2011 AITC Program
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Download Program-At-A-Glance [PDF]
Conference Emcee: Ed Hall, Founder & Advisor, AIANTA; Tourism & Transportation Specialist, Bureau of Indian Affairs
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CONFERENCE CHECK-IN
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MOBILE WORKSHOP
S1: Byways: Explore the Past, Plan for the Future
Delve into the past and the future. Byways present opportunities to stimulate economies while preserving local histories and cultures. Venture into the past while experiencing history at stops such as Camp Verde State Park, the cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle National Monument and others. Contemplate the future by engaging in discussions with local communities and tribal representatives as they ponder the possibilities of byways and byway designation. This experience will be a pre-cursor to a breakout session dedicated to learning about the National Scenic Byways Program and hearing about tribal byway success stories.
Facilitated by the America’s Byways Resource Center. Transportation provided by Navajo Transit System.
Additional Cost: $40 (Includes shuttle, lunch and admission fees.)
Limit: 40
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION
Co-Sponsored by Seminole Tribe of Florida and Florida Seminole Tourism.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CONFERENCE CHECK-IN & EXHIBIT SET-UP
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. MOBILE WORKSHOPS
Monday’s mobile workshops commence with a tribal welcoming ceremony at 8:00 a.m. sharp, where you’ll meet tribal elders and begin the day with a Yavapai point of view.
M1: Abaaja Yu Yee: The Yavapai Experience
The Yavapai people have survived and succeeded for hundreds of years in central Arizona. This mobile workshop will reveal that experience. After the welcoming ceremony, you’ll be guided on a half-mile walking trail* showing how the Yavapai’s lives are connected to the land. Enjoy lunch while learning more – a close encounter with the Yavapai people. The afternoon adventures include a tour of the tribal enterprises and government buildings. You will be brought up close to the tribal nation and neighboring community of Fountain Hills. See the economic developments from our tourism-based economy. View the world’s tallest fountain and listen to how the relationship with our neighbors strengthens both sides of the cattle guard. Tribal members will tell the history of how the Verde River and the adjoining mountain ranges help define Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. This mobile workshop tells a story of perseverance – “The Yavapai Experience.”
Facilitated by Fort McDowell Adventures. Transportation provided by Navajo Transit System.
Additional Cost: $45 (Includes shuttle and lunch.)
Limit: 40
* A portion of this tour requires physical activity. Please advise the facilitator of any pre-existing medical conditions.
M2: We-Ko-Pa: A Tourism Success Story
Speakers: Derrick Jones, Tribal Member, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Brett Trenter, PGA, General Manager, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Brent DeRaad, Executive Vice President, Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
A Yavapai word meaning “Four Peaks,” We-Ko-Pa has now taken on new meanings: challenge, beauty, imagination. This mobile workshop* will take participants through the story of how a Tribal Nation created a tourism destination for the world to enjoy. After the welcoming ceremony, you’ll shift gears and be introduced to a panel discussion from the experts on how to build a world-class golf destination. Learn about golf course design, how to educate your community on golf as a destination, and hear techniques for relationship building with your local tourism industry officials. An open lunch discussion will follow. Next, a short shuttle ride will bring you to the clubhouse**, where tribal employees will guide you on a personal “behind the scenes” tour of the complete facility, including a visit with the Golf Course Superintendent and Director of Golf. You’ll then receive a golf lesson from a P.G.A. instructor, followed by 3-holes of golf, or opt to enjoy 9-holes of the best golf club in Arizona. You just experienced, “We-Ko-Pa”.
Facilitated by O.B. Sports Golf Management and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Transportation provided by Radisson Fort McDowell Resort.
Additional Cost: $40 (Includes shuttle, lunch and golf club rental.)
Limit: 20
* A portion of this tour requires physical activity. Please advise the facilitator of any pre-existing medical conditions.
** Proper golf attire: Golf shirt. No jeans or denim please. Plan for 90+ degree weather.
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Location: La Puesta del Sol, Fort McDowell Adventures
In the spirit of hosting, we proudly present an evening under the star-studded Arizona sky. Experience the hospitality of Abaja – "The People” – and their philosophy "Never Give Up Always Give Back,” featuring cuisine inspired by Chef Freddie Bitsoie. Welcome to our destination nestled between the Four Peaks and Red Mountain, situated alongside the beautiful Verde River – the life force behind the unique and lovely Sonoran ecology including stunning saguaro cacti, striking green Palo Verde trees, blooming sagebrush, distinct barrel cacti, majestic bald eagle nesting grounds and more. The Fountain Hills & Fort McDowell Visitors Bureau along with the Arizona Office of Tourism extend our hands in a warm welcome to the American Indian Tourism Conference attendees. We hope you enjoy our home, take away memorable experiences, and keep the spirit of Abaja in your heart always.
Sponsored by Fort McDowell Resort Destination. Transportation provided by Navajo Transit System.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
CONFERENCE CHECK-IN
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
COFFEE WITH EXHIBITORS
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
OPENING GENERAL SESSION
FORT MCDOWELL VETERANS ASSOCIATION COLOR GUARD
OPENING PRAYER • BREAKFAST
TRIBAL LEADERS ROUNDTABLE
Panelist: Margo Gray-Proctor, Chair, NCAIED
Christopher James, Assistant Administrator, Office of Native American Affairs, U.S. Small Business Administration
Tina M. Osceola, President, AIANTA
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Bringing the Tribal Voice to America
Speaker: Gerard Baker, Former Assistant Director, American Indian Relations, National Park Service
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS
10:30 a.m. – Noon
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
A1 Tribal Federal Partnerships
Speakers:Angela West, National Director of Tourism, Bureau of Land Management
Cheryl Cloud-Westlund, Tribal Liaison, America’s Byways Resource Center
Co-sponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration *
A2 Tourism 101: Ground Rules for Cultural Tourism
This presentation will feature research that has been conducted addressing the concept of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility in relation to the use of tourism and recreation resources from a multidisciplinary perspective, with emphasis on examining these issues within the context of future trends. Research focuses on the evaluation and implementation of grass-roots tourism initiatives, involving local community participation in planning and decision making for sustainable tourism development at the destination level.
Speakers: Dr. Vinod Sasidharan, Program Coordinator - Recreation and Tourism Management Program, San Diego State University
Andrew Te Whaiti, Managing Director, Department of Discovery
A3 GIS for Tourism & Planning
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can provide a lot of information about Tribal communities especially in regards to tourism. Valuable information will get current and future visitors to spend more or stay longer. GIS is a powerful tool that can provide an analytical approach to understanding, measuring, and planning for today’s markets. By incorporating and planning with geospatial technologies we can now guide visitors to points of interests such as outdoor activities, lodging, retail and entertainment. A GIS approach is customizable to your community.
Speakers: Garet Couch, Business Manager, Wind Environmental Services, LLC
David Wyatt, GIS Manager, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
A4 The ITB Experience
A strong Euro and Pound, plus a rebounding economy, have Europeans crossing the Atlantic in near-record numbers. They are coming to the USA looking for cultural and genuine experiences. The best way to reach these lucrative travelers is face-to-face at ITB in Berlin, Germany. The world's largest travel and trade show offers you a chance to meet with trade, consumers and media and show these audiences why they should come visit Indian Country. AIANTA has a significant presence on the show floor and is one of the most visited booths in Berlin. Learn how to successfully reach the European market from professionals who can share their knowledge and expertise and show you how to participate in the award-winning AIANTA ITB tradeshow.
Speakers: Neville Bhada, VP Communications & Public Relations, Southeast Tourism Society
John DeLeva, Publisher, Discover American – Travel Guide; Principal, Small World Publications (Invited)
Staci Eagle Elk, Public Affairs Specialist, AIANTA
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
PRAYER • LUNCH
Panelists will discuss challenges, opportunities and strategies for communicating Indian Country stories with conventional and new media in the 21st Century.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Positioning Indian Country with 21st Century Media
Panelists: Len Sanderson, Owner & President, Sanderson Strategies
Valerie Taliman, West Coast Editor, Indian Country Today
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
A5 Business Support for Tribal Tourism
Speakers: Christopher James, Assistant Administrator, Office of Native American Affairs, U.S. Small Business Administration
Kim Ribbans, Executive Director, Native American Intellectual Property Enterprise Council
Co-sponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration *
A6 Securing a Safe Environment for Tourism
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the tourism market can be easily scared. Visitors want to know if a locale provides good tourism security. Baby Boomers represent a huge tourism opportunity as they are retiring in droves and seek fun, educational and meaningful experiences for themselves, their children and grandchildren. As people age, the issue of security and safety moves to the forefront. Tourism equals choice – do you present a fun, educational, meaningful and SAFE visitor experience? This session will present the basics of safety and security.
Speaker: Walter Lamar, President and CEO, Lamar Associates
A7 Defining the Value of Museums & Cultural Centers
Speakers: Anne McCudden, Director, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Paige Williams, Director of Tourism, Chickasaw Nation Department of Tourism
A8 Positioning Indian Country with 21st Century Media: A Follow-up Discussion
Panelists will discuss challenges, opportunities and strategies for communicating Indian Country stories with conventional and new media in the 21st Century.
Speakers: Len Sanderson, Owner & President, Sanderson Strategies
Valerie Taliman, West Coast Editor, Indian Country Today
3:15 – 3:45 p.m.
BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS
3:45 – 5:30 p.m.
AIANTA REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
LIGHT RECEPTION WITH EXHIBITORS
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CONFERENCE CHECK-IN
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
COFFEE WITH EXHIBITORS
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION
PRAYER • BREAKFAST
ANNUAL MEETING
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
A Partnership Between AIANTA & the Intermountain Region Park Service
Panelists: John Keck, Wyoming–Montana State Coordinator & Regional Tourism Coordinator, National Park Service
Sammye Meadows, Public Lands Outreach Coordinator, AIANTA
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS
10:30 a.m. – Noon
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
B1 Intellectual & Cultural Properties: Part I
Intellectual and cultural property offer unique opportunities and concerns for tribal enterprises. This interactive session will provide a basic overview of the scope of trademark, copyright, patent and cultural property laws. It is designed to help tribes make good decisions about using intellectual and cultural property in support of their tourism efforts.
Speakers: Daniel Marti, Partner, Kilpatrick & Stockton LLP
Melody McCoy, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
B2 What is This Social Media Thing?
Are you still trying to convince your executive team or tribal leaders that your website needs work? Now there is this buzz about social media marketing. So what do you do now? We are living in an age of avatars, GPS navigation systems and instant information. How can Tribal tourism benefit and, most of all, where do you begin? Speakers will provide you with an overview of their latest museum exhibit and how the integration of social media technology will assist in exhibit production, marketing and survey efforts.
Speakers: Tazbah McCullah, Marketing & Advertising Director, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Nick Pecastaing, Multimedia Specialist, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Ron Solimon, President & CEO, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Travis Suazo, Consultant, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
B3 State Representatives Panel
Speakers: Neville Bhada, VP Communications & PR, Southeast Tourism Society
Scott Davis, Executive Director, North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission
Dawn Melvin, Manager, Arizona Office of Tourism
Sherry Rupert, Executive Director, Nevada Indian Commission
B4 The Value of Tribal Interpretation & Art on Public Lands
Intended as an interactive discussion, this session will focus on how Indian arts and crafts can provide increased educational benefits for visitors while assuring opportunities for Indian artists to share their cultures and creativity in an economically viable fashion. Speakers will provide a framework linking the core values of the National Park Service with increased cooperation with Indian artists, often jointly with concessioners and other businesses, share examples of current cooperation and then offer some specific suggestions and opportunities for partnerships and program development that are intended to mutually benefit all parties. Attendees will be encouraged to offer suggestions on other opportunities that may exist for such successful partnerships in order to spark a broader dialogue and to explore the broadest array of options. Among the ideas to be raised are exhibits linking parks and other federal visitor centers with Indian museums and art centers, establishing clear channels for obtaining quality Indian art through park stores and artists-in-residence programs.
Speakers: Derrick Crandall, President & CEO, American Recreation Coalition
John Keck, Wyoming–Montana State Coordinator & Regional Tourism Coordinator, National Park Service
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
LUNCH
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
From Dreams to Reality: A Success Story
Speaker: Michael Wein, Vice President of Marketing, Alaskan Dream Cruises
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
B5 Intellectual & Cultural Properties: Part II
Intellectual and cultural property offer unique opportunities and concerns for tribal enterprises. This interactive session will provide a basic overview of the scope of trademark, copyright, patent and cultural property laws. It is designed to help tribes make good decisions about using intellectual and cultural property in support of their tourism efforts.
Speakers: Daniel Marti, Partner, Kilpatrick & Stockton LLP
Melody McCoy, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund
B6 Top International Markets for Native American Tourism
The number of international travelers visiting Native American communities is on the rise. This workshop will focus on the statistics and trends relative to the preferences of international visitors to Native American communities and show you how you can use these trends to develop and improve your tourism product to make it more attractive to the international visitor. Top international markets for Native American tourism will be looked at, as well as a discussion on how you can capture your share of that market.
Speaker: Ron Erdmann, Deputy Director, Office of Travel & Tourism, U.S. Department of Commerce
B7 Itinerary Building for International Development
Speakers: James Dion, Business Development Associate, Maps Division, National Geographic Society
Angela West, National Director of Tourism, Bureau of Land Management
B8 Indigenous Foods: Part I
Speakers: Freddie Bitsoie, Owner, FJBits Concept
Loretta Oden, Independent Native American Chef
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
BREAK
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
B9 Supporting the Tribal Arts Industry Through Tourism
Today’s arts and crafts business is an estimated $1 billion industry. Indian Country has a unique opportunity to use art to build cultural tourism destinations and livelihoods for its artists. Speakers will discuss state and federal protections, arts marketing and how to promote arts to increase visitation and tourist dollars.
Speakers: Nina Alexander, Senior Projects Manager, Indian Arts & Crafts Board
Gail Chehak, Executive Director, The Indian Arts & Crafts Association
B10 Social Responsibility for Tourism Development
Smart businesses have always looked for collaborations and partnerships. The business arm of Santa Clara Pueblo (Santa Clara Development Corporation) is no different. Their main business is tourism and hospitality and they have worked hard to develop partnerships with Northern New Mexico businesses in the industry. With that in mind, speakers will share a recently developed partnership between 16 entities known as the Santa Claran Region – Hub of Northern New Mexico.
Speakers: Rob Dixon, Recreation Coordinator, Valles Caldera Trust
Tina Whitegeese, Assistant Manager, Sales & Marketing, Puye Cliff Dwellings
Lucretia Williams, Operations Manager, Puye Cliff Dwellings
B11 Tourism 101: Business Development
Speakers: Derrick Jones, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
B12 Indigenous Foods: Part II
Speakers: Freddie Bitsoie, Owner, FJBits Concepts
Loretta Oden, Independent Native American Chef
5:00 – 5:45 p.m.
CLOSING GENERAL SESSION
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Administrative Officials Panel: The Value of Tribal Destinations to Our Nation’s Economy
Panelists: Gail Adams, Director, Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior
Jodi Gillette, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior (Invited)
5:45 – 7:00 p.m.
AITC 2012 PREVIEW RECEPTION
* These sessions are co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s participation in this co-sponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any co-sponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
