Program Highlights  Tim Hanni, MW one of the first two Americans to earn the title Master of Wine, is a professionally trained chef and has been integrally involved with food and wine for over thirty-five years. He is sharing current research on why American wineries need to better understand ‘sweet’ palates.  Chris Davidson is Partner and Chief Client Officer of Y Partnership,[formerly Yankolovich Travel Monitor], America’s most respected travel trends research firm. They represent many of the country’s best known travel destinations.  Julie Dion is a marketing professional with nearly two decades of marketing, advertising, media planning and media buying experience for the amusement, attractions and tourism industries. She is the owner and president of Dion Marketing Company. Joel Erb is the President of INM United, an interactive agency that focuses on identifying ways that social trends, technology and business opportunities intersect.  He will discuss how to integrating the use of Apps, You-tube, QR, SMS, mobile marketing, and other cutting edge marketing tools into web sites and other public relations opportunities. Groupon will share great ideas and opportunities presented by Flash marketing programs Other topics on the 2011 program: An opening session:  ‘Introduction to social networking,” Karen Malone Wright of Oddessy Creative Communications Consulting

The Famous Steal Sessions where attendees share their best and greatest success stories

A panel on working with and understanding the needs of culinary and travel bloggers

A presentation dealing with on-line sales opportunities for festivals and events by Brock Perko of EventBrite, a California based marketer whose companies have assisted some of the nation’s largest wine events Kate Canterbury of one small spark will present information on how to develop a social media plan.

Registration for the conference Cost:  $250 for the first registrant for the conference includes all seminars, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and one banquet; $225 for the second registrant from the same company.   Lodging Rooms start at just $85 per night. Register by April 1 to assure this discounted rate. Use code 4G409J 2011 Event Sponsors Ohio Grape Industries Committee, HOUR Custom Publishing, Ashtabula Co. Visitors Bureau 

This not for profit conference is coordinated by the state marketing directors of many of the states between the Atlantic Ocean and the Rocky Mountains.  All registration fees are used to defray costs of the event and any remaining resources are invested in the next year’s program.