state facts, iconic landmarks, and hidden travel gems. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just a proud Texan, this lively event is for you.

Grab your friends, bring your A-game, and get ready for trivia, laughs, and bragging rights — Jeoparty-style!

Sponsored by Dallas Cowboys Football Club/AT&T Stadium

Join us as we bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to a career dedicated to excellence and innovation, and the Tall in Texas Award, celebrating a towering presence with outstanding contributions to the industry. We will also shine a light on the stars of tomorrow with the Rising Star Award, honoring the ambition and promise of up-and-coming talent. And, we will commemorate the rich cultural tapestry of our industry with the Heritage Award, recognizing those who have enriched the heritage of and made a lasting imprint on the Texas travel industry.

We’re thrilled to announce that J.B. Sauceda of Texas Country Reporter will serve as the emcee for the evening, bringing his signature storytelling style and Texas pride to this unforgettable celebration.

Don't miss this celebration of passion, dedication, and the enduring spirit of the travel and tourism industry where you can help us honor the past, present, and future of tourism excellence.

Let’s be honest—our "peopling" skills are a little rusty. After years of Zoom calls and sweatpants, the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and networking might sound about as appealing as a dentist appointment. We default to small talk, stick with the people we already know, and collect business cards we’ll never look at again. But what if networking could actually be fun, natural, and, dare we say… effective?

In this highly interactive workshop, leadership expert and author Melissa Majors will help you shake off the networking cobwebs and show you how to:
• Break out of your clique (without the awkwardness) and connect beyond your usual circle.
• Use smarter tools to swap contact info effortlessly—because it’s 2025, and we can do better than business cards.
• Have deeper, more meaningful conversations—even with people you already know.
• Practice real networking in real time—this isn’t just a lecture; it’s a networking event within a networking event.

This isn’t about stale icebreakers or collecting the most LinkedIn connections—it’s about learning how to build real relationships that actually move your career forward.

If networking has ever felt forced, exhausting, or just plain awkward, this session is for you. Show up, shake off the rust, and leave with connections that matter. Your future self (and your career) will thank you.

Keynote Speaker: Melissa Majors, Consultant, Coach, and Author