The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and over 450 industry leaders gathered in Springfield, for the 2025 Governor’s Conference on March 18 and 19. We highlighted the innovation and excellence of Massachusetts’ leaders, businesses, and organizations, and discussed strategies to boost travel and tourism across the Commonwealth. Our shared mission is to strengthen Massachusetts as the premier travel destination and place to live that it is.
This year’s event featured engaging remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Congressman Richard Neal, Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno, and the Springfield state legislative delegation. Attendees enjoyed an outstanding keynote speech from John David, President and CEO of Sports Events & Tourism Association, and enlightening presentations from TripAdvisor and Massport. Fifteen thought-provoking panel discussion, including “Redefining Marketing Through Experience”, “Beyond the Noise: Content that Breaks Through” and “Journey Without Limits: Accessible Travel”, brought together experts and thought leaders from across Massachusetts and beyond to share their experience and wisdom. And Massachusetts 250, the Massachusetts campaign to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution and how the Commonwealth continues to be revolutionary, was a common thread.
The Governor’s Conference achieved a remarkable level of participant satisfaction, demonstrating its efficacy as a high-impact event. With 88% of respondents rating the conference “excellent” or “good,” the quality of content and delivery resonated strongly. Crucially, 87% of participants surveyed indicated that they are “very” or “somewhat” likely to apply the learned insights, suggesting tangible future benefits to the Massachusetts tourism industry.
Governor Healey awarded Massachusetts Tourism Awards to four deserving honorees. To read more about the awardees, please see the program book.
– Diane Burnette, Larry D. Meehan Lifetime Achievement Award
– Dr. Robert Krim, Award of Appreciation
– Suzanne Taylor, Revolutionary Achievement Award
– Don Packer, Film Industry Achievement Award
Our gracious host Explore Western Mass was essential in making the conference a success. Thank you to all of our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for hosting an amazing networking reception on Tuesday night.
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Presentation slides from our speakers can be viewed below:
– Welcome and Massachusetts 250
– Governor Healey Remarks and Massachusetts Tourism Awards
– Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Update
– For access to the Sports Tourism session deck please contact John David, Sports ETA.
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