‪(727) 201-2066‬ sarah@learntourism.org

Join us March 9 & 10, 2026

at the 2026 Learn Tourism Conference in Richmond, Virginia

Three New Tracks of Learning

In 2026, we’re expanding our educational sessions in new ways.

DIY Tourism Marketing & Tech

Where creativity meets strategy. Learn how to harness digital tools, data, and storytelling to amplify your destination’s visibility and attract the right visitors.

Visitor Services & Experience

Discover how to create unforgettable, human-centered experiences — from frontline service to community connection — that keep visitors coming back.

Leadership & Local Impact

Explore how strong leadership fuels vibrant destinations. Focus on building influence, driving change, and delivering value for your organization and community.

“As a repeat attendee and partner, the conference continues to set the bar higher each year. The content and networking allow us all to learn, share, and collaborate in intimate, productive environments.”

— 2025 Conference Attendee

“I enjoyed and learned a lot from the speakers leading the classes. Very insightful conference, and I look forward to the next conference. Sarah Benoit knows her business, and I am grateful that she is sharing this valuable information with us.”

— 2025 Conference Attendee

“The Conference was an educational experience. So often, I attend webinars and informational sessions that turn into pitches. This was not the case at the sessions I attended for this 2-day event. I came out with tools and knowledge that will help me in my marketing work.”

— 2025 Conference Attendee

“I learned so much to help out my small tourism business here in Asheville, NC. I walked away with so many new ideas and initiatives, as well as a new network of friends and a better insight into the digital realm that I didn’t have before. It was a great conference, I recommend it to anyone who is considering it!!”

— 2025 Conference Attendee

“The Conference is a must-attend. The effort and attention to detail in providing attendees with relevant, applicable, and insightful information were top-tier.”

— 2025 Conference Attendee

“This is the best seminar for DMO’s. The information gained allows you to begin using it when you return to your office.”

— 2025 Conference Attendee

“This was my second time attending the Conference, and it’s always such a valuable experience. As a small, rural DMO, we often have to do things in-house, and this conference makes it more attainable for us. This conference always provides us with practical tips and creative new ideas. I always leave feeling refreshed and excited to try out what I’ve learned!”

— 2025 Conference Attendee

“I attended the Conference and it was incredible! Sarah and her team are so knowledgeable about the latest in digital marketing and I came home with so many practical tips and ideas. I highly recommend their events, as well as their webinars.”

— 2022 Conference Attendee

“Every topic was approachable and digestible for the most novice attendee, but applicable and meaningful (and NEW) for the most experienced. The generosity of everyone (from speakers to attendees) to SHARE stories and knowledge and help each other discover new ideas and methods was refreshing and beautiful and truly enhanced the experience. Keep doing what you guys are doing; it’s working!”

— 2018 Conference Attendee

“I loved the Conference this past week. So many topics to choose from for breakout sessions. The staff and Chris Cavanaugh were outstanding.”

— 2022 Conference Attendee

“For DMOs and marketing professionals, the Conference is one of the best training conferences I have ever attended.”

— 2019 Conference Attendee

“The Conference provides excellent, usable, actionable information for all DMOs.”

— 2019 Conference Attendee

What People Are Saying…

Meet Us In Richmond, Virginia 

After 9 years in Asheville, North Carolina, we’re delighted to announce our 2026 event will happen in Richmond, Virginia, on March 9th and 10th. Richmond is one of the oldest cities in the United States and stands at the intersection of history and progress—an ideal place to explore inclusive tourism and community transformation.

We’re thrilled to partner with Visit Richmond on our next event. We invite you to explore the city’s:

  • vibrant arts and music culture
  • creativity and character 
  • culinary traditions and innovations
  • rich educational and historical  experiences
  • Outdoor adventure and recreation  

The conference venue will be announced in July 2025. 

#1 on CNN Travel’s list of America's 10 Best Towns to Visit in 2024

“From the James River to unique neighborhoods filled with award-winning restaurants and galleries, the Richmond Region is a destination with something for everyone to discover.”Visit Richmond 

Hilton Downtown Richmond

Our conference host blends Richmond’s rich heritage with today’s creative, walkable RVA.
Book Your Room

Let’s Learn & Grow Together!

Past Attendees Have Hailed From All Over…

Alabama
  • Athens
  • Auburn
  • Decatur
  • Huntsville
  • Jacksonville
  • Opelika
Arizona
  • Chandler
  • Pheonix
Florida
  • Jacksonville
  • Ocala
Georgia
  • Calhoun
  • Dahlonega
  • Decatur
  • Douglas
  • Lawrenceville
Indiana
  • Jasper
  • Knox County
  • Vincennes
Kentucky
  • Henderson
  • Lexington
  • Morehead
Maryland
  • Taneytown
New York
  • New York
    North Carolina
    • Albemarle
    • Asheville
    • Beech Mountain
    • Black Mountain
    • Boone
    • Brevard
    • Burnsville
    • Bryson City
    • Cleveland County
    • Clinton
    • Elkin
    • Fletcher
    • Granville County
    • Grandfather Mountain
    • Greene County
    • Greenville
    • Halifax County
    • Hendersonville
    • Hickory
    • High Point
    • Jackson
    • Jacksonville/Onslow County
    • Johnston County
    • Lake Junaluska
    • Marion
    • Morehead City
    • Morganton
    • Mount Airy
    • Oxford
    • Pinehurst
    • Polk County
    • Raleigh
    • Rockingham County
    • Rumbling Bald
    • Rutherford County
    North Carolina continued
    • Sampson County
    • Shelby
    • Statesville
    • Sylva
    • Taylorsville
    • Waynesville
    • Weaverville
    • Winston-Salem
    Ohio
    • Cincinnati
    Pennsylvania
    • Bradford
    • Carlisle
    • Clearfield County
    • Endless Mountains
    • Erie
    • Johnstown
    • Latrobe
    • Lawrence County
    • Lebanon
    • Lewisburg
    • Pottsville
    • Schuylkill
    • Scranton
    • Tunkhannock
    • York
        South Carolina
        • Beaufort
        • Charleston
        • Columbia
        • Florence
        • Greenville
        • Greer
        • Jasper County
        • McColl
        • Oconee
        • Rock Hill
        • Santee
        • West Union
        South Dakota
        • Rapid City
        Tennessee
        • Eagleville
        Virginia
        • Ashburn
        • Martinsville
        • Mechanicsville
        West Virginia
        • Bluefield
        • Clarksburg
        • Huntington
        • Parkersburg
        • Vienna
        • Weston
        Wyoming
        • Cheyenne

        … And They Have Some Things to Say.

        This is an outstanding conference.

        …Practical tools and strategies that you can implement…

        It covers so many topics in a very personal atmosphere.

        I enjoyed every session I attended. I only wish I could have been in two places at once.

        Meet Our Sponsors