7:45 Registration
8:00 Breakfast & Networking
8:30 – 12:00 Program
12:00 Optional tour of the newly renovated Sheraton
Stacey David
Executive Director, MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau
Stacey will give a year in review on MetroWest, including visitor data and a recap of last year’s MBVB marketing results, followed by this year’s plans for promoting MetroWest to various market segments, including World Cup travelers…and how you can benefit.
Senator Becca Rausch
Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District
Senator Rausch will speak about the power of arts, culture, and the creative economy to drive tourism and uplift our communities.
Kate Fox
Executive Director, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
An update on the domestic and international destination marketing strategies underway at the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, plus stats and data on MA’s visitors.
Kerrie Tripp
Director of Products & Sales, Discover New England
Kerrie will offer insight into international traveler profiles, trends, and predictions, and the best ways to capture World Cup and other international tourists, including how to work with receptive tour operators.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is Coming!
Learn about Boston World Cup’s plans and predictions regarding travelers for World Cup, hear about MetroWest’s plans for fan zones and watch parties, and how you can get involved for this worldwide event that will bring 2 million visitors and $1B of economic impact to Massachusetts.
Panel: How Pop Ups & Collaboratives Drive Economic Development
Learn about the benefits and logistics of creating pop ups and collaboratives in your town for economic development. Lindsey Jaworek of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation will talk about their permanent seasonal pop up shops. Beth Reynolds, Assistant Town Manager in Ashland, will discuss how Ashland uses pop ups at events to drive foot traffic and enhance special events. We will also explore how cooperatives and collaboratives allow local artists and retailers to launch new businesses with minimal investment, and how you can create these opportunities in your community in time for World Cup visitors.
Hotel Tours
Join GM David Laurent and his team on a tour of the newly renovated and rebranded Renaissance Framingham Hotel & Conference Center
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