Live the Legend Welcome Reception  -  sponsored by Visit Cheyenne

WLRA Board Meeting

Registration

Breakfast and Opening Session - Innovation thru Improvisation
Chicago's Second City Improv Ensemble  -  sponsored by Miles | Weaver

Beyond being funny, good improvisers are great listeners, supportive team members and people who welcome the unexpected. When faced with challenges, being able to see situations with fresh eyes and think creatively is crucial for individuals and organizations to grow. Don’t miss Chicago’s esteemed Second City as they bring their special brand of comedy to Wyoming. Learn how to “improve through improv! “

The New Post-Recession Traveler: What’s Changed and Where Are We Heading?
Peter Yesawich, MMGY Global  -  sponsored by MMGY Global

Without a doubt, the most recent “Great Recession” and all of its upheavals have impacted the psyche and behavior of American travelers…and that includes sentiments and intentions toward travel. No segment of travelers, or the tourism industry, has been immune to the swiftly changing waters.
Join nationally respected Peter Yesawich as he shares insights from one of the most comprehensive and insightful surveys of today’s American traveler.

Immigration Compliance 101 and Beyond  -  sponsored by Sysco & American Express
Andria Ryan

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to audit employer’s I-9 forms to ensure compliance with federal immigration laws. In November 2011, ICE served another round of I-9 Notices of Inspection (NOIs) to 500 businesses nationwide. In February 2011 and July 2011, ICE served 1,000 NOIs to businesses. It is clear from recent activity that ICE will continue its trend to investigate employer’s compliance with federal immigration law through I-9 audits. Auditing your company's I-9 forms before another round of NOIs are issued is the best way to minimize your company's risk for administrative fines ranging from $110 to $1100 per violation.
This seminar will discuss:
• I-9 Basics: How to properly complete an I-9 form
• How to Conduct a I-9 Self Audit
• ICE Notice of Inspection
• E-Verify Requirements

Legislative Briefing and Lunch
Jim Anderson, Ed Buchanan, Lynn Birleffi  -  sponsored by Food Services of America

Senate President, Jim Anderson and Speaker of the House, Ed Buchanan cover legislative highlights. Lynn Birleffi, representing the industry, will review major issues and outline the trip to the Capitol.

Visit The Capitol

Attendees will board the Cheyenne trolley for a trip to the Capitol to visit with legislators and observe the action. You will learn how the legislature works, make contact with your legislator and watch the House and Senate in action.,

What To Do When The Government Knocks - A Proactive Approach
Andria Ryan  -  sponsored by Heartland & American Express

During the past two years, the federal government and many state governments have changed their focus from compliance assistance to enforcement. As a result, the risk of government investigations and inspections, large penalties, and the possibility of criminal sanctions have increased substantially for employers. Agencies that have beefed up enforcement include the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, among others. Several of these agencies have specifically targeted the hospitality industry for audits.

To minimize these risks, employers should take a proactive approach ensuring they are prepared if the government wants to conduct an investigation or inspection. This session will help you identify areas of your operations where you may have compliance issues, prepare you for an investigation or inspection and teach you how to maintain control during the investigation or inspection.

The United States of Awesome Possiblities
Candice Knezvic, US Travel Association
Michael Carroll,  Brand USA
Lisa Simon, National Tour Association   - sponsored by National Park Trips

Why does the United States need international visitors? While the US welcomed 60 million visitors in 2010, over the last decade, its world market share has plummeted as travel has exploded across the globe. Learn from this panel of experts about the international demand for an American vacation, the barriers for international visitors and what's being done to overcome the challenges to grow this segment of our tourism economy. See first hand the exicting new international campaign being launched by Brand USA, the benefits for Wyoming and how you can get involved.

 

Legislative Reception in Trade Show  -  sponsored by Wyoming Lodging & Restaurant Association, Wyoming Travel Industry Coalition, Wyoming Retail Association and Wyoming Automobile Dealers Association

Legislative Reception Entertainment - Jared Rogerson
of Pinedale will be performing live during a legislative reception at the 2012 Wyoming Governor's Hospitality and Tourism Conference in Cheyenne. Rogerson spent more than 15 years on the rodeo road competing at the high school, college and pro level. The former bronc rider used his college scholarship to obtain a Master's degree in biology. He's spent a lot of time on backcountry mountain pack trips in Wyoming. Those journeys also inspire his original music he calls "Western Country." Rogerson's musical influences include George Strait, Brad Paisley and most importantly Chris LeDoux with a dash of Bon Jovi too. Jared hopes his music "inspires others to dream big and chase down those dreams. Now is the time. Life's too short to ride a slow horse.

Click here to hear Jared's latest song - Peace, Love and Horses

Why Before How: Create a Winning Social Media Strategy in 8 Steps
Jay Baer, Convince & Convert  -  sponsored by Barnhart

Want to learn how to harness the awesome power of social media without forgetting that social media is an ingredient in a successful business, not the whole entree? Get ready to understand both the strategy behind social communication and the compelling methods for integrating it into your business. In an environment that’s full of lots of enthusiasm and talk about social media but sometimes short on practical business applications, Jay stands out from the crowd. He has a firm grasp on "real" ROI, strategy, execution, and integration of social media with traditional channels. Walk away with your winning strategy!

Back to the Basics - Good Human Resources Strategies in Troubled Times
Andria Ryan  -  sponsored by Pepsi & American Express

When economic times are tough, applicants you turn away and employees you terminate, often file claims with outside agencies and look for help from attorneys. Learn how to protect your business. This session will cover best practices for hiring the right employees, the right way, managing their performance and attendance, paying employees properly, developing good policies and procedures (including policies related to harassment, personal conduct, appearance and social media among others) and tips on terminating without litigating. The session will be practical and interactive.

Homeruns on the Homefront
Daniel Wenk, Yellowstone National Park
Aaron McCreight, Casper Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Doug & Kathleen Campbell, Owners of The Wolf Hotel
  -  sponsored by CMG

There are many factors contributing to the overall success of Wyoming's tourism industry. This exciting panel will share their views and innovative programs that help to successfully lift our collective marketing message.

 

Vendor Showcase

Visit the Trade Show and support our sponsors and exhibitors. They are the reason we have a first-rate conference! Drop by every booth – you can always learn something new.

Lunch in Trade Show

Last chance to network with vendors and improve your business. Stroll the Trade Show to find other tasty foods and beverages.

What's New From Your Office of Tourism
Diane Shober, Wyoming Office of Tourism  -  sponsored by Xanterra

Diane will share the latest news from the Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT), including economic impacts from 2011 and other year end research findings, program updates, budget projections (and wishes) and the advertising campaign for summer 2012. Partnering with the WOT should be a vital part of your marketing efforts. So stick around and join in this lively closing session.

WTIC Board Meeting

Salute to the Industry Reception

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres prepared by students from the WLRA’s ProStart program and Wyoming culinary school program. Bid on great vacation options, culinary delights and more during the Silent Auction.

Salute to the Industry Gala

The largest fundraising event for the WLRA Education Foundation, the Gala brings together the best and brightest of the travel and hospitality industries in Wyoming. The “Big Wyo” award will be presented as a lifetime achievement award for the 26th year. A video highlighting the State of Wyoming by the Wyoming Office of Tourism and a video of ProStart students who are supported by the WLRA Education Foundation will be shown during dinner will be shown. A live auction will be held and the silent auction will continue through dinner. All proceeds go to support the WLRA Education Foundation.

Enjoy this amazing dinner prepared by Chef Santiago Ramos and the staff of the Little America Resort & Hotel. Do not miss this opportunity to support the hospitality and tourism industry in Wyoming.

For more information about the WLRA Education Foundation click here