VANESSA VAN EDWARDS

Charismatic Communication: The Art & Science of Presence, Confidence & Trust

Better communication skills pay dividends in every conversation for the rest of your life. Bestselling author and behavioral researcher Vanessa Van Edwards discussed powerful, science-backed communication strategies that people can apply at work and in their personal life.

CLINT PULVER

I Love It Here: Create Cultures Your People Never Want to Leave

Workforce expert Clint Pulver is the leading authority in diminishing employee turnover, increasing individual and team engagement, and creating loyalty that lasts. He inspired attendees to create and foster a workplace culture that people will never want to leave.

JASON ELLIOTT

Inside California Politics

Often referred to by Gov. Newsom as his "Swiss Army Knife" of policy, Jason Elliott has been involved in just about every major issue. He sat down for an insider conversation on Gavin Newsom, California’s role on the national stage, Kamala Harris’ prospects, and key state priorities.

ANDREW BUSCH

Connecting Today’s Chaos to Tomorrow’s Growth

As an economic futurist, Andrew Busch does things a bit differently than your typical economist—going beyond analyzing how today's political and financial policies impact economic growth, to focus on the super-charged trends driving much of today's global chaos and change.

CAROLINE BETETA

Inspiring Travel to California’s Ultimate Playground

Visit California’s Caroline Beteta provided an update on the current state of tourism as the industry normalizes to pre-pandemic benchmarks and how the debut of California’s new positioning as The Ultimate Playground is driving demand for tourism businesses across the state.

TORI EMERSON BARNES

Federal Tourism Advocacy

Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs & Policy, explored the current state of the industry—providing a look at the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges facing travel at the national level.

DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP CASE STUDY: LAKE TAHOE

The Tahoe region has been working collaboratively on a regional destination stewardship plan for almost three years—and now they are realizing some exciting results. This panel discussion of key players was full of takeaways for every destination.

MAKING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFER

San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan has advanced public safety by taking a unique data-driven approach that works to address the root causes of crime. She shared her insights on what’s needed to improve safety for visitors, workers, and residents. 

NEUROINCLUSION IN HOSPITALITY

An estimated 20% of the global population—1.5 billion people—is neurodivergent, representing 1 in 5 individuals at events and within teams. A variety of industry segments discussed their journey to make their destinations, businesses, and events more welcoming and productive for neurodivergent visitors.

NEXTGEN LEADERSHIP DISCUSSION CIRCLE

The travel and tourism industry is ever-evolving, and CalTravel’s newly formed NextGen Leadership Committee will serve as a platform for multiple generations to network and participate in professional development. Participants shared insights, energy, and vision for the future.

SMALL DMO & DESTINATION MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION CIRCLE

This interactive conversation, led by Visit Modesto CEO Todd Aaronson and Visit Laguna Beach CEO Rachel O’Neill-Cusey, was a lively, solutions-focused session with concrete takeaways specifically for California’s smaller DMOs.

THE POWER OF SPORTS TOURISM

The 2028 Olympics will bring a huge influx of attention, visitors, and revenue—not just to Los Angeles, but across the state, and over a sustained period of time. Communities need to engage now to capitalize on this economic and strategic opportunity, and Sports ETA's CEO John David can help.

TRAVEL ON THE MOVE: TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES, CHALLENGES & INNOVATIONS

California leads the nation in environmental regulation, but also in finding and implementing smart solutions. Discover the latest ways our members are making the traveler experience better, more cost-effective, and more environmentally friendly.