Learn Tourism CEO and co-founder Stephen Ekstrom is scheduled to speak and teach at the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference in Asheville, NC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2024 — Asheville, NC – In November 2024, due to the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to the Western North Carolina region, JB Media Institute had to postpone and reschedule their signature event, the 8th annual DIY Tourism Marketing Conference. The two-day immersive training event will now be hosted at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville on March 17 and 18, 2025. The key to successfully shifting the conference dates has been the dedication, flexibility, and support provided by our speakers, partners, sponsors, and attendees. One of our most valuable partners is Learn Tourism and one of our most powerful speakers is the CEO of Learn Tourism, Stephen Ekstrom.
Learn Tourism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative education which aligns well with the mission of the DIY Tourism Marketing brand. This year Stephen is slated to speak on Monday about “The Empathy Upgrade: Rethinking the Golden Rule in Tourism Marketing.”
In this eye-opening session, attendees will challenge the age-old wisdom we learned in kindergarten: “Treat others as you’d like to be treated.” While well-intentioned, this rule can lead to a one-size-fits-all approach in tourism marketing. Instead, we will explore how true empathy requires a shift in perspective — ”Treat others as they’d like to be treated.” Discover how this mindset can transform your marketing strategies, leading to more meaningful connections and authentic experiences for your visitors.
Join us to upgrade your empathy skills and create promotions that truly resonate with your audience. Attendees will also be able to explore a wide variety of marketing and communications training topics. The DIY Tourism Marketing Conference was originally founded by digital marketing strategist Justin Belleme of Big Sea, strategic consultant Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group, and speaker and teacher Sarah Benoit. All three co-founders believed there was a need for a truly educational conference that focused on helping tourism marketing professionals:
- Improve their technical skills
- Learn new digital strategies
- Stay up to date on the latest trends
- Explore new tools and platforms
- Share their experiences, including successes and challenges
Conference programming includes learning opportunities for people in various positions from Executive Directors and CEOs to Marketing Directors and Event Coordinators to Social Media Managers and Content Creators. Tracks focus on tactical, strategic, and leadership goals. Some sessions feature presentation-style teaching and others are hands-on training labs. Explore our session schedule to find out what topics will be covered this spring and learn more about our speakers.
Tickets for the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference are available at individual and group rates. Find out more about why people return to the conference year after year and register today.
About the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference
Digital marketing constantly changes, but you don’t need to navigate those changes alone. Effectively enticing visitors to explore your community, make a reservation, attend your events, and shop at your local businesses is tough enough on its own. It doesn’t get any easier when the platforms, tools, strategies, and trends constantly evolve alongside consumer behaviors. That’s where the DIY Tourism Marketing Conference and DIY 365: A Year-Round Learning Community step in to support tourism marketing professionals and brands of all kinds.
About Learn Tourism
Learn Tourism is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative education and professional development initiatives. By harnessing the power of science, business psychology, and adult education, Learn Tourism builds sustainable economies and enriches the tourism landscape. Learn more at LearnTourism.org
About JB Media Institute
=Based in Asheville, NC, JB Media Institute has been a leader in digital marketing education for tourism, health and wellness, higher education, and artists markers. Through custom workshops, online courses, and hands-on training, the institute has empowered thousands of professionals to effectively share their stories and reach their audiences. Learn more at JBMediaInstitute.com.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Lead Instructor, Sarah Benoit
[email protected]
https://diytourismmarketing.com
(828) 242-0277