This conference is a must do for both the new and the experienced (not old) marketers in this fantastic community. It will guide you and help steer you away from marketing blunders with live case studies and examples of doing it right and not so right. Regardless if you are there for Marketing 101 or to learn the tools of the trade from knowledgeable experts sharing their experiences in the breakouts, this conference will help build your confidence, your ability and most important your rolodex! See you in Boston!
George Carrancho
National Sales and Marketing Manager for LGBT Community, American Airlines
------------------------
There is no better opportunity to learn and meet others in the travel industry with the same LGBT marketing goals. Community Marketing does a great job of providing new educational content in an ever-changing environment and providing access to representatives from the top companies in travel and hospitality.
Scott Seed
Resort Marketing, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
------------------------
Community Marketing has been a catalyst for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. Participating in CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism has increased my awareness and has allowed me to network, develop partnerships, and find new business. This conference is one that we attend annually, and one that I refer all my colleagues in the industry to attend and become engaged.
Veronica Torres
Director of Diversity and Community Relations, Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau
------------------------
CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is one of the best opportunities that CVBs, suppliers and media have to all come together to dialog on trends surrounding gay and lesbian consumers. This conference is exceptional in addressing the buying patterns and changing media involved in the LGBT audience. If you want approaches to researching, planning and booking travel, you should not miss this conference. The opportunity to meet with colleagues focused on this category, and to hear first hand what they are doing to address this niche, is priceless to us. We find the sessions invaluable and the breakouts are not to be missed.
Jim Walsh
Regional Sales Manager, Travelocity
------------------------
I always enjoy Community Marketing's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism. I look forward each year to reuniting with past participants as well as meeting the attendees new to the gay & lesbian tourism community. The programs offered are diverse, educational and appeal to each aspect of the tourism industry. The variety of industry services and niches represented in the attendees has allowed for unexpected partnerships to form. Overall, attending each year has proven successful for EIS.
Katy Radoll
Business Development Manager, European Incoming Services
------------------------
CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism was the best educational event I have ever attended. This was our second time and we are already planning to attend next year's Conference in Boston. The seminars were incredibly informative and it was great to network with my CVB peers.
John Cohen
Executive Director, Durango Area Tourism Office
------------------------
I have been in the tourism business for many years and most conferences just reinforce what I already know. CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism brought so many new ideas to light and the education that I received on the Gay & Lesbian tourism market was invaluable. I met so many wonderful contacts and have already booked some business as a result of the conference. If you are looking to expand your horizons in tourism this conference is not to be missed!
Randi Axelsson
Hotel Sales Manager, Silver Reef Hotel, Casino & Spa
------------------------
I attended Community Marketing's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism. This is a must attend for anyone who is doing business period. I found the networking opportunities alone to be worth the cost of attending. The conference was well planned and executed and offered a 360 degree view on marketing and doing business with the LGBT community. The huge value add of this conference is Community Marketing’s research data. This information was extremely eye opening. Our attendance and the things we learned will prove very beneficial for our travel website this year as we expand and grow our market in the United States.
Jen Hough
CEO, www.thegayplaces.com
------------------------
For CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism, I was a new attendee and a bit of an anomaly. Coming from a national GLBT magazine looking to ensure that we are able to offer the GLBT travel industry what they need in order to reach their markets, my focus was different then others attending the conference. However, having attended other GLBT travel related conferences I can easily state that this would be a “ must attend” for marketing professionals who work in the travel industry. It is an excellent opportunity to network with professionals who share similar challenges inherent in target marketing. There is substantial market research and insights presented in the various workshops. I met some amazing people dedicated to helping marketing professionals navigate this travel segment. I was also very impressed with the hosts from CMI and the content and quality of information that had been researched and made available to all delegates. Important and timely to say the least.
Brett Taylor
Publishing Editor, Outlooks Magazine - Canada
------------------------
I have been attending the CMI conferences for 7 years now and have always found them to be filled with quality speakers, relevant topics and great social activities. Even the opening "101" sessions seem to have new and valuable information for the seasoned veteran attendee. I would highly recommend this conference to anyone, regardless of sexuality, who is serious about reaching the LGBT market and having a solid understanding of how it works.
Michael Doughman
Executive Director, Dallas Tavern Guild
------------------------
IGLTA and Community Marketing have a long-standing partnership; we highly recommend CMI’s Conference to any tourism business interested in gaining information and knowledge about the uniqueness of the LGBT market.
John Tanzella
IGLTA
------------------------
One of the rewarding benefits I have found from attending the annual International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism over the past few years is that there is always something new to learn. As our business grows and changes, keeping current in the market becomes all that more vital. This conference provides me the opportunity to learn new things every year relevant to where we are in our progress for both of our products. Additionally it is a tremendous avenue for meeting and forming valuable relationships with the best in the gay and lesbian tourism industry.
Keith Hickman
Director, Travel Impressions Marketing Events & Special Programs
------------------------
Run like a well-oiled machine, the CMI Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is a “do not miss” event in my annual calendar. The sessions are informative, organized and evolving from year-to-year, while the networking events allow you to make exceptionally useful connections as well as some wonderful friends. Even the most experienced LGBT travel expert will come away with some new knowledge, while newcomers will leave with a real understanding of what this market is all about.
Tanya Churchmuch
President & Publisher, Girlports.com
------------------------
I found the conference provided excellent information about how to market to the gay & lesbian travel community. In particular, I found the session regarding best practices in working with the media to promote GLBT tourism programs incredibly interesting and useful. As a hospitality professional, I can confidently say that this conference achieved its goal of educating me about the travel needs of this community.
Bert le Roux
Assistant General Manager, Pacific Palisades Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel
------------------------
CMI International Conference on Gay and Lesbian Tourism is one of the best opportunities to learn, network and exchange ideas and information with other participants and guest speakers. The CMI Conference was one of the best organized conferences I have ever attended. Guest speakers covered all aspects on how to best market to the growing LGBT market segment. Marketing to the LGBT Industry can get confusing and many mistakes can be made by trying to hard. Tom, his staff and all guest speakers gave me a sense of direction. If you are new and trying to target this growing market, the best recommendation I have is to first attend CMI Conference if not every year which would be ideal, but at least once.
Leslie Mishaan
Los Angeles Airport Marriott
------------------------
Community Marketing Inc’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism provides real examples of community teamwork and success stories. The conference is small enough for interaction with others dealing with similar issues and obstacles, but large enough to gather an impressive collection of talent, experience and geography. Newbies will find it approachable, eye-opening, and will make friends along the way. The education on different segments of the LGBT community and up-to-date statistics that we gain at this conference reinforce our commitment to pursuing this market. What we bring back to the table in Portland supports our internal “ask” for an increased marketing budget.
Bob Baskette
Tourism Coordinator, Travel Portland
------------------------
The CMI Conference continues to follow the growing trend of destinations and companies seeking to better understand and reach the GLBT community, by bringing together a larger, more diverse and more qualified mix of businesses for some of the best education, networking and overall business growth opportunities available today.
Matt Skallerud
President, Pink Banana Media
------------------------
The International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism was really a great experience. The LGBT business community can be intimidating to newcomers, and I can genuinely say that this group of business professionals was very welcoming. CMI provided very valuable LGBT travel statistics, trends and the conference was a great forum to put competition aside to share best practices. Most importantly the event was a great opportunity to network and do business face to face.
Robert Sharp
Co-Founder, OUT Adventures, Inc.
------------------------
CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is a must for marketing professionals who work in the travel industry. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from and network with other professionals who face the same challenges inherent in marketing to Gay, lesbian and transgendered travelers. From the substantial market research insights to the varied topics offered in workshops, the Conference offers a unique learning environment that is friendly and fun! I met some incredible people dedicated to helping marketing professionals navigate this market, and I was highly impressed by the content and quality of the conference. Go to learn, network and meet some impressive and dedicated people. You are not alone!
- Lisa Palmarini, Senior Vice President Account Services, IMPAX
------------------------
We attended CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism, and we not only learned valuable lessons that will help us as we market the Baltimore destination to GLBT travelers, but we were able to network with industry leaders, media representatives and various CVB's who were willing to share their experiences. As an organization just starting in the GLBT market, the CMI conference was the perfect first step.
- Dionne Joyner, Marketing Manager - Advertising/Promotions, Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association
------------------------
The International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism was the best educational event I have ever attended. This was our first time and we are already planning to attend next year’s Conference. The seminars were incredibly informative and it was great to network with my CVB peers.
- John Cohen, Executive Director, Durango Area Tourism
Office
------------------------
There is no better opportunity to learn and meet others in the travel industry with the same LGBT marketing goals. Community Marketing does a great job of providing new educational content in an ever-changing environment and providing access to representatives from the top companies in travel and hospitality.
- Scott S. Seed, Director, Resort Marketing, Hyatt Hotels
Corporation
------------------------
Truth be told, I’m not much of a “joiner,” so when I say Community Marketing’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is one of two “must attend” events in the world of gay travel, you know I mean it! The CMI team put on an incredibly well organized event, facilitating a flow of great information. They’re particularly good making new folks feel fully integrated. I’m already looking forward to the event next year.
- Ed Salvato, Editor in Chief, The Out Traveler
------------------------
Community Marketing's annual International Conference on Gay and Lesbian Tourism is a must for all travel professionals, even if you have been in the GLBT market for a long time their conference not only provides new data on spending and trends but offers a chance to meet and network with travel professionals from all over the world. I strongly recommend everyone interested in reaching this important market make it a priority in your marketing budgets.
- Bill Hynes, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing,
West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau
------------------------
This conference is a must do for both the new and the experienced (not old) marketers in this fantastic community. It will guide you and help steer you away from marketing blunders with live case studies and examples of doing it right and not so right. Regardless if you are there for Marketing 101 or to learn the tools of the trade from knowledgeable experts sharing their experiences in the breakouts, this conference will help build your confidence, your ability and most important your rolodex! See you next year!
- George Carrancho, National Sales &
Marketing Manager for LGBT Community, American Airlines
------------------------
We are so proud to have hosted Community Marketing's annual conference. The research, the media, the experts – all in a relaxed environment – make CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism a must attend for everyone interested in gaining insight into this very important target market.
- Nicki Grossman, President, Greater Fort Lauderdale Conventions & Visitor’s Bureau
------------------------
The International Conference of Gay & Lesbian Tourism that I attended helped me to understand some valuable opportunities, as we seek out those markets that will provide the critical "ROI" we all seek. What I learned from the presenters, as well as from other attending colleagues and organizations - smart and insightful LGBT tourism marketing has the ability to leverage visitor numbers in a very competitive marketplace. Savvy marketers will appreciate this intelligence and will find it a useful audience to cultivate - one that pays dividends quickly and efficiently.
- Paul Greenberg, VP Media Services, NYC & Company
------------------------
CMI was very knowledgeable about the GLBT community. As a new hotel supplier interested in marketing to the global GLBT travel market, CMI continues to provide current data and effective business strategies that compliments our progressive business plan.
- Dennis Centorbi, Director of Global Sales, Accor Business
& Leisure North America
------------------------
Community Marketing's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism covers all you need to know about upcoming trends, meet the leaders in the industry, learn new marketing techniques, check out the competition and understand the tourism and hospitality business. It is a great opportunity to start in class 101 and graduate during one weekend.
- George Neary, AVP GLBT Marketing, Greater Miami Convention
& Visitors Bureau
------------------------
My new business partner and I attended our first Community Marketing conference this past December. The speakers were very informative and varied, and we returned with lots of good ideas for marketing our company. We have received inquiries regarding the African safaris we offer that we can directly attribute to the information we gathered at the conference. The conference was very well organized, the networking opportunities were numerous, and we learned a lot. Also, since the conference was followed by an LGBT Travel Expo, we were able to add new potential clients using contact cards there.
- Alison Hawthorne, Co-Owner, Wild Rainbow African Safaris,
LLC
------------------------
This past December was my 5th year to attend Community Marketing’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism I would recommend this conference to anyone wanting to grow a bigger, stronger GLBT presence in their city or anyone wanting to start a marketing campaign in their city to attract the GLBT leisure and business traveler. It is a first-time attendee’s ideal place to start and a returning attendees opportunity to keep up with the latest ideas and technologies in the LGBT tourism industry.
- Michael
Doughman, Executive Director, Dallas Tavern Guild
------------------------
Attending the annual International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism has advanced Bloomington's gay marketing initiatives immeasurably. It has really made the gay tourism world much smaller and accessible for assistance, advice, collaboration, publicity, and ideas. Thanks to Tom and his talented staff hosting this annual conference, Bloomington has been able to better and more effectively establish a presence within the Midwest as a gay-friendly oasis in a sea of red. A community or city of any size would greatly benefit from attending this conference and gain valuable insight towards the success of their gay tourism marketing efforts.
- Rob DeCleene, Director of Tourism & Promotions, Bloomington Indiana CVB
------------------------
CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism was a great opportunity for learning not only the intricacies of the LGBT market, but also a good refresher in travel marketing in general. I also enjoyed meeting other people working on similar issues, and hearing how they are handling them. The networking and chance to meet new people in the industry are invaluable.”
- Tim Zahner, Director of PR and Marketing, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau
------------------------
In 2002, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation went to CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism to explore the gay and lesbian travel market. The conference was extraordinary in the quality of the information presented as well as the attendees who freely shared their knowledge and expertise. Tom and his staff create a quality experience that is educational and collaborative. Philadelphia built our gay tourism campaign on the research gleaned from CMI’s national and custom reports, which created a solid foundation to launch a ground-breaking and award-winning campaign.
- Jeff Guaracino, Vice President, Communications, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
------------------------
I always enjoy Community Marketing’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism. I look forward each year to reuniting with past participants as well as meeting the attendees new to the gay & lesbian tourism community. The programs offered are diverse, educational and appeal to each aspect of the tourism industry. The variety of industry services and niches represented in the attendees is quite in-depth and has allowed for unexpected partnerships to form. Overall, attending each year has proven successful for EIS. We look forward to continuing to represent Italy and the Mediterranean each year.
- Katy Radoll, Business Development Manager, EIS - European Incoming Services
------------------------
Community Marketing has been a catalyst for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. Participating in CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism has increased my awareness and has allowed me to network, develop partnerships, and find new business. This conference is one that we attend annually, and one that I refer all my colleagues in the industry to attend and become engaged.
- Veronica Torres, Director of Diversity and Community Relations, Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.
------------------------
CMI’s
International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is one of, if not the
only opportunity that CVBs, suppliers and media have to all come together to
dialog on trends surrounding gay and
lesbian consumers. This conference is exceptional in addressing the
buying patterns and changing media involved in the LGBT audience. If you
want to know about this specific audience’s approach to researching, planning
and booking travel, you should not miss this conference. The opportunity to
meet with colleagues focused on this category, and to hear first hand what they
are doing to address this niche, is priceless to us. We find the sessions
invaluable and the breakouts are not to be missed.
Thanks to the CMI team for another outstanding International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism. We have attended the past three conferences, and we’re looking forward to next year's Conference. The conferences always live up to CMI’s high standards. This year’s conference covered a variety of interesting and timely topics which were facilitated by top industry professionals. The excellent sessions covered topics that are not addressed in other tourism marketing seminars. I found the sessions on marketing to lesbians, bears and transgender individuals to be especially helpful. I have always come away with truly useful information, not to mention the many friends and contacts I have met during the seminar sessions and numerous networking/social functions. The conference always opens doors for us. Thanks again for another great conference experience. I’ll see you next year!
- Nancy Black, Tourism Development Manager, Tempe Convention
& Visitors Bureau
------------------------
CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism provided an unparalleled opportunity to meet and learn from leaders in the gay and lesbian travel and tourism industry. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of people from different geographic regions and industries. The conference's small size and focused set of activities made it feel much more collegial and friendly. I look forward to attending the next International Conference.
- Ben Finzel,, Founding Global Co-chair, FH Out Front and,
Senior Vice President, Fleishman-Hillard
------------------------
Without a doubt, CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism was the most comprehensive and well-organized GLBT conference that I have ever attended. The information presented by CMI and their guest speakers was timely and useful; the networking opportunities were equally important. CMI’s market research has been invaluable in our local efforts to grow recognition of the GLBT travel sector and to provide a solid business model for developing North Texas as a destination welcoming to all people. If I could attend only one marketing conference this year, travel or otherwise, it would be CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism.
- Tony Vedda, President, North Texas GLBT Chamber
------------------------
Community Marketing's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism was extremely informative and insightful on these powerful consumers. The networking opportunities were phenomenal, allowing GLBT marketing leaders to talk to each other one on one – which often proved just as beneficial as the educational sessions!
- Kris Holt and Jena Atchison, Segment Marketing
Specialists, Southwest Airlines
------------------------
CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is the must-attend conference of the year, if you are interested in learning more about niche markets, diversity strategizing, getting your message OUT and securing business. CMI understands the importance of dialogue and networking with fellow colleagues from around the world, and therefore creates networking opportunities to meet contacts in a welcoming environment. The attendees are friendly, approachable, and willing to share their insights, experiences and opportunities to secure future business.
- Dean Nelson, Community & Media Relations Director – GayWhistler
------------------------
CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is a fantastic way to learn, get inspired and get motivated. The broad spectrum of attendees, ranging from destination representatives, tour operators, transportation companies, and media, provided for some truly engaging and enlightening sessions. I found the conference structure to be very adept, which allowed it to provide value and insight to both the first timer with no familiarity in GLBT travel, all the way to the much more seasoned.
- Daniel Berger, Consumer Marketing & Product
Development Associate, Tourism Vancouver
This conference is a must do for both the new and the experienced (not old) marketers in this fantastic community. It will guide you and help steer you away from marketing blunders with live case studies and examples of doing it right and not so right. Regardless if you are there for Marketing 101 or to learn the tools of the trade from knowledgeable experts sharing their experiences in the breakouts, this conference will help build your confidence, your ability and most important your rolodex! See you next year!
George Carrancho
National Sales and Marketing Manager for LGBT Community, American Airlines
------------------------
There is no better opportunity to learn and meet others in the travel industry with the same LGBT marketing goals. Community Marketing does a great job of providing new educational content in an ever-changing environment and providing access to representatives from the top companies in travel and hospitality.
Scott Seed
Resort Marketing, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
------------------------
Community Marketing has been a catalyst for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. Participating in CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism has increased my awareness and has allowed me to network, develop partnerships, and find new business. This conference is one that we attend annually, and one that I refer all my colleagues in the industry to attend and become engaged.
Veronica Torres
Director of Diversity and Community Relations, Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau
------------------------
CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is one of the best opportunities that CVBs, suppliers and media have to all come together to dialog on trends surrounding gay and lesbian consumers. This conference is exceptional in addressing the buying patterns and changing media involved in the LGBT audience. If you want approaches to researching, planning and booking travel, you should not miss this conference. The opportunity to meet with colleagues focused on this category, and to hear first hand what they are doing to address this niche, is priceless to us. We find the sessions invaluable and the breakouts are not to be missed.
Jim Walsh
Regional Sales Manager, Travelocity
------------------------
I always enjoy Community Marketing's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism. I look forward each year to reuniting with past participants as well as meeting the attendees new to the gay & lesbian tourism community. The programs offered are diverse, educational and appeal to each aspect of the tourism industry. The variety of industry services and niches represented in the attendees has allowed for unexpected partnerships to form. Overall, attending each year has proven successful for EIS.
Katy Radoll
Business Development Manager, European Incoming Services
------------------------
CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism was the best educational event I have ever attended. This was our second time and we are already planning to attend next year's Conference. The seminars were incredibly informative and it was great to network with my CVB peers.
John Cohen
Executive Director, Durango Area Tourism Office
------------------------
I have been in the tourism business for many years and most conferences just reinforce what I already know. CMI's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism brought so many new ideas to light and the education that I received on the Gay & Lesbian tourism market was invaluable. I met so many wonderful contacts and have already booked some business as a result of the conference. If you are looking to expand your horizons in tourism this conference is not to be missed!
Randi Axelsson
Hotel Sales Manager, Silver Reef Hotel, Casino & Spa
------------------------
I attended Community Marketing's International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism. This is a must attend for anyone who is doing business period. I found the networking opportunities alone to be worth the cost of attending. The conference was well planned and executed and offered a 360 degree view on marketing and doing business with the LGBT community. The huge value add of this conference is Community Marketing’s research data. This information was extremely eye opening. Our attendance and the things we learned will prove very beneficial for our travel website this year as we expand and grow our market in the United States.
Jen Hough
CEO, www.thegayplaces.com
------------------------
For CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism, I was a new attendee and a bit of an anomaly. Coming from a national GLBT magazine looking to ensure that we are able to offer the GLBT travel industry what they need in order to reach their markets, my focus was different then others attending the conference. However, having attended other GLBT travel related conferences I can easily state that this would be a “ must attend” for marketing professionals who work in the travel industry. It is an excellent opportunity to network with professionals who share similar challenges inherent in target marketing. There is substantial market research and insights presented in the various workshops. I met some amazing people dedicated to helping marketing professionals navigate this travel segment. I was also very impressed with the hosts from CMI and the content and quality of information that had been researched and made available to all delegates. Important and timely to say the least.
Brett Taylor
Publishing Editor, Outlooks Magazine - Canada
------------------------
I have been attending the CMI conferences for 7 years now and have always found them to be filled with quality speakers, relevant topics and great social activities. Even the opening "101" sessions seem to have new and valuable information for the seasoned veteran attendee. I would highly recommend this conference to anyone, regardless of sexuality, who is serious about reaching the LGBT market and having a solid understanding of how it works.
Michael Doughman
Executive Director, Dallas Tavern Guild