This year’s Seminar speakers include Lori Harnois, NH Director of Travel and Tourism Development; Susan O’Donnell, Executive Director of Rath Young Pignatelli; and Tyler Ray, Founder and Principal of Backyard Concept. Our guest speakers will cover topics of interest to business owners and professionals engaged in travel and tourism activities across the state, including 2024 travel trends and predictions, state of NH marketing strategies, connecting businesses to the outdoors and the benefits of supporting outdoor recreation initiatives, and more.

The event will include a networking luncheon, as well as an expanded mini-exposition area featuring related vendors and organizations. Your registration includes admission, giveaway, morning snacks, and luncheon.

Lori Harnois has served as director of Travel and Tourism Development, a division of the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA), since January 2020. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to support business and workforce recruitment, using marketing and branding created for tourism to drive workforce development and strengthen New Hampshire’s growing economy. Harnois has deep knowledge of New Hampshire’s tourism industry, having previously served with the state’s Department of Resources and Economic Development.

Susan O’Donnell is the executive director of Rath Young Pignatelli and an adjunct professor for the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at the New Hampshire Technical Institute. In her 19 years in the hospitality field, she served as general manager and director of sales and marketing for the Centennial Hotel/Granite Restaurant & Bar, regional sales manager for Duprey Hospitality, and general manager for The Hotel Concord, which earned the AAA 4 Diamond Designation under her management.

Tyler Ray is the founder and principal of Backyard Concept, LLC., a professional outdoor advocacy firm specializing in legal, consulting, management, and events supporting players in the outdoor recreation space. BYC is the managing entity of Granite Outdoor, Granite Backcountry, Frontyard Law, and the Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival. Ray’s advocacy practice draws on his 15 years of both business law and non-profit experience, which couples nicely with a lifetime of outdoor adventure growing up in the woods of Bridgton, Maine.