CMI’s 12th International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism
was held November 2-4, 2011
at the Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs, California.
It was a great event!

Watch this space for news of our 13th Conference:
San Francisco, Oct 31-Nov 2!
Wyndham Parc 55 Hotel 


Over 30 speakers! The tourism industry’s premiere marketing, sales, public relations and research forum to help you reach gay and lesbian travelers.

Every year, CMI brings together leading tourism professionals to learn about the gay and lesbian market from the experts – the people behind the success stories. Perfect for marketing and sales executives of tourism boards, CVBs, DMOs, accommodations, tour operators, events, agencies and meeting planners. Topics include: internet, print and direct marketing, research trends, sales tracking, community involvement, LGBT niche markets, press relations and more.

Click here to download the Conference agenda.

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Read these Inspiring Endorsements!

 

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, CEO, IGLTA

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 Las Vegas!

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, Director, Marketing Programs and Relationship Marketing

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

CMI’s Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is a great way to begin your adventure in the LGBT market.  This conference truly helped point our company in the right direction and made us much more confident in our marketing efforts.  We plan to go back each year and continue to learn about and support this market.

Romy Ecker, Tourism Account Representative, Mall of America

This is my favorite LGBT conference to go to! Why? Just because I always get inspired to be a better marketer afterwards. Community Marketing always presents great and relevant content to better understand an audience that evolved constantly. It is also very resourceful to meet with other marketers from the same industry or others and see what they do, what they tried, their success and failure and learn from it.  I look forward each year to attend this conference: it feels good and it is very useful to be there.

Stéphanie Versin, Director of Loyalty Marketing, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

As a first time participant of CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism, I left the conference with a wealth of knowledge and much more insight into the LGBT community.  Aqua Hotels & Resorts has supported the LGBT community over the past several years and this conference will make it possible to take the next step to further our commitment to our LGBT guests.  The opportunity to meet with other hoteliers, tour operators and other professionals has also been very instrumental in the revamping processes of both our LGBT marketing strategies and guest service initiatives in the future.  This is a must for travel industry professionals as this conference exceeded my expectations on many levels.

 

Justin Nakaahiki Marketing Manager, Aqua Hotels & Resorts

Community Marketing’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is one of the single-most important educational forums for LGBT travel.  To have the opportunity to learn in creative, relevant, and enjoyable sessions makes CMI’s conference stand out above all others. Having had the pleasure of speaking in a workshop, I found myself learning so much in my own process, but also make great connections with peers, meeting planners, CVB’s.  Tom, David, and Glen ,at CMI, made the conference seem effortless and seamless in transition from workshops, seminars, and receptions–even though we all know how difficult it is to put on such a large conference like this.  My hope is to continue with TAG memberships, attending any CMI events, and supporting their efforts in any way I can.  To anyone that has not attended this event–please know that no matter how large or small your hotel, city, CVB, or meeting planning is–you will undoubtedly walk out of the conference more knowledgeable and passionate about pursuing this great market segment.

Jeremy Bishop, Director of Sales, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites by Marriott

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 Las Vegas. The seminars were incredibly informative and it was great to network with my CVB peers.

John Cohen Executive Director, Durango Area Tourism Office

What I think was so great for me was that not only did I learn about marketing to the Gay & Lesbian community, but I learned about how travel companies can better serve the market, including incorporating LGBT sensitivity training as part of diversity training to ensure trips are providing the highest level of customer service to ALL customers.  It was good for those who were attending for the first time, as well as veterans who come back year after year to learn about latest trends. It was also one of the most organized conferences I’ve ever been to, which is always appreciated!

Kelly Galaski, Partnership Coordinator, Planeterra Foundation

This is a must attend event.  The LGBT community is very important to our hotels, and the International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is integral in informing how we can stay relevant with this market. It allows an opportunity to learn about trends and network within the industry.  There is no other forum that provides such a wealth of insight. The educational seminars provide knowledge to individual at all levels of experience; from entry level to seasoned pro.  Additionally, CMI’s conference allows for a great opportunity to meet others in the industry and develop strong business relationships and friends.

Scott Gericke, Gemini Hospitality Management

In my over 20 years in the hospitality business and countless conferences and workshops, I was never more impressed then I was at my two International Conferences on Gay & Lesbian Tourism.  I came away with a new understanding on how to sell and market to this community.

Tom Haberland, CHSP, Director of Tourism Sales, Valley Forge CVB

Community Marketing’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism brings together the best in the LGBT travel industry for information, education and networking.  There is a great diversity of seminars to partake in, along with a wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know others. Being a new business, I was amazed by the talent of the not only the speakers but the guests in attendance. I would definitely recommend and want to attend this conference in the future.

Gary Saperstein, Principal Partner, Out In The Vineyard

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

Community Marketing’s Annual Gay & Lesbian Tourism Conference is on the top of my list as a hospitable, informative and well-run conference. Relevant and interesting material presented by engaging speakers complements the quality individuals who attend. DMO, attraction and lodging representatives share their efforts and successes in an open forum. Sessions engage a variety of listeners from Las Vegas to Las Cruces. Networking events are fun and entertaining, offering additional venues in which we share experiences. Since attending my first conference in 2009, marketing to the LGBT community is that much easier, thanks to Tom and David’s research and guidance. As a newcomer in her second year, I still have a lot to learn and can already see the impact CMI has made on our overall marketing efforts. I look forward to another great conference next year.

Andrea Lawrence, Tourism Sales Manager, Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau

Not only was it a fantastic conference, It was a pleasure being a part of a very special and important part of our community marketing.  I would like to say that CMI’s International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism is a must attend for CVB’s and all Brands that would like to gain valuable knowledge on the Lesbian and Gay tourism industry, and not just about the LGBT tourism industry, but about LGBT community as a whole.

CMI’s LGBT conference teaches how to enter, retain and become a part of an emerging market that can provide your company with a leading edge.    CMI’s expertise and research insights make this conference before any other the leader in Lesbian and Gay Marketing.

Diana Berry, Senior Account Executive, Curve Magazine

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

I found the International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism to be educational and a lot of fun!  The interaction with colleagues and wealth of knowledge you can gain from them is invaluable.  I would highly recommend that if given the opportunity to attend one of the future conferences, you definitely do so.

Tony Sprouse, Director of Sales & Marketing, Hilton St. Louis Downtown

This was my second CMI conference and I have to say it was incredibly rewarding. The reception I received as a speaker was warm and welcoming and the networking invaluable. I encourage everyone to attend at least one CMI conference and I assure you that it won’t be your last. The conferences are professionally run, the locations are stunning, the content is incredibly educational, the eye for detail impeccable and the speakers are of the highest standard possible. I look forward to the opportunity of attending another CMI conference in the not too distant future.

Brett Heyhoe, Publisher, Q Magazine Australia

The conference was great and exceeded my expectations in bringing many diverse experiences under one roof.  I found the presentations very insightful and valuable, excellent presenters and great networking.  Highly recommended!

- Jackie Raccuglia, Manager – E Commerce & Marketing, IHG Caribbean Sales

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

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

CMI’s 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.

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

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

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

CMI’s 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

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

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

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