THURSDAY, AUGUST 7

General Session: Keynote Address – Hawai‘i a Ma ‘Ō Aku, So Much More Hawai‘i **UPDATED**

Keynote Speakers: Thomas K. Kaulukukui, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Centers and Ted Bush, Waikīkī Beach Boy, President, Waikīkī Beach Services.

Sharing their views on the conference theme – Hawai‘i a Ma ‘Ō Aku, So Much More Hawai‘i – join Thomas and Ted for a look back at Hawai‘i’s visitor industry and where we are today.

Concurrent Session 1: Workshops

A. Hawai‘i Visitor Statistics – Where to find it, how to use it.

Speaker: Daniel Nahoopii, Tourism Branch Chief, State of Hawaii, Dept. of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

There is a wealth of information on Hawai‘i’s visitors, but do you know where to find it, how to use it, and what it all means? Daniel will provide an overview of the State’s data collection program and information for better data-driven decision making.

B. Cultivating Hawai‘i’s Tourism Product **UPDATED**

Panel: Shari Chang, Senior Vice-President Sales, Marketing and Revenue Management, ResortQuest Hawai‘i; Lorraine Lunow-Luke, Coordinator, Hawaii Capital Cultural District (HCCD); Lani Weigert, President, Hawai`i AgriTourism Association; Jane Testa, Director, County of Hawai‘i, Department of Research & Development; and Patricia Loui, President, OmniTrak Group Inc.

As a mature destination, people think they “know” Hawai‘i. However, there is so much more Hawai‘i offers. Have you found the hidden community gems? How are you communicating this to our visitors and potential visitors? A panel discussion shares new as well as existing activities, attractions, festivals and events that you may be unaware of. Discover why developing Hawai‘i’s tourism products is essential to keeping our destination competitive.

C. Communicating your Messages and Breaking through the Noise.

Panel: Mario Mercado, Arts & Research Editor - Travel + Leisure Magazine; Jeanne Cooper, Contributing Writer - SFGate.com; Toni Salama, Executive Travel Editor - VideoVisits, Inc.

Competition amongst tropical, beach destinations are rising. How well are you communicating the uniqueness of your business and Hawai‘i? A panel discussion composed of travel media and writers provides trends, what competitors are doing, and offers recommendations in getting your message across and staying ahead of the competition.

D. Preparing for the Korean and Chinese Visitors.

Panel: Christopher Park, General Manager, Wilshire Grand; Chao Ying Deng, Consultant for Elan Enterprises

With the memorandum of understanding signed between the Chinese and US governments, and the Visa Waiver for Korea taking affect in early 2009, are you prepared to welcome Chinese and Korean visitors?Hear from a panel of industry experts as they discuss what Hawai‘i businesses should be ready for to welcome these visitors.

Luncheon Featured Speaker: Martha Rogers, Ph.D., Founding Partner, Peppers & Rogers Group

Sponsored by:

Martha will present advice from her latest book, Rules to Break, Laws to Follow to help in your business decisions and customer relationships.

Concurrent Session 2:

A. Searching for Blue Skies – Navigating Hawai‘i’s Airline Industry in Turbulent Times

Speaker: Brad DiFiore, Director, Sabre Airline Solutions

Sabre Airline Solutions recently put together an airlines market analysis for the State. Understand the challenges and opportunities for our state, and what it means for our industry.

B. Meetings, Conventions, and Incentives Market – Trends to Consider

Panel: Seth Tilow, International Advertising Director, Northstar Travel Media; other speakers to be confirmed.

Learn the latest results of M&C's biennial Meeting Market Report on the U.S. meetings and conventions market from Seth. The study focuses on the number of meetings, expenditures, attendees and characteristics of meeting planners. A panel discussion will follow looking at what Hawai‘i is doing right and what can we as a destination do better.

C. The Hotel Industry – Getting Heads in Beds?

Speaker: Duane Vinson, Vice President, Smith Travel Research, and Joseph Toy, President & CEO, Hospitality Advisors LLC

Impacted by the U.S. economic slowdown, instability in the airline industry, the credit crisis and hotel financing, and fall off in corporate travel, how well is the hotel industry surviving? Duane and Joe examine national and Hawai‘i hotel trends and provide an outlook for 2009.

General Session: Managing Hawai‘i Online

Speaker: Matthew Crummack, Sr. Vice President of Lodging, Expedia.com

With Web 2.0 and the ever-changing online world, how can we manage our online presence? How can we communicate more effectively in this platform? What trends are occurring that directly impact Hawai‘i? Matthew explores these questions and more, and provides insight as to what is occurring in the world of online travel and this customer-driven marketplace.

General Session: Keep It Hawai‘i Awards Ceremony

Individuals, organizations and businesses that are perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through programs, events or activities for visitors and residents alike will be recognized at the 17th Annual Keep It Hawai‘i® Recognition Awards.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

Presentations of the 2009 tourism marketing plans by Hawai‘i Tourism Asia, Hawai‘i Tourism Europe, Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania, Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau, Hawai‘i Tourism Japan, and SMG (Hawai‘i Convention Center). The luncheon will recognize the conference’s theme – Hawai‘i a Ma ‘Ō Aku – So Much More Hawai‘i.