CONFERENCE PROGRAM. September 17-20, 2018 Isleta Resort & Casino Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo courtesy of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

Transcription

1 CONFERENCE PROGRAM September 17-20, 2018 Isleta Resort & Casino Albuquerque, New Mexico Photo courtesy of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

2 t 1 CONFERENCE WELCOME SHERRY L. RUPERT Board President, AIANTA On behalf of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, Inc. (AIANTA) Board of Directors and staff, we welcome you to the 20th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) at the Isleta Resort & Casino, the beautiful homelands of the Pueblo of Isleta. It is an exciting period of growth for AIANTA as we continue to offer additional resources, opportunities and initiatives to tribes in tourism. The 20th AITC is designed to share the details of that work with you. We give thanks to our host Tribe for the opportunity to hold our conference here and to experience the Pueblo of Isleta people and traditions. Our outstanding speakers are what make this year s program so exceptional. Our appreciation goes out to all of our speakers for participating and sharing their expertise. We also thank each of our generous partners and sponsors. We urge attendees to take advantage of every opportunity to visit with our sponsors and network with fellow professionals during the breaks and receptions. The regional meetings hosted on Tuesday provide time for your input into your region s priorities, particularly this year as AIANTA collectively works to lay the groundwork to ensure implementation of the NATIVE Act and in the years to come. We are at a pivotal point in our work to build capacity in Indian Country utilizing the tool of cultural tourism, and we want to make sure the interests and priorities of your region are recognized. We are thrilled to have you here at AITC, helping us to achieve this goal and drive the conversation forward. Let s once again share our collective knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for Indian Country Tourism! INDEX Welcome 1 Conference Committee AIANTA Regions 2 Our Partners 3 General Information 5 Check-in AIANTA Lounge Media Room Reminders Evaluations Isleta Conference Center Floor Plan 5 Schedule-At-A-Glance 7 Conference Program 6-14 S M I L E Photos will be taken Images are the property of AIANTA and may be used for promotional purposes in both electronic and print formats

3 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE AIANTA REGIONS 2 PLANNING COMMITTEE AIANTA BOARD Sherry L. Rupert Committee Chair, Board President Rachel Moreno Vice-President James Surveyor At-Large Representative Emerson R. Vallo Southwest Region Representative Mario Fulmer Alaska Region Representative Crystal Holtz Midwest Region Representative AIANTA STAFF Camille Ferguson Executive Director Hannah Peterson Development Director Monica Poling Public Relations & Media Manager Sandra Anderson IT & Website Development Coordinator Sherrie L. Bowman Education & Events Specialist Gail E. Chehak Outreach Coordinator Ariel Richardson Administrative Assistant HOST COMMITTEE Sherrie L. Bowman, Chair Tammy Abeita Annette Baca Mary Chavez Gail E. Chehak Prudy Correa Melvin Juanico Ron Martinez-Looking Elk Russell Pedro Victor Sanchez Harry Sandoval, Jr. Tina Whitegeese EASTERN Alabama Arkansas Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Mississippi North Carolina New Hampshire New Jersey New York Rhode Island Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Virginia Vermont West Virginia SOUTHWEST Arizona Colorado New Mexico Nevada Utah DOWNLOAD THE APP Download the official AITC Conference app, ed by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians For quick access to the schedule plus additional resources and tools to enhance your event experience, download the AITC App. 1 Open the App Store (Apple or Google Play) 2 Search for Yapp. 3 Download, Install, Open Yapp. 4 Touch the + located at the top corner of the screen and enter the code AITC PLAINS Kansas Montana Nebraska North Dakota Oklahoma South Dakota Texas Wyoming MIDWEST Iowa Illinois Indiana Michigan Minnesota Missouri Ohio Wisconsin PACIFIC California Hawaii Idaho Oregon Washington ALASKA Visit my.yapp.us/aitc on a mobile device or scan this QR Code to be guided through the install process.

4 3 THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS TURQUOISE LEVEL LAPIS LEVEL Tuesday Lunch Wednesday Lunch Gala Dinner ONYX LEVEL OPAL LEVEL AIANTA Lounge Opening Reception Mobile Application Wednesday Breakfast 2019 Preview Reception Media Room AMETHYST LEVEL Gala Entertainment Thursday Lunch Performance Performance Name Badge Performance Video Production JASPER LEVEL WWW Tuesday Morning Break.FORTMCDOWELLDESTINATION. COM Tuesday Afternoon Break FOR THE CAUSE CONTRIBUTORS AMERIND Risk Management The Cultural Traveler DETOURS Native America Wednesday Morning Break Wednesday Afternoon Break Thursday Morning Break GALA TABLE SPONSORS Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Brad Gravelle/Raymond James Sandia Resort and Casino, Pueblo of Sandia Transportation GOLF SPONSORS Isleta Resort & Casino Albuquerque Forklift Real Time Solutions

5 THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS 4 EXHIBITOR LEVEL 106 Group American Indian Chamber of Commerce NM American Journal Arizona Office of Tourism BIA Division of Capital Investment Haak u Museum, Pueblo of Acoma Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Grand Canyon University Indian Arts and Crafts Board Inn of the Mountain Gods Luxe Pricing Muckleshoot Casino Native American Art Magazine Navajo Nation Tourism Department ARTISANS Adrian Wall, Jemez Annabelle Wilson, Navajo Birchbark Direct, Anishinaebe/Ojibwe Claudia Mitchell, Acoma Delaine & Rick Spilsbury, Shoshone Duane Tawahongva, Hopi Dzabahe Jewelry, Navajo Eldrick Seoutewa, Zuni Gilbert Waconda, Laguna Gloria Begay, Navajo Hickey Productions, Osage/Shawnee Holly Sanchez, Acoma JJ Native Arts, Navajo Kevin Quannie, Hopi-Navajo Mae Mallahan, Navajo Marilyn McReeves, Navajo Marilyn Ray, Acoma Mary Quintana, Santo Domingo Navajo Parks & Recreation Department Nevada's Indian Territory Paragon Casino Resort Pearl River Resort Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce Pinnacle Bank Shirtsink Kuleana Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Suquamish Tribe Tribal Print Source Tse Bighanilini Tours LLC Twin Arrows Casino Resort Visit Cherokee Nation We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center McCabe Arts, Navajo Mitch Battese, Potawatomi Osavio Crispin, Santo Domingo Pamela Coriz, Santo Domingo Paul Herrera, Jr., Cochiti Paul Johnson, Laguna Prudy Correa, Acoma Ray Tenerio, San Felipe Ricardo Caté, Santo Domingo Rudy Coriz, Santo Domingo Shiny Moon Creations, Oneida/Navajo Sydney and Arlene Nez, Navajo Talking Leaves, Navajo Tarahumarara Baskets, Tarahumarara Tewa Tees, Santa Clara Tony & Wilma Purley, Laguna Virginia Garcia, Santo Domingo NEW! AITC PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS Must complete four sessions from the following any of the following tracks v Tourism Foundations Appropriate for Participants in the Development Phase v Tourism Product Launch Appropriate for Participants Launching, Growing or Enhancing Tourism Product(s) v New Market Development Appropriate for Participants Expanding Product Development or Launching in New Markets v Tourism Basics Appropriate for all Participants Must complete one session in any of the following tracks v Tourism Planning v Tourism Trends

6 5 GENERAL INFORMATION CHECK-IN Grand Foyer Name Badges sponsored by Chickasaw Country Mobile App sponsored by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Monday, September 17 Tuesday, September 18 Wednesday, September 19 Thursday, September 20 3:00 pm- 6:30 pm 7:00 am- 5:00 pm 7:00 am- 5:00 pm 8:00 am-noon AIANTA LOUNGE GRAND BALLROOM A ed by Arizona Office of Tourism AV TECH SUPPORT GRAND FOYER Technicians are available for computer assistance: Tuesday, September 18 7:00 am- 5:00 pm Wednesday, September 19 7:00 am- 5:00 pm Thursday, September 20 8:00 am- Noon INTERNET ACCESS WiFi is provided by Isleta Resort & Casino. There is no password necessary. MEDIA ROOM Rio Grand Room ed by Paragon Casino Resort CONFERENCE VIDEO PRODUCTION ed by NativeFlix REMINDERS Your name badge is your meal ticket and grants entry into all sessions and meal functions. Please have it with you at all times. Please silence cell phones and tablets as a courtesy to all. Cell service is limited in some areas. Hotel check-out is at 11 am. Make arrangements with the hotel for storing your luggage. Conference staff cannot store bags. Speaker presentations will be posted to aitc2018.com post-conference. EVALUATIONS Conference evaluations will be available for each session on the mobile app. An overall conference evaluation will be available online for all participants post-conference. ISLETA CONFERENCE CENTER FLOORPLAN

7 CONFERENCE PROGRAM MONDAY - TUESDAY 6 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 17 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 3:00 pm-6:30 pm Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Welcome Reception (Grand Ballroom B,C) ed by Pueblo of Isleta and Isleta Resort & Casino TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 7:00 am-5:00 pm Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) 7:00 am-8:00 am Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A) 8:00 am-10:00 am Breakfast Welcome Comments (Grand Ballroom B, C) Recognizing AIANTA s 20 Years of Accomplishments Color Guard by Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Association Welcome Messages by Governor J. Robert Benavides, Pueblo of Isleta and City of Albuquerque Mayor Timothy M. Keller Special Session Department of Commerce and Department of Interior Memorandum of Understanding Signing with AIANTA Tara MacLean Sweeney, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior; Michael Platt, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce; Camille Ferguson, Executive Director, AIANTA Keynote Address 20 Years of Tourism in the USA Joe Garcia, Southwest Area VP, National Congress of American Indians Regional Regalia Sharing 10:00 am-10:30 am Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A) ed by Inn of the Mountain Gods Presentation by Laguna/Hopi Buffalo Group Presentation sponsored by Eastern Band of Cherokee 10:30 am-noon BREAKOUT SESSIONS A1: Tourism Basics: How to Understand and Benefit from Domestic and International Tribal Tourism Research and Data (Sunrise) Speakers: Rick Cain, Vice President, Longwoods International USA Inc; and Julie Heizer, Deputy Director, National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce A1: Tourism Basics: How to Understand and Benefit from Domestic and International Tribal Tourism Research and Data (continued) Rick will speak about the dynamics of Indian American Communities visitors and highlight the differences of these travelers compared to the national average. This discussion will include the state of origin, activities experienced, transportation and accommodations used, how the trip was researched and booked, travel party size, who was in the travel party, use of social media on the trip and spending on the trip. Julie Heizer will set the stage for this year s AITC with an overview of the importance of international inbound tourism to our economy. Hear what s happening with international arrivals and spending. Learn specifically about key markets for AIANTA. Learn why your organization should be part of the international marketing efforts being led by AIANTA, and think about how your participation could make a big difference in how Indian Country is perceived in the international marketplace. A2: Tourism Product Launch: Global Good Practice Guidelines for the Travel Industry Working with Indigenous Communities (Manzano) Speakers: Seleni Matus, Executive Director, International Institute of Tourism Studies, The George Washington University; Anna Barrera, Owner, A2B Consulting; Mario Fulmer, Visitor Program Manager, Alaska Native Voices and AIANTA Board Member, Alaska Region; Lee Vale, Business Development and Operations Manager, Alaska Native Voices Previously, the travel industry lacked guidelines for developing tours, contracting, operating and marketing travel experiences that are in line with individual Tribal goals and cultural sensitivities while respecting their decision-making processes. The result of this effort, the Indigenous People and the Travel Industry: Global Good Practice Guidelines, can be used by any travel company including tour operators, hotels, travel agencies, and cruise lines wishing to offer experiences with indigenous communities. In this session, you will receive a copy of the guidelines and learn how to implement them to ensure your business relationships, tours, and experiences are developed and operated in an ethical and respectful manner that honors your community s traditions and values. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12

8 7 SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Monday, September 17 3:00 pm-6:30 pm 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) Opening Reception (Grand Ballroom B,C) Hosted by Pueblo of Isleta and Isleta Resort and Casino Tuesday, September 18 7:00 am-5:00 pm 8:00 am-10:00 am 10:00 am-10:30 am 10:30 am-noon Breakout Sessions Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A; until 8 am) Blessing Breakfast General Session (Grand Ballroom B,C) Color Guard By Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Association Welcome Messages by Governor J. Robert Benavides, Pueblo of Isleta and City of Albuquerque Mayor Timothy M. Keller Memorandum of Understanding Signing AIANTA with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Department of the Interior Keynote Speaker Joe Garcia, Southwest Area Vice President, National Congress of American Indians Regional Regalia Sharing Break with Exhibitors sponsored by Inn of the Mountain Gods (Grand Ballroom A) Presentation: Laguna/Hopi Buffalo Group; ed by Eastern Band of Cherokee A1 Tourism Basics: How to Understand and Benefit from Domestic and International Tribal Tourism Research and Data (Sunrise) A2 Tourism Product Launch: Global Good Practice Guidelines for the Travel Industry Working with Indigenous Communities (Manzano) 12:15 pm-1:30 pm Lunch General Session sponsored by Navajo Nation Tourism Department (Grand Ballroom B,C) 1:45 pm-3:15 pm Breakout Sessions A3 New Market Development: How to Work with Tour/Receptive Operators and Developing Itineraries and Tour Packaging (Bosque) Initiatives for the Future Tom Udall, U.S. Senator, State of New Mexico (Video Message); Lenna Aoki, General Counsel, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (HI); Rick May, Senior Advisor, Secretary of the Interior, Department of Interior; LeRoy Gishi, Chief, Division of Transportation Office, Office of Indian Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs A4 Tourism Trends: Best Practices for RV Parks and Campgrounds (Sunrise) A5 Tourism Basics: Create a Managed Tourism Program (Manzano) 3:15 pm -3:45 pm Break with Exhibitors sponsored by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation (Grand Ballroom A) Presentation: White Mountain Apache Spirit Dancers; ed by Oneida Nation of Wisconsin 3:45 pm-5:00 pm Regional Meetings Southwest Region (Grand Ballroom C) Eastern Region (Grand Ballroom B) Plains Region (Rio Grande) 6:00 pm-7:30 pm 2019 AITC Preview Reception (Seminar) ed by Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Business Enterprises Wednesday, September 19 7:00 am-5:00 pm Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) Break with Exhbitors (Grand Ballroom A; until 8 am) Midwest Region (Bosque) A6 Tourism Planning: Tribal Tourism and Public Lands: Opportunities and Resources for Collaboration (Bosque) Pacific Region (Manzano) Alaska Region (Sunrise) 8:00 am-10:00 am Breakfast General Session sponsored by Choctaw Country (Grand Ballroom B,C) Tourism Industry Reflecting on the Past and Building on our Future through Tourism Roger Dow, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association (Video Message); Aaron Wodin-Schwartz, Vice President, Public Policy, Brand USA; Julie Heizer, Deputy Director of Industry Relations, National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. Department of Commerce Director s Report Camille Ferguson, Executive Director, AIANTA

9 SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE 8 Wednesday, September 19 10:00 am-10:30 am 10:30 am-noon Breakout Sessions Noon-1:00 pm 1:00 pm-1:45 pm 2:00 pm-3:15 pm Breakout Sessions B1 Tourism Foundations: Building Remote Sustainable Adventure Tourism (Sunrise) Lunch General Session (Grand Ballroom B,C) ed by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation Department B2 Tourism Product Launch: How to Tell Your Story through Traditional and Non-Traditional Media (Manzano) Past, Present and Future - Presidents Address Speakers: First AIANTA President, Joan Timeche; Sherry L. Rupert, Board President, AIANTA B3 New Market Development: Understanding the Profile of International Visitation to Indian Country (Bosque) Tribal Executive Leadership Round Table (Grand Ballroom B,C) Moderator: Travis Owens, Board Member, AIANTA; Panelists: Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association; Chris James, President and CEO, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development; Sherry L. Rupert, Board President, AIANTA B4 Tourism Trends: Tourism Development as a Tool for Food Sovereignty (Sunrise) B5 Tourism Basics: Innovative Ways to Attract Visitors and Learn Why and How to Claim your Webpage on NativeAmerica.travel (Manzano) 3:15 pm -3:45 pm Break with Exhibitors sponsored by Quileute Oceanside Resort (Grand Ballroom A) Presentation: Cellicion Dance Group (Pueblo of Zuni); ed by Tribal Solutions Group 3:45 pm-5:00 pm Breakout Sessions 6:00 pm-7:00 pm 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Thursday, September 20 8:00 am-noon 8:00 am-8:45 am 8:45 am-10:15 am Breakout Sessions B7 Tourism Planning: How to Assess and Manage Risk (Sunrise) 2018 AITC Silent Auction Viewing (Grand Ballroom A) B8 Tourism Foundations: Media is the Mediator between Tourism & Society: Editorial Content vs. Marketing, Promotions & Advertising (Manzano) Enough Good People Awards Gala & Silent Auction (Grand Ballroom B, C) ed by Pueblo of Sandia Moderator: James Surveyor, Board Secretary, AIANTA Entertainment: The JIR Project Band sponsored by Navajo Parks and Recreation Department Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) Breakfast (Grand Ballroom B,C) C1 Tourism Trends: How to Participate in the Shared Tourism Economy through Airbnb (Sunrise) C2 Tourism Basics: Learn the Benefits of Working with Receptive Tour Operators (Manzano) 10:15 am -10:45 am Break with Exhibitors sponsored by Visit Albuquerque (Grand Ballroom B.C) 10:45 am-12:15 pm Breakout Sessions Break with Exhibitors ed by Port Madison Enterprises (Grand Ballroom A) Presentation: White Apache Mountain Spirit Dancers C4 Tourism Planning: Tourism & Economic Development Planning Case Studies (Sunrise) C5 Tourism Planning: Tribal Tourism Funding Opportunities Panel (Manzano) 12:15 pm-2:00 pm Lunch General Session (Grand Ballroom B,C) ed by Tribal Business Journal Keynote Speaker: Ladonna Harris, (Comanche) Founder and President, Americans for Indian Opportunity Removing of the Colors By Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Association Closing Remarks and Drawing (Must be present to win) B6 Tourism Foundations: Tourism 101 Country (Bosque) B9 Tourism Planning: Transportation and Tourism: Access is Everything (Bosque) C3 Tourism Basics: Laying the Legal Foundation Part 1 (Bosque) C3 continued Tourism Basics: Laying the Legal Foundation Part 2 (Bosque)

10 9 CONFERENCE PROGRAM TUESDAY TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 10:30 am-noon BREAKOUT SESSIONS A3: New Market Development: How to Work with Tour/Receptive Operators and Developing Itineraries and Tour Packaging (Bosque) Speakers: Catherine Prather, Executive Vice President, National Tour Association; Donovan Hanley, Owner, DETOURS Native America Please join Donovan Hanley and Catherine Prather as they help you understand who tour and receptive operators are and how you can leverage relationships with them to bring more visitors to your destination, attraction, hotel or restaurant. It is all about working smarter, not harder, by partnering and collaborating on building itineraries and networking to build connections. Donovan and Catherine will share stories and perspectives to help you connect the dots to your own business and learn how working with tour and receptive operators will benefit you. 12:15 pm-1:30 pm Lunch General Session (Grand Ballroom B, C) ed by Navajo Nation Tourism Department INITIATIVES FOR THE FUTURE Speakers: Tom Udall, U.S. Senator, State of New Mexico (Video Message); Lenna Aoki, General Counsel, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (HI); Rick May, Senior Advisor, Secretary of the Interior; LeRoy Gishi, Chief, Division of Transportation, Bureau of Indian Affairs 1:45 pm-3:15 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS A4: Tourism Trends: Best Practices for RV Parks and Campgrounds (Sunrise) Speakers: Michael Ochs, Director of Governmental Affairs, Recreational Vehicle Association; Terry Heslin, State Recreation and Transportation Lead, New Mexico State Office, Bureau of Land Management Industry research shows that 89 percent of consumers purchase RVs to go camping; so that means 445,000 of the 500,000 RVs shipped JUST last year will roll up or have already rolled up to many of your campgrounds this year. There is an excellent opportunity to capture more of this market and generate revenue by adding more modern RV-accessible campsites and providing amenities the current and next-generation RVers desire. (Continued) A4: Tourism Trends: Best Practices for RV Parks and Campgrounds (continued) The demographic of the next generation of RV camper is evolving and includes a diverse mix of age, ethnic, and racial groups, and both urban and rural residents, and is shifting expectations about the use and enjoyment of parks and campgrounds. They love the outdoors and want to experience our iconic lands and waters, but they are also attracted to high quality amenities the RV industry provides in today s RVs and prefer modern camping accommodations at their favorite destinations. RV-associated stays within National Park Service campgrounds have declined from over 4.5 million overnights in the early 1980s to only 2.5 million overnight stays in During the same period, RV shipments and sales have grown dramatically, and both state and private campgrounds are reporting significant increases in RV overnight stays. Campground modernization and expansion is desperately needed across the country to accommodate the demand of today s RV consumer. This expansion will help to increase recreational access, address backlogged maintenance and modernize deteriorating assets, including RV campgrounds. A5: Tourism Trends: Create a Managed Tourism Program (Manzano) Speakers: Susan Guyette, Ph.D., Santa Fe Planning & Research; Theodore (Ted) Jojola, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Regents Professor, Community and Regional Planning Program, School of Architecture + Planning, University of New Mexico Managing tourism takes people, time and specific resources. Benefits to the managed tourism approach include increased community gains and minimized negative impacts. Tourism produces optimal benefits when a management structure coordinates or oversees all aspects of a Tribe s tourism planning, developing businesses and activities, as well as promoting and evaluating tourism success. In this practical workshop, you will learn the process of creating a tribal tourism program through unifying tourism offerings, planning and implementing programs to manage visitors and coordinating tourism amenities. Discover strategies for working with tribal government, as well as ways to fund your tourism program. A packet of tools for creating your tourism program will be provided. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12

11 CONFERENCE PROGRAM TUESDAY - WEDNESDAY 10 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18 1:45 pm-3:15 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS A6: Tourism Planning: Tribal Tourism and Public Lands: Opportunities and Resources for Collaboration (Bosque) Speakers: Donald Leadbetter, Tourism Program Manager, National Park Service; Reed Robinson, Manager, National Park Service Tribal Liaison Officer (Acting); Angela West, National Program Lead, Tourism & Community Service, Bureau of Land Management; Toby Bloom, National Program Manager for Tourism, Travel and Interpretation, U.S. Forest Service; Kaisa Barthuli, Program Manager, National Park Service Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program Successful tourism planning and product development requires coordination of range of components, from a trained and prepared workforce to adequate infrastructure and transportation. Cultural heritage tourism seeks to attract visitors that want to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. For tribes, it often includes the management of tangible and intangible assets, such as man-made and natural environments, artifacts, oral traditions, social practices, music and dance, culinary practices, handcrafts and visual arts. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior are home to a range of programs, resources and potential partnerships that tribes can consider in the process of tourism development. Opportunities include grant and loan programs at USDA that support infrastructure development; tribal heritage preservation grants from the National Park Service; partnership opportunities within the Bureau of Land Management s new Travel and Tourism Action Plan and other technical assistance programs and tribal consultation processes. Join representatives from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service for a discussion about resources available from the agencies. The discussion will include national programs, such as technical assistance and grant opportunities, as well as specific examples of tribal tourism collaboration at the destination/community level. The session will also include information about the NATIVE Act and the results of its passage. 3:15 pm-3:45 pm Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A) ed by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Presentation by White Mountain Apache Spirit Dancers Presentation sponsored by Oneida Nation of Wisconsin 3:45 pm-5:00 pm AIANTA REGIONAL MEETINGS Alaska Region (Sunrise) Eastern Region (Grand Ballroom B) Midwest Region (Bosque) Pacific Region (Manzano) Plains Region (Rio Grande) Southwest Region (Grand Ballroom C) 6:00 pm-7:30 pm 2019 AITC Preview Reception (Seminar) ed by Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Business Enterprises WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19 7:00 am-5:00 pm Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) 7:00 am-8:00 am Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A) 8:00 am-10:00 am Breakfast General Session (Grand Ballroom B, C) ed by Choctaw Country Director s Report Camille Ferguson, Executive Director, AIANTA Keynote Presentation Reflecting on the Past and Building on our Future through Tourism Speakers: Roger Dow, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association (Video Message); Aaron Wodin-Schwartz, Vice-President, Public Policy, Brand USA; Julie Heizer, Deputy Director of Industry Relations, U.S. Department of Commerce National Travel and Tourism Office

12 11 CONFERENCE PROGRAM WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 10:00 am-10:30 am Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A) ed by Port Madison Enterprises Presentation by White Mountain Apache Spirit Dancers 10:30 am-noon BREAKOUT SESSIONS B1: Tourism Foundation: Building Remote Sustainable Adventure Tourism (Sunrise) Moderator: Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, Visiting Professor, Hospitality and Tourism, Virginia Tech University; Speakers: Jon Panamaroff, CEO, Kodiak Brown Bear Center; Christina Beckmann, Senior Director, Strategy & Impact, Adventure Travel Trade Association This breakout session will explore sustainable tourism development in remote areas. Including a focus on the development of a distinctly tribal sustainable tourism destination/product in Kodiak, Alaska. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center, located on Kodiak Island Alaska, is owned and operated by Koniag, Incorporated, an Alaska Native corporation made up of and for the Alutiiq (Ah-LOO-tik) people. Kodiak Island has provided a home and sustenance for the Alutiiq peoples for approximately 7,500 years. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center is located on Camp Island, located in the center of Karluk Lake, the largest lake on Kodiak Island. The Kodiak Brown Bear Center is a rich example of sustainable tourism development that continues Alutiiq heritage and stewardship. B2: Tourism Product Launch: How to Tell Your Story through Traditional and Non-Traditional Media (Manzano) Speakers: Levi Rickert, Publisher/Editor, Native News Online; Chris Schroeder, CEO, Real Time Solutions According to Reclaiming Native Truth: A Project to Dispel America s Myths and Misconceptions, a report released in June, American Indians and Alaska Natives are still in 2018 largely misunderstood by their fellow Americans. This session will examine how Native people must tell their own narratives through traditional and non-traditional media. As an American Indian journalist, Levi Rickert, who serves as publisher and editor of Native News Online and editor of the Tribal Business Journal, will discuss the importance of effectively using the media through the tourism industry help to change the myths and misconceptions in Indian Country. 10:30 am-noon BREAKOUT SESSIONS B3: New Market Development: Understanding the Profile of International Visitation to Indian Country (Bosque) Speakers: Chrystal Denys, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Services, American Embassy, London; Luisa Salomoni, Commercial Specialist, U.S. Commercial Services, U.S. Consulate, Milan Would you like to attract more European visitors? Are you ready for them? Join us to learn the outbound trends for two key European arrivals markets: Italy and the United Kingdom. Commercial Specialists Luisa Salomoni of the U.S. Consulate in Milan and Chrystal Denys of the U.S. Embassy in London will speak about their markets and will give information that impacts your strategy to attract Italian and British tourists. They will also discuss information sources that you can use (for free!) to understand the market and to vet potential partners. 12:00 pm-1:00 pm Lunch General Session (Grand Ballroom B, C) ed by Navajo Parks and Recreation Past, Present & Future - President s Address Joan Timeche, First AIANTA President; Sherry L. Rupert, Board President, AIANTA 1:00 pm-1:45 pm Tribal Executive Leadership Roundtable (Grand Ballroom B, C) Panelists: Ernie L. Stevens, Jr., Chairman, National Indian Gaming Association; Chris James, President and CEO, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development; Sherry L. Rupert, Board President, AIANTA 2:00 pm-3:15 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS B4: Tourism Trends: Tourism Development as a Tool for Food Sovereignty (Sunrise) Speakers: Toni Stanger McLaughlin, JD, Director of Tribal Governance, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, University of Arkansas School of Law; Colby Duren, Policy Director and Staff Attorney, Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, University of Arkansas School of Law; Charlie G. Sark, Indigenous Tourism Strategist, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) (continued)

13 CONFERENCE PROGRAM WEDNESDAY 12 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19 2:00 pm-3:15 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS B4: Tourism Trends: Tourism Development as a Tool for Food Sovereignty (continued) Beginning and established farms, ranches and value-added food businesses have used agritourism as a means to increase income, stabilize land uses, expose the public to unique food items, provide family and group adventures and experiences, and generally create new economic opportunities. The opportunities are endless and varied: wineries, farm stays, agricultural tours, music festivals with food involved, seasonal activities, rural community revitalization tours, guest ranches, hunting and fishing trips, and all manner of day, weekend or longer adventures. What each of these activities have in common is the need for careful business planning and execution, accommodation of and preparation for liability and legal exposure, and a solid analysis of how such activities play a part in overall food sovereignty in Indian Country. Sark is a trained Indigenous Chef. He will be presenting on a recent process to organize and gather Indigenous Chefs, restaurant owners and food harvesters in Canada. He will discuss their collaborative design to develop a voice to ensure support for existing culinary offerings, to create growth opportunities and to create a means to authenticate indigenous businesses. B5: Tourism Basics: Innovative Ways to Attract Visitors and Learn Why and How to Claim Your Webpage on NativeAmerica.Travel (Manzano) Speakers: Sandra Anderson, IT & Web Development Coordinator, AIANTA; Joseph Robertson, PhD, CEO/Data Scientist, Mato Ohitika Analytics LLC NativeAmerica.travel provides information on stellar Native American experiences such as American Indians and Route 66 and Ojibwe Cultural Workshops to Thriving on the Bayou and Acoma Pottery and the Four Matriarchs. As part of this breakout session, you will be introduced to this powerful marketing tool and learn how you can include your tribal tourism product and/or tribe on the website. This will be a step-by-step hands on workshop. Please bring your laptop to get your tourism attraction, accommodation and destination on NativeAmerica.travel. The session will provide instruction on how to create a user profile within NativeAmerica.travel, how to incorporate images, how to use the interactive map along with other tools within the website including the voice recorder and Itinerary Builder. 2:00 pm-3:15 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS B6: Tourism Foundations: Tourism 101 (Bosque) Speaker: Dr. Kristin Lamoureaux, Visiting Professor, Hospitality and Tourism, Virginia Tech University What makes our destinations special is also what brings people to them. Partnerships with other tribes, local communities and destinations are the cornerstone to tourism development. This session will include an overview of tourism in general, as well as the specifics of tourism in Indian Country. Discussion to include: how to develop products and services that are targeted at the local, regional and international markets most interested in Tribal Tourism; and how to create partnerships without losing your identity. Open to questions, comments and sharing of best practices. 3:15 pm-3:45 pm Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A) ed by Quileute Oceanside Resort Presentation by Cellicion Dance Group (Pueblo of Zuni) Presentation sponsored by Tribal Solutions Group 3:45 pm-5:00 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS B7: Tourism Planning: How to Assess and Manage Risk (Sunrise) Speaker: Derek Valdo, Chief Executive Officer, AMERIND Risk This session will discuss the need for adequate insurance for your business, giving you a knowledge of insurance that will empower you to assess and optimize your current program, and ensure its alignment with your corporate strategy. It will cover topics such as claims, human resources, workplace safety, protecting Tribal governments and business programs. AMERIND Risk, founded 31 years ago, is the only 100 percent tribally owned and operated insurance provider committed to Indian Country. B8: Tourism Foundations: Media is the Mediator Between Tourism & Society: Editorial Content vs. Marketing, Promotions & Advertising (Manzano) Speakers: Bethany Sam, Business Development Manager, Sierra Nevada Media Group/First Nations; Brenna Moore, PR & Communications Manager, Visit Albuquerque (continued)

14 13 CONFERENCE PROGRAM WEDNESDAY - THURSDAY WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19 WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 19 3:45 pm-5:00 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS B8: Tourism Foundations: Media is the Mediator Between Tourism & Society: Editorial Content vs. Marketing, Promotions & Advertising (continued) (Manzano) The lines between earned and paid media have blurred, and it s important to know the difference between these mediums and how each can benefit your marketing strategies. This session will explore the basics of editorial content versus advertising, marketing and promotions and the advantages and disadvantages of each medium. In addition to educational components, this session will also include real-life examples of how best to utilize these methods to achieve your marketing goals. B9: Tourism Planning: Transportation and Tourism - Access is Everything (Bosque) Speaker: Robert Frazier, Highway Engineer, Bureau of Indian Affairs Mr. Frazier will discuss the connection between transportation and tourism/economic development. Transportation is far more than roads and bridges, although roads and bridges are still vital to successful economic development. Transportation includes legal infrastructure, planning processes, stakeholder involvement and large capital expenditures. Until 1992, tribal governments and communities were largely left out of the transportation planning process. The need to establish codes and ordinances for transportation were largely left to others and the need for land use plans and zoning ordinances were also not a priority related to transportation. Ultimately, when the 1991 Highway Bill designated tribal governments as a decision making body in transportation planning the tribes had little or no experience in that area. For a tribe and tribal community to succeed in economic development there needs to be the ability to move services, goods and people smoothly and seamlessly not only within the community but to other hubs of transportation that provide connectivity to the larger global economy. Tourism introduces additional needs and demands on infrastructure. Signage that informs a visitor where and where not to go is essential. Interpretive signage is also a plus. Visitors need access to many of the same amenities and services that the community needs such as law enforcement, health care, recreation areas, business services, lodging and entertainment. Visitors also provide revenue through taxes that can help pay for some of these services and infrastructure. The Division of Transportation has worked to support tribal capacity building for transportation planning and tourism and will continue to do so in support of the NATIVE Act and the authorities under U.S. Code Title 23. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 6:00 pm-7:00 pm AITC Silent Auction Viewing (Grand Ballroom A) 7:00 pm-10:00 pm Enough Good People Awards Gala & Silent Auction (Grand Ballroom B,C) Gala sponsored by Pueblo of Sandia Entertainment: The JIR Project Band; Entertainment sponsored by Navajo Parks and Recreation Department THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20 8:00 am-noon Conference Check-In (Grand Foyer) 8:00 am-8:45 am Breakfast Networking (Grand Ballroom B, C) 8:45 am-10:15 am BREAKOUT SESSIONS C1 Tourism Trends: How to Participate in the Shared Tourism Economy through Airbnb (Sunrise) Moderator: Dr. Kristin Lamoureux, Visiting Professor, Hospitality and Tourism, Virginia Tech University; Speaker: Maria Cuba, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Airbnb, Inc. Through the sharing economy, everything from private homes and rooms, a spot on a couch, RVs, unique transformational experiences and much more are now available. Traditional tourism models are changing. Airbnb lists more than 5 million different lodging options on its website. That s larger than any other lodging company in the world, yet they don t own a single property. This session will look at both how and why the shared economy, particularly Airbnb, offers an excellent opportunity for tribal tourism to grow authentic cultural experiences and market share. C2: Tourism Basics: Learn the Benefits of Working with Receptive Tour Operators (Manzano) Speakers: Paige Williams Shepherd, Director of Corporate Development and Tourism, Chickasaw Nation; Donovan Hanley, Owner, DETOURS Native America Tourism within Indian Country is a collaborative effort. Paige Shepherd and Donovan Hanley will discuss the benefits of working with receptive tour operators to promote Native American tourism destinations. Shepherd and Hanley will share their personal experiences working with receptive tour operators from across the world and how to ensure your destination is ready.

15 CONFERENCE PROGRAM THURSDAY 14 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20 8:45 am-10:15 am BREAKOUT SESSIONS C3: Tourism Basics: Laying the Legal Foundation Part 1 - Understanding Contracts on a Sovereign Nation to Sovereign Nation Platform (Bosque) Speaker: J. Scott Sypolt, Partner, Corporate, Akerman Law In his lecture, Attorney Scotty Sypolt will provide insight on how to negotiate, draft and implement contracts relating to domestic and international tourism. He will also discuss the importance of anchoring these contracts to the laws and statutes of each sovereign tribal nation. A partner in the law firm of Akerman LLP based out of Chicago, Illinois, Sypolt is widely recognized for He is widely recognized for his expertise in tribal economic development, tribal banking, tribal gaming and complex federal litigation. Currently, he is the lead attorney in the widely publicized federal case of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee v. the Federal Communication Commission. In this case, sixteen Tribal Nations challenge the FCC s recent attack upon the sovereignty of all Indian Nations. 10:15 am-10:45 am Break with Exhibitors (Grand Ballroom A) ed by Visit Albuquerque 10:45 am-12:15 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS C3: Tourism Basics: Laying the Legal Foundation Part 2, Intellectual/Cultural Property Protections (Bosque) Speaker: Melody McCoy, Esq., Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund (NARF) What exactly is intellectual property (copyrights, patents and trademarks) versus cultural property (sacred sites, plants, remains and objects)? How do most legal systems distinguish the two? What federal and international law protections are available to tribes for their intellectual and cultural properties? Answers to these questions and more in this session. C4: Tourism Planning: Tourism & Economic Development Planning - Case Studies (Sunrise) Speakers: Rick MacLeod Farley, Development Economist, Farley & Associates; Floyd Tortalita, Executive Director, Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority; Ashley Bland, Director, Travois Design Rick will share tactics on how to develop your tourism project and secure funding. His Group of Seven Artists-inspired presentation includes financing tactics from the field including creating phases, telling your story, imagery and visuals, dealing with curve balls and dead ends, 10:45 am-12:15 pm BREAKOUT SESSIONS C4: Tourism Planning: Tourism & Economic Development Planning - Case Studies (continued) persistence and prompt follow-up. Rick will provide examples of past and current projects, including Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and their Akwesasne tourism development initiative (with extensive community tourism planning work helping to secure more than $3.2 million in funding) as well as an emerging tourism development planning project by the Yupik community of Scammon Bay, Alaska. Floyd will explore PAHA s first LIHTC project from conception to construction, including hurdles and successes we ve experienced along the way. The competition in New Mexico is notoriously fierce PAHA s project was awarded in a funding round with a 30 percent success rate! Now complete, the project, a modern architectural take on the historical pueblos, brings 30 new affordable rental units and a community building with an outdoor recreational space and other amenities to the community. C5: Tourism Planning: Tribal Tourism Funding Opportunities Panel (Manzano) Speakers: Courtney Spearman, Design Specialist/Visual Arts, National Endowment for the Arts; Kimberly Romine, Deputy Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans; Carolyn McClelan, Assistant Directror, Programs, Smithsonian Institution - National Museum of the American Indian; Trisha Korbas, EDR for NM and West TX, Economic Development Administration This panel will discuss the implementation of the NATIVE Act and will also share grant opportunities which can support Native American tourism efforts, both as direct project outcomes and indirectly through support for overall tribal economic development and placemaking efforts. Ms. Romine will provide overview of the Administration for Native Americans and the funding opportunities available for tourism projects. 12:15 pm-2:00 pm Lunch Closing General Session ed by Tribal Business Journal (Grand Ballroom B, C) Keynote Speaker: Ladonna Harris, (Comanche), Founder and President, Americans for Indian Opportunity Closing Remarks and Drawings (Must be Present to Win) Removing of the Colors by Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Association

16 H O S T E D B Y C H E R O K E E 2 1 S T N AT I O N A N N U A L AMERICAN INDIAN tourism conference Save the Date September 16 19, 2019 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa Vi s it C h e rok e enat ion.c om 2018 Cherokee Nation Businesses. All Rights Reserved.