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March 2, 2017

Tourism conference will focus on finding workers

Workforce development will be a key theme at the 2017 Maine Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

The conference, to be held March 14-15 at the Augusta Civic Center, will address “critical issues for the growth of Maine Tourism, with a focus on workforce development and enhancing the visitor experience,” Gov. Paul LePage’s office said in an announcement Thursday.

"Maine's tourism businesses and entrepreneurs contribute significantly to our state's economy, and they create good-paying careers for Maine people," said LePage. "This conference is a forum to assist them in growing and expanding the industry, attracting an even greater number of visitors to our state and helping more Mainers to prosper."

Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner George Gervais and Department of Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette will be joined onstage by Ed McKersie of Live and Work in Maine for a discussion of workforce development challenges and opportunities.

"Tourism and hospitality is a broad industry that provides numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to create new businesses, and for our young people to gain valuable work skills that can lead to a lifetime career path,” said Gervais.

Other speakers will include:

  • Keynote speaker Berkeley Young, who will provide insights on tourism trends and how increase visitation and revenue.
  • Digital marketing expert Daniel Lemin will talk about the top 10 digital trends for 2017.
  • International tourism consultant Neville Bahda will give a TEDx-style presentation on what prompted his own interest in travel, and what sets Maine apart from other destinations in the eyes of the overseas traveler.

The annual conference typically attracts 400 industry businesses, organizations and stakeholders.

More information and registration is available at www.MaineTourismConference.com.

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