Digital Drop-in Free Webinar

When & Where

📅 Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:10 – 1 PM Eastern / 9:10 – 10 AM Pacific
💻 Location: Zoom

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Tourism budgeting is more complex than ever, but challenging times also offer an opportunity for creative solutions. In this free webinar, industry veteran Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group joins lead instructor Sarah Benoit and special guests:

to explore how destination leaders can build flexible, resilient budgets that support both visitors and local communities.

Why Attend?

This session will equip you with practical ideas you can start applying immediately, regardless of the size of your destination or team. Whether you’re reworking a tight budget or planning for the next fiscal year, you’ll walk away with insights that are both grounded and forward-thinking.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Design agile budgets that adapt to shifting priorities and funding realities
  • Maximize impact through strategic spending and resource reallocation
  • Align budget decisions with community needs and long-term destination goals

👉 Reserve your spot now!

Special Guests

Robb Wells, President & CEO of Visit Beaufort, Port Royal & Sea Islands

Robb Wells is a seasoned leader in destination marketing with over 20 years of experience and currently serves as the President & CEO of Visit Beaufort, Port Royal & Sea Islands. Robb has been at the forefront of using owned media to elevate destination storytelling and visitor engagement.

Under his leadership, Visit Beaufort, Port Royal & Sea Islands launched The Inner Coastal Podcast in 2020, a platform that highlights the region’s unique history, culture, and attractions while creating meaningful connections with its audience.

Widely regarded for his data-driven approach, Robb integrates analytics and creative storytelling to guide strategic initiatives that drive visitor engagement, enhance economic impact, and promote sustainable tourism.

Residing in Seabrook with his wife and four children, Robb is passionate about leveraging media innovations to share the story of “America’s Best Small Town” with the world.

Michelle Owens, Executive Director of Henderson County Tourism Development Authority

Whether it’s been for a news station, public relations firm or the tourism industry, Michelle Owens has indulged her love of storytelling as a marketing, PR, and tourism professional for over 25 years, with ten years as executive leadership in destination marketing organizations. Michelle Owens is a veteran marketer and tourism executive with long-standing ties to Western North Carolina.

Since 2021, Michelle has served as the Executive Director of the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, where she spearheads destination marketing, public and governmental relations, destination enhancement initiatives, DMO budget management, and visitor information for the mountain destination.

Michelle has an undergraduate degree in English from Greensboro College and a Master’s in Creative Writing from UNC-Wilmington. She decompresses from work by cooking for her husband, daughters, friends, and extended family, and by relaxing on the front porch at her family’s homeplace.

Chris Cavanaugh, Founder of Magellan Strategy Group

Prior to founding Magellan Strategy Group, Chris served as vice president of marketing for The Biltmore Company in Asheville, NC, the owner of Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home. For nearly 10 years he guided the company’s marketing planning, strategy, and execution.

During his tenure, Biltmore doubled its annual revenue and became the most visited historic house attraction in the U.S. Cavanaugh also directed marketing for the Inn on Biltmore Estate, a four-star hotel on the property, and the Biltmore Estate Winery, the most visited winery in the nation.

Chris was appointed by the Governor of North Carolina to the state’s travel and tourism board in 2003 and reappointed in 2010. He is past chairman of that board, and also past chairman of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (overseeing the work of the Asheville CVB) and Blue Ridge Mountain Host, a regional marketing association.