Checkout our host city, Cheyenne, Wyoming

The New Old West Around the world, the very name Cheyenne conjures up images of cowboys, trains and the great outdoors.
Today's Cheyenne is all of that and more! We'll always be here ready to outfit you in new boots and hats from the Wrangler,
to point out the Wild-West history in our unique downtown and to set you front and center at the world's largest outdoor rodeo.

Explore Cheyenne

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities

We invite you to spend a few days in Cheyenne getting to know industry leaders, take in all of the benefits the conference has to offer and have some fun with a great bunch of people. As a vendor we want you to connect to members in the hospitality and tourism industry who need and value your products, services and expertise.
Your support of the industry and this conference is greatly appreciated.

Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities

Book Your Room Today

Little America Hotel & Resort in Cheyenne offers 188 luxurious, oversized guestrooms, each with 37″ flat screen televisions, down pillows and other luxury amenities.
Call toll free to make a reservation 800-235-6396

Little America Online Reservations
Book Your Room Today

2023 Governor’s Convention Speakers

Jay Kinghorn Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Zartico

Jay leads Zartico’s data and analytics team, helping destination marketing organizations (DMOs) use data-centered insights to market and manage their destinations more effectively. Jay was previously the Associate Marketing Director at the Utah Office of Tourism, where he led the agency’s content, social, marketing analytics and digital marketing initiatives. In 2017, Jay received the Peter Yesawich Award for marketing excellence from the Travel and Tourism Research Association and MMGY Global.

Jay Kinghorn Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Zartico

Jay leads Zartico’s data and analytics team, helping destination marketing organizations (DMOs) use data-centered insights to market and manage their destinations more effectively. Jay was previously the Associate Marketing Director at the Utah Office of Tourism, where he led the agency’s content, social, marketing analytics and digital marketing initiatives. In 2017, Jay received the Peter Yesawich Award for marketing excellence from the Travel and Tourism Research Association and MMGY Global.

closepopup
Matthew Landkamer Principal, Whereabout

Matthew is a destination strategist, change leader, and idea generator. For the past decade, his work has focused on helping destinations think strategically about their organization, their visitor economy, and their place. In 2021, he founded Whereabout, a strategy studio focused on destination stewardship with the belief that every destination can achieve a healthy balance between a robust visitor economy, protection of natural resources, and resident quality of life. He has worked with destination organizations across the U.S. at every scale to create destination assessments, strategic plans, and stewardship plans.

Matthew Landkamer Principal, Whereabout

Matthew is a destination strategist, change leader, and idea generator. For the past decade, his work has focused on helping destinations think strategically about their organization, their visitor economy, and their place. In 2021, he founded Whereabout, a strategy studio focused on destination stewardship with the belief that every destination can achieve a healthy balance between a robust visitor economy, protection of natural resources, and resident quality of life. He has worked with destination organizations across the U.S. at every scale to create destination assessments, strategic plans, and stewardship plans.

closepopup
Jeremy Becker CEO, Becker Digital

Jeremy Becker is the CEO of Becker Digital, where he provides strategic consulting and training to organizational clients. A retired US Army Officer and an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Jeremy is highly skilled at navigating dynamic community-facing situations. Jeremy has gained valuable leadership experience and education through military assignments, including overseas combat duty, commands at various levels, program development and management, and emergency response missions. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology.

Jeremy Becker CEO, Becker Digital

Jeremy Becker is the CEO of Becker Digital, where he provides strategic consulting and training to organizational clients. A retired US Army Officer and an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Jeremy is highly skilled at navigating dynamic community-facing situations. Jeremy has gained valuable leadership experience and education through military assignments, including overseas combat duty, commands at various levels, program development and management, and emergency response missions. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master's degree in Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology.

closepopup
Hannah Becker VP, Becker Digital

Hannah Becker is the Vice President and Creative Director at Becker Digital, where she supports government and nonprofit clients. Hannah's innovative digital strategies lead the way in public engagement, generational marketing, and rural outreach initiatives. She holds a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from American Public University, a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Florida Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) from Florida Institute of Technology. She has multiple certifications in cybersecurity, digital marketing, and website design. An early trailblazer in social media adoption, Hannah has developed successful outreach strategies for organizations in agriculture, higher education, government, military/veteran, nonprofit, and tourism sectors. Hannah is a highly sought-after speaker and organizational trainer on disability-inclusive communications, Millennial and Generation Z trends, and outreach strategies for the public sector. She founded Operation Influence - Becker Digital's in-house social media influencer network dedicated to driving positive change. Previously, Hannah was the Chief Marketing Officer at PatriotMove and has taught computer science, economics, entrepreneurship, and marketing at multiple colleges and universities. Hannah served on the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Advisory Council, Olathe Health's Advisory Council, and Military Family Advisory Network's Advisory Board. She is a staunch advocate of organizations leveraging technology to make our world a better place and understands the importance of well-researched, educational digital content. Hannah currently serves on the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) Cyber Committee, an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Military Institute, and is an Outreach Ambassador for Military Officers Association of America. Additionally, Hannah is an active member of AFCEA International, MilSpouse Coders, Society of Military Spouses in STEM, Technologists for the Public Good, and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce.

Hannah Becker VP, Becker Digital

Hannah Becker is the Vice President and Creative Director at Becker Digital, where she supports government and nonprofit clients. Hannah's innovative digital strategies lead the way in public engagement, generational marketing, and rural outreach initiatives. She holds a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from American Public University, a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Florida Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) from Florida Institute of Technology. She has multiple certifications in cybersecurity, digital marketing, and website design. An early trailblazer in social media adoption, Hannah has developed successful outreach strategies for organizations in agriculture, higher education, government, military/veteran, nonprofit, and tourism sectors. Hannah is a highly sought-after speaker and organizational trainer on disability-inclusive communications, Millennial and Generation Z trends, and outreach strategies for the public sector. She founded Operation Influence - Becker Digital's in-house social media influencer network dedicated to driving positive change. Previously, Hannah was the Chief Marketing Officer at PatriotMove and has taught computer science, economics, entrepreneurship, and marketing at multiple colleges and universities. Hannah served on the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Advisory Council, Olathe Health's Advisory Council, and Military Family Advisory Network's Advisory Board. She is a staunch advocate of organizations leveraging technology to make our world a better place and understands the importance of well-researched, educational digital content. Hannah currently serves on the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) Cyber Committee, an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Military Institute, and is an Outreach Ambassador for Military Officers Association of America. Additionally, Hannah is an active member of AFCEA International, MilSpouse Coders, Society of Military Spouses in STEM, Technologists for the Public Good, and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce.

closepopup
Andria Lure RyanPartner, Fisher & Phillips LLP

Andria Ryan is a partner in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. She serves as the co-chair of the firm's Hospitality Industry Practice Group and a member of the firm’s COVID-19 Task Force. She represents numerous employers throughout the United States in various phases of labor and employment law. She spends much of her time counseling employers in day-to-day employment and labor decisions and educating employers about prevention and practical solutions to workplace problems. A significant part of her practice is training Human Resources professionals, managers and in-house counsel about best practices and risk avoidance strategies, how to avoid and respond to harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims.

Ms. Ryan also serves as Deputy General Counsel for Fisher & Phillips. In 2005, Ms. Ryan served as Chair of the State Bar of Georgia’s Labor and Employment Law Section. Ms. Ryan is a guest lecturer at the Hospitality Programs at Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University on employment law topics. She has been honored by the Colorado, South Carolina and Washington Hospitality Associations for her contributions to those organizations. She is a frequent speaker to hospitality associations and organizations, has authored numerous articles on employment law topics, serves on the editorial board for several publications and authored the Employment Law Hospitality Q&A for Lexis Practice Advisor. Ms. Ryan is "AV" Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Andria Lure RyanPartner, Fisher & Phillips LLP

Andria Ryan is a partner in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips LLP. She serves as the co-chair of the firm's Hospitality Industry Practice Group and a member of the firm’s COVID-19 Task Force. She represents numerous employers throughout the United States in various phases of labor and employment law. She spends much of her time counseling employers in day-to-day employment and labor decisions and educating employers about prevention and practical solutions to workplace problems. A significant part of her practice is training Human Resources professionals, managers and in-house counsel about best practices and risk avoidance strategies, how to avoid and respond to harassment, discrimination and retaliation claims.

Ms. Ryan also serves as Deputy General Counsel for Fisher & Phillips. In 2005, Ms. Ryan served as Chair of the State Bar of Georgia’s Labor and Employment Law Section. Ms. Ryan is a guest lecturer at the Hospitality Programs at Georgia State University and Kennesaw State University on employment law topics. She has been honored by the Colorado, South Carolina and Washington Hospitality Associations for her contributions to those organizations. She is a frequent speaker to hospitality associations and organizations, has authored numerous articles on employment law topics, serves on the editorial board for several publications and authored the Employment Law Hospitality Q&A for Lexis Practice Advisor. Ms. Ryan is "AV" Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

closepopup
Shaina Zafar Co-founder/CMO, JUV Consulting

Shaina Zafar is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at JUV Consulting. She is obsessed with solving problems with human-centered design, powered by Gen Z to build creative solutions. At JUV, she oversees community building, partnership development, and thought leadership. She is a first-generation, low-income college graduate who attended the University of Pennsylvania. For her senior thesis, she studied the impact of ESG regulation in forced Uyghur labor practices. On campus, she was a part of the Pan Asian American Community House Board of Advisors and Turner Society for Social Impact. Off campus, she served as the United State of Women Ambassador for Pennsylvania, advocating for AAPI and Muslim issues. Every year on her birthday, she makes a Spotify playlist with 365 songs—customized with its own Playlist cover. You can catch her simping to Harry Styles or dancing (well, attempting) to SG Lewis. If she isn’t exploring new music, you can find her searching up new fonts, cooking at odd hours of the night, or creating highlights and stories @ShainaZafar on Instagram. Follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Shaina Zafar Co-founder/CMO, JUV Consulting

Shaina Zafar is the Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at JUV Consulting. She is obsessed with solving problems with human-centered design, powered by Gen Z to build creative solutions. At JUV, she oversees community building, partnership development, and thought leadership. She is a first-generation, low-income college graduate who attended the University of Pennsylvania. For her senior thesis, she studied the impact of ESG regulation in forced Uyghur labor practices. On campus, she was a part of the Pan Asian American Community House Board of Advisors and Turner Society for Social Impact. Off campus, she served as the United State of Women Ambassador for Pennsylvania, advocating for AAPI and Muslim issues. Every year on her birthday, she makes a Spotify playlist with 365 songs—customized with its own Playlist cover. You can catch her simping to Harry Styles or dancing (well, attempting) to SG Lewis. If she isn’t exploring new music, you can find her searching up new fonts, cooking at odd hours of the night, or creating highlights and stories @ShainaZafar on Instagram. Follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

closepopup
Chris Brown
Chris BrownCEO, Wyoming Associations and Government Affairs Network

Chris Brown is the CEO of Wyoming Associations and Government Affairs Network (WAGAN) an association management, government affairs and public relations firm based in Cheyenne. WAGAN’s current client list includes the Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition and Powering Up Wyoming.

Brown began his hospitality career at age 16 in Massachusetts as a dishwasher, working his way throughout the industry until coming to Ft Collins, Colorado, with Outback Steakhouse in 1995. In 2001, Chris relocated to Cheyenne to open Wyoming’s second Outback Steakhouse, which he successfully ran for 10 years as Managing Partner.

He built the Cheyenne Outback Steakhouse into one of the most successful OSI restaurants in the region, having been awarded “Partner of the Year” three times-in 2004, 2007 and 2010.

For the past 11 years Chris has successfully advocated on behalf of the hospitality, tourism, and renewable energy industries, among others.

He and his wife of 20 years, Shelby, reside in Cheyenne with their two children, Ryder and Owen.

Chris Brown
Chris BrownCEO, Wyoming Associations and Government Affairs Network

Chris Brown is the CEO of Wyoming Associations and Government Affairs Network (WAGAN) an association management, government affairs and public relations firm based in Cheyenne. WAGAN’s current client list includes the Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition and Powering Up Wyoming.

Brown began his hospitality career at age 16 in Massachusetts as a dishwasher, working his way throughout the industry until coming to Ft Collins, Colorado, with Outback Steakhouse in 1995. In 2001, Chris relocated to Cheyenne to open Wyoming’s second Outback Steakhouse, which he successfully ran for 10 years as Managing Partner.

He built the Cheyenne Outback Steakhouse into one of the most successful OSI restaurants in the region, having been awarded “Partner of the Year” three times-in 2004, 2007 and 2010.

For the past 11 years Chris has successfully advocated on behalf of the hospitality, tourism, and renewable energy industries, among others.

He and his wife of 20 years, Shelby, reside in Cheyenne with their two children, Ryder and Owen.

closepopup
Bob Pacanovsky Keynote Speaker & Chief Hospitality Officer, The Black Tie Experience

An entrepreneur for 28 years, primarily in the hospitality industry, Bob Pacanovsky, and his team created over 7,000 meetings, events, and receptions (including catering 25 of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction events), and had one opportunity to create both a “wow experience” and a lasting impression (or a Black Tie Experience) on his clients and guests. Now as a keynote speaker and strategic trainer, he uses his over two decades of work to teach companies and organizations how to focus on Hospitality, Service Excellence, and Selfless Leadership to create Black Tie Experiences for every client and guest.

Bob Pacanovsky Keynote Speaker & Chief Hospitality Officer, The Black Tie Experience

An entrepreneur for 28 years, primarily in the hospitality industry, Bob Pacanovsky, and his team created over 7,000 meetings, events, and receptions (including catering 25 of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction events), and had one opportunity to create both a “wow experience” and a lasting impression (or a Black Tie Experience) on his clients and guests. Now as a keynote speaker and strategic trainer, he uses his over two decades of work to teach companies and organizations how to focus on Hospitality, Service Excellence, and Selfless Leadership to create Black Tie Experiences for every client and guest.

closepopup
Chelsea Benitez Research Director, Destination Analysts

Chelsea is responsible for the development, oversight and implementation of market research strategies for projects Destination Analysts’ leads on behalf of its clients. This includes leading the execution of market research and contributing to all stages and steps of both quantitative and qualitative research projects. Chelsea has worked in the Travel and Tourism industry since 2013 and has established herself as a subject matter expert on translating tourism data into actionable insights and recommendations through reports and presentations. Before joining Destination Analysts, Chelsea spent over eight years at The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention board as the director of tourism insights, overseeing all tourism related research and data analysis which enabled the organization and its members to formulate fact-based business decisions. Chelsea is a board member and committee chair of the Travel and Tourism Research Association and is a 2018 California Travel Association 30 & Under Emerging Leader Award Recipient. A third generation Angeleno, Chelsea lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their rescue dog Ouzo.

Chelsea Benitez Research Director, Destination Analysts

Chelsea is responsible for the development, oversight and implementation of market research strategies for projects Destination Analysts’ leads on behalf of its clients. This includes leading the execution of market research and contributing to all stages and steps of both quantitative and qualitative research projects. Chelsea has worked in the Travel and Tourism industry since 2013 and has established herself as a subject matter expert on translating tourism data into actionable insights and recommendations through reports and presentations. Before joining Destination Analysts, Chelsea spent over eight years at The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention board as the director of tourism insights, overseeing all tourism related research and data analysis which enabled the organization and its members to formulate fact-based business decisions. Chelsea is a board member and committee chair of the Travel and Tourism Research Association and is a 2018 California Travel Association 30 & Under Emerging Leader Award Recipient. A third generation Angeleno, Chelsea lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their rescue dog Ouzo.

closepopup
Amy HumeAccount Director, Miles Partnership

Amy is an Account Director with Miles Partnership. She has been in the advertising and marketing industry for 25+ years, with experience on travel and tourism accounts such as Visit Delaware, Colorado Tourism, Explore Georgia, Wyoming Tourism, and Walt Disney World. Her experience includes everything from brand strategy, communications planning, and advertising campaign development to website management, visitor guide production, and media buying. She works with teams across Miles and the industry to ensure visitors are informed and inspired to visit our amazing client destinations. When she’s not working, she loves hiking, running, photography, and, of course, travel.

Amy HumeAccount Director, Miles Partnership

Amy is an Account Director with Miles Partnership. She has been in the advertising and marketing industry for 25+ years, with experience on travel and tourism accounts such as Visit Delaware, Colorado Tourism, Explore Georgia, Wyoming Tourism, and Walt Disney World. Her experience includes everything from brand strategy, communications planning, and advertising campaign development to website management, visitor guide production, and media buying. She works with teams across Miles and the industry to ensure visitors are informed and inspired to visit our amazing client destinations. When she’s not working, she loves hiking, running, photography, and, of course, travel.

closepopup
Berkeley YoungPresident, Young Strategies, Inc.

Berkeley Young specializes in destination research, planning and strategy. Young’s travel industry experience includes management positions at a destination marketing organization, a Chamber of Commerce, a resort and a research and planning firm. In 2004 Young formed his Charlotte, NC based company focusing on research and strategic planning for all aspects of travel destinations. Young’s firm is known for its custom-tailored approach in using research to address specific issues for DMOs. In the last twenty years Young has worked with over 150 destinations in thirty-five states and is a popular speaker at regional and national conferences and conventions.

Berkeley YoungPresident, Young Strategies, Inc.

Berkeley Young specializes in destination research, planning and strategy. Young’s travel industry experience includes management positions at a destination marketing organization, a Chamber of Commerce, a resort and a research and planning firm. In 2004 Young formed his Charlotte, NC based company focusing on research and strategic planning for all aspects of travel destinations. Young’s firm is known for its custom-tailored approach in using research to address specific issues for DMOs. In the last twenty years Young has worked with over 150 destinations in thirty-five states and is a popular speaker at regional and national conferences and conventions.

closepopup
Domenic BravoCEO/President, Visit Cheyenne

Domenic Bravo, President and CEO for Visit Cheyenne/DDA Domenic has a passion for the tourism industry that can be traced through his entire career. First having had a successful 20+ year career working in state park systems across the West, including 11 years as the state park director(administrator) for Wyoming State Parks. Domenic then spent a semester working as a Professor at the University of Wyoming in the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management degree program. Then his dream job opened, running the DMO for the community he calls home. He has served and serves on numerous community, regional and national organizations including America's State Parks, DMA West, WHTC, ORTM Advisory Council and FCCLA. Domenic loves history, the outdoors, traveling and spending time with his wife and kids.

Domenic BravoCEO/President, Visit Cheyenne

Domenic Bravo, President and CEO for Visit Cheyenne/DDA Domenic has a passion for the tourism industry that can be traced through his entire career. First having had a successful 20+ year career working in state park systems across the West, including 11 years as the state park director(administrator) for Wyoming State Parks. Domenic then spent a semester working as a Professor at the University of Wyoming in the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management degree program. Then his dream job opened, running the DMO for the community he calls home. He has served and serves on numerous community, regional and national organizations including America's State Parks, DMA West, WHTC, ORTM Advisory Council and FCCLA. Domenic loves history, the outdoors, traveling and spending time with his wife and kids.

closepopup
David WrightOwner, Albany Lodge

• 30 years of marketing prior to the purchase of Snowy Range Resorts / Albany Lodge in 2018
• SVP of Sales and Marketing for ADVO
• VP / GM Western United States for Monster
• SVP of Sales and Marketing Mspark Inc.
• David has been in the marketing industry for 30 years working with Fortune 500 companies finding ways to improve their ROI and drive traffic to their locations. David was one of the creators of the famous “Visit Florida” one of the top producing tourism sites and campaigns in the country.

David WrightOwner, Albany Lodge

• 30 years of marketing prior to the purchase of Snowy Range Resorts / Albany Lodge in 2018
• SVP of Sales and Marketing for ADVO
• VP / GM Western United States for Monster
• SVP of Sales and Marketing Mspark Inc.
• David has been in the marketing industry for 30 years working with Fortune 500 companies finding ways to improve their ROI and drive traffic to their locations. David was one of the creators of the famous “Visit Florida” one of the top producing tourism sites and campaigns in the country.

closepopup
Rocky CourchaineDirector, Crook County Museum

Rocky Courchaine has been a lifelong resident of the Sundance, Wyoming area, his folks raised him on a ranch that was rich in Native American and Homestead history, and historical stories of the locals were always present in the conversations. He still lives north of Beulah Wyoming where he was raised. A graduate of Montana State University with a degree in oil painting and metal smithing and multiple studies in art history, gives Rocky the opportunity to express his learnings of the historical aspects of the area from his point of view. Rocky was also a business owner of 10 years of the Sundance Mercantile which has shown him the hunger and need the public has for our local history. For over 5 years Rocky volunteered on the boards of the Crook County Museum and eventually became the director of the Museum where he can now tell the stories of Native Americans and the homesteaders. To share this rich history with the public and expose them to the real stories of our region has been instrumental to the museum. Rocky has been the director of the Crook County Museum since 2010 and is on a committee that has renovated and place the Crook County Museum in the old High School in Sundance known as “Old Stoney” when finished the building will be known as” The Old Stoney Business And Cultural Center”.

Rocky CourchaineDirector, Crook County Museum

Rocky Courchaine has been a lifelong resident of the Sundance, Wyoming area, his folks raised him on a ranch that was rich in Native American and Homestead history, and historical stories of the locals were always present in the conversations. He still lives north of Beulah Wyoming where he was raised. A graduate of Montana State University with a degree in oil painting and metal smithing and multiple studies in art history, gives Rocky the opportunity to express his learnings of the historical aspects of the area from his point of view. Rocky was also a business owner of 10 years of the Sundance Mercantile which has shown him the hunger and need the public has for our local history. For over 5 years Rocky volunteered on the boards of the Crook County Museum and eventually became the director of the Museum where he can now tell the stories of Native Americans and the homesteaders. To share this rich history with the public and expose them to the real stories of our region has been instrumental to the museum. Rocky has been the director of the Crook County Museum since 2010 and is on a committee that has renovated and place the Crook County Museum in the old High School in Sundance known as “Old Stoney” when finished the building will be known as” The Old Stoney Business And Cultural Center”.

closepopup
Emily SutherlandTeam Lead, Onboarding, CrowdRiff

Emily Sutherland is the Team Lead for Onboarding & Customer Success at CrowdRiff. For the past four years, she has worked closely with hundreds of DMOs across the United States, Europe and Australia to help bring their stories to life with engaging and authentic visuals. She now leads a small team of trainers to get destinations properly set up with CrowdRiff, ensuring their first experience with the tool is a great one. She enjoys maxing out her vacations days and pretending to read serious books in artsy coffee shops (when she's really scrolling through TikTok).

Emily SutherlandTeam Lead, Onboarding, CrowdRiff

Emily Sutherland is the Team Lead for Onboarding & Customer Success at CrowdRiff. For the past four years, she has worked closely with hundreds of DMOs across the United States, Europe and Australia to help bring their stories to life with engaging and authentic visuals. She now leads a small team of trainers to get destinations properly set up with CrowdRiff, ensuring their first experience with the tool is a great one. She enjoys maxing out her vacations days and pretending to read serious books in artsy coffee shops (when she's really scrolling through TikTok).

closepopup
Jesse Ryan
Jesse Ryan Chief Strategist, New Thought Digital Agency

Jesse Ryan CHIEF BRAND STRATEGIST, NEW THOUGHT Jesse Ryan is the Chief Brand Strategist at New Thought Digital Agency in Jackson, Wyoming. With over twelve years of experience leading integrated brand and media strategies, Jesse has helped some of the Rocky Mountain region’s premier destinations and organizations identify their competitive values and communicate those messages to market. While away from his desk, Jesse contributes to the leadership of multiple Wyoming non-profits including the Grand Teton Association, and the Jackson Hole Center For The Arts.

Jesse Ryan
Jesse Ryan Chief Strategist, New Thought Digital Agency

Jesse Ryan CHIEF BRAND STRATEGIST, NEW THOUGHT Jesse Ryan is the Chief Brand Strategist at New Thought Digital Agency in Jackson, Wyoming. With over twelve years of experience leading integrated brand and media strategies, Jesse has helped some of the Rocky Mountain region’s premier destinations and organizations identify their competitive values and communicate those messages to market. While away from his desk, Jesse contributes to the leadership of multiple Wyoming non-profits including the Grand Teton Association, and the Jackson Hole Center For The Arts.

closepopup
Cameron (Cam) ShollySuperintendent, Yellowstone National Park

Cameron (Cam) Sholly assumed duties as the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park in October of 2018. Yellowstone is one of the largest national park operations in the world spanning 2.2 million acres and receiving over four million visitors each year. The park has a team of over 1,000 employees and volunteers and an annual budget exceeding $60 million. Cam is a third-generation park service manager and began his National Park Service (NPS) career in 1990 in Yellowstone’s backcountry.

During his tenure, Cam has worked with Yellowstone’s team to set new strategic priorities that focus on the Yellowstone workforce, strengthening the Yellowstone ecosystem, delivering a world-class visitor experience, investing in infrastructure, and building coalitions and partnerships. Cam oversaw the response and recovery to devastating floods in 2022, reopening 93% of the park within 20 days. The park is completing a $40 million employee housing improvement project, expanding bison conservation efforts, investing a record amount to combat non-native species, and developing a more focused approach to ecosystem management, sustainability, and future climate challenges.

The park is preparing a new strategy for managing increasing visitation and is receiving over $250 million in projects as part of the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act. During the park’s 150th anniversary, Cam led significant efforts to engage American Indian Tribes to better honor their important cultures and heritage in the Yellowstone area. He is currently the Lead Partner for the Interagency Bison Management Plan Team and outgoing chair of the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, an executive group of Federal and State managers spanning three states within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Cam has served in a variety of other senior leadership positions throughout his career. His previous assignments include Regional Director, Midwest Region where he oversaw 61 national park units in 13 states and where he led efforts to complete of the largest public/private partnership in NPS history. He has also served as the Associate Director for Visitor and Resource Protection (NPS HQ), Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway (TN, AL, MS), Deputy Associate Director/Chief of Staff for Visitor and Resource Protection (NPS HQ), Chief of Ranger Operations in Yosemite National Park, and a variety of other field positions.

Cam holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from Saint Mary’s College of California, a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Duke University and is a graduate of the Harvard University Senior Executive Fellows Program.

Cam was awarded the Superintendent of the Year Award for the Southeast Region in 2011 and the Department of Interior’s Meritorious Achievement Award in 2015 for his wide-ranging executive leadership actions. Cam has been married to Jill Walston Sholly for 26 years and they have one college-aged son.

Cameron (Cam) ShollySuperintendent, Yellowstone National Park

Cameron (Cam) Sholly assumed duties as the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park in October of 2018. Yellowstone is one of the largest national park operations in the world spanning 2.2 million acres and receiving over four million visitors each year. The park has a team of over 1,000 employees and volunteers and an annual budget exceeding $60 million. Cam is a third-generation park service manager and began his National Park Service (NPS) career in 1990 in Yellowstone’s backcountry.

During his tenure, Cam has worked with Yellowstone’s team to set new strategic priorities that focus on the Yellowstone workforce, strengthening the Yellowstone ecosystem, delivering a world-class visitor experience, investing in infrastructure, and building coalitions and partnerships. Cam oversaw the response and recovery to devastating floods in 2022, reopening 93% of the park within 20 days. The park is completing a $40 million employee housing improvement project, expanding bison conservation efforts, investing a record amount to combat non-native species, and developing a more focused approach to ecosystem management, sustainability, and future climate challenges.

The park is preparing a new strategy for managing increasing visitation and is receiving over $250 million in projects as part of the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act. During the park’s 150th anniversary, Cam led significant efforts to engage American Indian Tribes to better honor their important cultures and heritage in the Yellowstone area. He is currently the Lead Partner for the Interagency Bison Management Plan Team and outgoing chair of the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee, an executive group of Federal and State managers spanning three states within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Cam has served in a variety of other senior leadership positions throughout his career. His previous assignments include Regional Director, Midwest Region where he oversaw 61 national park units in 13 states and where he led efforts to complete of the largest public/private partnership in NPS history. He has also served as the Associate Director for Visitor and Resource Protection (NPS HQ), Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway (TN, AL, MS), Deputy Associate Director/Chief of Staff for Visitor and Resource Protection (NPS HQ), Chief of Ranger Operations in Yosemite National Park, and a variety of other field positions.

Cam holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from Saint Mary’s College of California, a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Duke University and is a graduate of the Harvard University Senior Executive Fellows Program.

Cam was awarded the Superintendent of the Year Award for the Southeast Region in 2011 and the Department of Interior’s Meritorious Achievement Award in 2015 for his wide-ranging executive leadership actions. Cam has been married to Jill Walston Sholly for 26 years and they have one college-aged son.

closepopup
Diane Shober
Diane ShoberExecutive Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism

Diane Shober, Wyoming native, is the Executive Director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism where she has led the state’s promotional efforts for 16 years. Under her strategic leadership, Diane and her team have proactively expanded Wyoming’s brand and marketing programs and continue to work to grow the tourism and hospitality industry in the Cowboy State.

Diane Shober
Diane ShoberExecutive Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism

Diane Shober, Wyoming native, is the Executive Director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism where she has led the state’s promotional efforts for 16 years. Under her strategic leadership, Diane and her team have proactively expanded Wyoming’s brand and marketing programs and continue to work to grow the tourism and hospitality industry in the Cowboy State.

closepopup
Jonathon Brown Futurist and Chief Growth Officer, Trend Hunter

As Trend Hunter's Chief Growth Officer, Jonathon Brown is an expert in maximizing the innovation potential of ambitious companies. After hundreds of interviews with global innovation leaders, Jonathon has uncovered methods for sparking creativity and systematic innovation across many industries. He shares these reusable techniques through captivating keynotes and backed by real use case examples. Jonathon started at Trend Hunter in 2012 on the editorial team, where he wrote over 1,000 articles, garnering 6 million views. In 2015, he spearheaded the successful launch of Jeremy Gutsche’s New York Times bestseller Better and Faster. Along with his keynotes, Jonathon doubles as the Emcee at Future Festival, the world's highest-rated innovation conference. Throughout his career, he's served as an innovation keynote speaker for clients such as Cisco and Walmart, as well as events such as The Market Research Event and OmniShoppper.

Jonathon Brown Futurist and Chief Growth Officer, Trend Hunter

As Trend Hunter's Chief Growth Officer, Jonathon Brown is an expert in maximizing the innovation potential of ambitious companies. After hundreds of interviews with global innovation leaders, Jonathon has uncovered methods for sparking creativity and systematic innovation across many industries. He shares these reusable techniques through captivating keynotes and backed by real use case examples. Jonathon started at Trend Hunter in 2012 on the editorial team, where he wrote over 1,000 articles, garnering 6 million views. In 2015, he spearheaded the successful launch of Jeremy Gutsche’s New York Times bestseller Better and Faster. Along with his keynotes, Jonathon doubles as the Emcee at Future Festival, the world's highest-rated innovation conference. Throughout his career, he's served as an innovation keynote speaker for clients such as Cisco and Walmart, as well as events such as The Market Research Event and OmniShoppper.

closepopup

Contact Us

The Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition’s sole focus is to enhance the business climate, profit and economic impact of Wyoming’s hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. We accomplish this through government affairs, education and communication and act as the voice for hospitality, travel, and tourism on all related matters. With over 600 lodging, restaurant, attractions, and local Destination Marketing Organizations as members, we represent all aspects of hospitality and tourism across Wyoming.

We’d like to hear from you.