Annual Tourism Conference

The Third Annual Tourism Conference was held at the Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa on May 11, 2011. The conference is a focal point of “National Travel and Tourism Week” in cooperation with the California Travel and Tourism Commission and U.S. Travel Association. The Orange County Tourism Council presents this annual conference in recognition of the important role travel and tourism plays in the local, regional and national economy.

"Delivering on The OC Experience" was the theme of this year's conference. Attended by 300 visitor industry leaders and stakeholders, the conference showcased Orange County’s destination brand and celebrated The OC as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. Conference topics included “The New Media & Marketing Landscape”, “Trends, Activities and Outlook for The OC” and “Why Travel Matters”. The conference provided attendees with motivation, insight and new ideas in planning future direction toward mutual success; and, on strengthening The OC brand.

The Orange County Tourism Council is dedicated to championing Orange County’s destination brand through education, collective industry advocacy and brand marketing stewardship.

Orange County Tourism Council Conference Executives:
Gary Sherwin: Vice-Chairman, OCTC/President & CEO, Visit Newport Beach Inc. Bruce Baltin: Co-Chair, OCTC Tourism Conference/Sr. Vice President, PKF Consulting USA Gina Kerley: Co-Chair, OCTC Tourism Conference/Executive Director, OC: California's Golf Coast Steve Bone: Chairman, OCTC/President & CEO, Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitos Bureau Bonnie Hall: Chair, OCTC Cultural/Heritage Tourism Project Don Anderson: Chair, OCTC Strategic Plan/Director, CSUF Center for Entertainment & Tourism Communications
Gina Kerley:Co-Chair, OCTC Tourism Conference/Executive Director, OC: California's Golf Coast Bruce Baltin: Co-Chair, OCTC Tourism Conference/Sr. Vice President, PKF Consulting USA	Steve Bone: Chairman, OCTC/President & CEO Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau
Bob Spoto: General Manager, Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa	Mike Farrell: Opening Speaker/Sr. Vice President, Research & Strategic Insight, Conversion Marketing-Communication
Moderator: Steve Bone: Chairman, OCTC/President & CEO Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau Panelists (left to right): Bruce Baltin: Sr. Vice President, PKF Consulting USA Gary Sherwin: President & CEO, Visit Newport Beach Inc. Don Anderson: Director, CSUF Center for Entertainment & Tourism Communications Bonnie Hall: Chairperson, The OC Cultural & Heritage Tourism Project
Caroline Beteta: Keynote Speaker/President & CEO, California Travel & Tourism Commission
The Orange County Tourism Council presents the annual Legacy Award honoring a visionary in the Tourism Industry for his/her contribution to the growth of Orange County. In the spirit of innovation and creativity, the recipient of this award exemplifies the accomplishments and fortitude of one who is dedicated to the belief that Orange County is the number one visitor destination in the country.
Steve Bone, Chairman OCTC presents Don Hansen, Founder of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching with the Legacy Award.	Steve Bone, Chariman, OCTC presents Werner Escher, Executive Director of Domestic & International Markets at South Coast Plaza with the Legacy Award.
Gary Sherwin: Vice-Chairman, OCTC/President & CEO Visit Newport Beach Inc. and Rick Pullen: Dean Emeritus, CSUF College of Communications present Dorian Travers with the Rick D. Pullen Tourism Scholarship Award.