CALL FOR PRACTITIONER PRESENTATIONS

Travel and Tourism Research Association
53rd Annual International Conference

St. Louis, Missouri, United States. June 13-15, 2023
Proposal Deadline: January 22, 2023

The industry co-chairs of the TTRA 53rd Annual International Conference invite submissions from travel and tourism researchers for presentations, professional development workshops, case studies, debates, discussions, and panels relating to the overall conference theme and sub-themes.

The conference theme is Gateway to the Future and will focus on how research, data & technology are changing the way strategic decisions are being made by destination and tourism organizations. 

We want to hear your stories and how research contributes now and into the future. For specific topic ideas, please see the research agenda section. 

Expressions of Interest can be for individual presentations (around 15 minutes) or whole sessions (such as a keynote, panel, or debate – 45 minutes). Please include a brief statement on how the presentation(s), case study, or workshop topic relates to the theme of the conference and meets a research need. Please also include a biography of the proposed presenter(s) and photo(s), and indicate which presentation format: Organized Panel, Workshop, etc., you are recommending.

TTRA International highly values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that having talented and dedicated diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, and chapter representation, along with varied skills, perspectives, and career experiences (including representatives from the academic community, practitioners working for DMOs, and vendor practitioners) contributes to a balanced and effective organization and conference. We ask that you consider this while crafting your submissions.

Please send your proposals and any questions by January 22, 2023, to the following email: [email protected].

KEY DATES:

January 22, 2023 Practitioner session proposals submission deadline.

March 3, 2023 Practitioner sessions finalized.

For more information on the TTRA Conference, check our website ttra.com/conference/, email us at [email protected].

RESEARCH AGENDA:

The TTRA Annual Conference is focused on the types of research and technology that are being utilized by data-driven destination and tourism organizations. Their application and the resulting strategic outcomes are key considerations when determining the Practitioner conference schedule.  Any presentation proposal related to the conference theme is welcome, but special consideration will be given to the following sub-themes: 

Destination Management:

• How to be a data-driven destination management organization.
• Smart destinations, cities, attractions, and events – Planning for the future. 
• Crisis and disaster management and response strategies.
• Tourism employment – Destination and tourism organizations positively impacting workforce challenges.
• Collaborating with residents – Data, research, and outreach, helping to connect locals with DMOs.
• Power of partnership – How researchers engage with local communities and businesses to increase the standing of tourism in the market.

Research & Data:

• Data-intensive research and its practical application: Data mining, machine learning, network analysis, and GIS.
• Path to leadership – How researchers and data experts can use their strengths to move to the c-suite.
  • Breaking barriers – How innovation and calculated risk-taking can boost careers.
• Vendor collaboration best practices.
• Artificial intelligence, automation, and robotization in tourism, hospitality, and events.

Marketing:

• Innovations in marketing and emerging technologies – Adaptation, measurement, and paths to acceptance.
• Changing consumer trends, preferences, and behaviors – Impact and application.
  • Neighborhood tourism – Locals exploring different parts of their cities/DMAs.
  • Domestic.
  • International.
    • Changes in marketing to international audiences and tracking methodologies.

Sustainability:

• Future transitions for climate change and tourism, including electrification and renewable energy.
• Protection and preservation of the natural environment and cultural heritage, achieving socio-economic benefits for residents.

Please send your proposals and any questions by January 22, 2023, to the following email: [email protected].