The conference theme, Achieving Peak Performance,' was echoed in the overall conference schedule. From the very start, the conference took on a decidedly technological slant, with experts from the fields of social media and mobile and emerging technologies leading break-out sessions. Industry partners from across the state also attended sessions that demonstrated how to best implement innovative technologies and cost-effective strategies in an increasingly competitive landscape.
"The tourism industry greatly benefited from the exchange of fresh ideas and the enthusiasm generated at the conference. This was an opportunity for the entire industry to celebrate our successes and learn how we can continue to grow tourism in Colorado," stated Richard Scharf, chairman of the Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors.
At the Annual Awards Dinner on September 29, Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. presented awards to individuals and organizations that made a significant and meaningful impact on Colorado's tourism industry including:
* The Outstanding Community Tourism Initiative Award, which acknowledges an activity, event, or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado, went to the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau. The organization's "Train to Colorado's Wine Country", which began as an idea between the area wineries, lodging properties, and the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau, was designed to promote shoulder season traffic to the destination. Via a partnership with AAA Colorado, the GJVCB created packages for the wine trans which are routinely sold out, with a waiting list.
* The Governor's Award for Outstanding Marketing Program, which goes to an event or project undertaken by a community or region to promote tourism in Colorado, went to the Lake City Heirloom Vacations marketing strategy by the Town of Lake City. With virtually no marketing funds, the Town of Lake City taught itself how to create and benefit from online marketing strategies by using best practices from other organizations across the country and adapting them for the city's benefit.
* The Governor's Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Colorado Tourism is presented to an individual in recognition of his/her contributions to the promotion and development of the Colorado tourism industry. This year's award was presented to Peggy Ziglin, Colorado regional public relations/tourism director, and president, Rocky Mountain Shopping Center Association, for the "Strike a Pose" amateur model search. The program incorporated all three Outlets of Colorado Shopping Centers in Castle Rock, Loveland and Silverthorne. The winning model won an on-location photo shoot at a chosen Colorado partner destination and was photographed at signature attractions in clothing from the stores at the Outlets of Colorado.
* Laura Libby, heritage tourism program manager for the Colorado Tourism Office, was presented with the Colorado Tourism Office Board Chairman's Award, which recognizes an exceptional contribution to tourism in Colorado. Libby was commended for her tireless work on behalf of promoting heritage, arts and culture in Colorado.
At the conclusion of the conference, the Colorado Tourism Office announced that the Embassy Suites Loveland - Hotel, Spa & Conference Center would host the Governor's 2011 Colorado Tourism Conference.
