This year, we heard from leaders in the industry with timely topics covering social media and how to work with tour operators, and more. We got a look into what El Dorado County Visitors Authority has in mind for 2022 and how Visit California is inspiring national and international visitation to the state and Gold Country Region.
2022 Presentations
What’s New in 2022 and How You Can Be A Part Of It
Jody Franklin
Jody has served as the Executive Director of Tourism for the El Dorado County Visitors Authority for 14 years. She is responsible for development and implementation of all marketing initiatives, including advertising, social media, website, Farm Trails & Visitors Guide and collaboration programs for the El Dorado County Visitors Authority. She manages the El Dorado Stay & Play Shuttle Program, public relations and community outreach. She has assumed leadership role on the rural marketing committee of Visit California and the Gold Country Visitors Association. She loves to travel and spending time in the great outdoors, blazing new trails on land and discovering the open waters by kayak.
Beyond Getting Sued: How Hospitality Businesses Can Increase Profits & Guest Loyalty with ADA Compliant, Accessible Websites.
Denise Páne
Denise Páne is the Founder and CEO of Access Design Studio, the leading expert in ADA compliant, accessible websites for the hospitality industry. A lifelong advocate of people with disabilities (starting with her own Special Olympian brother), Denise boasts over 20 years of hospitality-business design expertise, with a special focus on making websites compelling and inviting for people of all abilities. Denise is an Accredited Accessibility Expert and a member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals and the World Wide Web Consortium.
Working with International and Inbound Operators
Lena Ross
Lena Ross began working for America 4 You, a Receptive Tour Operator, in 2006 and is the Director of Product Development. She previously has held positions in multiple facets of the Tourism Industry. Lena holds her Master’s in Sustainable Destination Management from George Washington University (2010) and a Tour Directing Certificate from ITMI (2011). In her off time, she is incredibly involved with the Junior League of Orange County, a women’s volunteer organization, and has held multiple leadership roles such as Finance Assistant, Web Manager, and Academy Manager and is current the Junior Leagues of California State Public Affairs Committee delegate for her league. She is currently serving as the Secretary on the board for IITA (International Inbound Travel Association).
Visit California Statewide Marketing Update: Navigating Recovery
Lynn Carpenter
Lynn oversees all of Visit California’s marketing to create desire for the California experience, including advertising, cooperative promotions, digital and interactive, and content strategy. Lynn steers a marketing budget that has grown from $6 million in 2006 to $131 million today. Under her leadership, Visit California has marketed the state as a place of abundance and opportunity, inspiring millions of visitors each year. Lynn has more than 20 years of professional marketing experience and extensive knowledge of online technology promotions and brand development. She began her career in the technology industry, serving as Vice President of Marketing at Netscape Communications and AOL Time Warner. She crossed the threshold into the travel industry as Executive Director of Marketing and Sales for Mammoth Mountain Resort.
California Digital Optimization: Maximizing Exposure with Business Profiles
Josh Wray
Josh is a Program Specialist for Miles’ Google DMO Partnership Program Support Services. During the week, he can be found walking beaches mapping for Google Street View or speaking in the industry about the importance of the Google DMO Program. When he’s not on the road for work, he likes to walk beaches in search of the perfect break or boot pack up a snowy couloir in search of the deepest powder.