Find information on all of the destinations participating in the Marketplace below:

Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau

Welcome to Beaumont, Texas – a place bursting with nature and history! Discover the site of the world-changing oil discovery and explore Southeast Texas for all the different adventures available. Travelers come from long distances to enjoy the outdoor opportunities including birding, fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddling and yes, holding live alligators. On the border of Louisiana but thoroughly Texan, Beaumont embraces both brisket and crawfish. Whether you’re visiting us for a week or just a weekend, you will find comfortable and friendly accommodations along with a variety of things to do, shopping and dining options.

Mission Statement: The Chicago Southland CVB promotes the region’s communities as an exceptional destination for meetings, events and leisure pursuits while advocating for the development of outstanding, inclusionary experiences that attract visitors and residents alike.HistoryThe Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau was founded in 1986 as a subsidiary of the Regional Economic Development Corporation (now known as the Chicago Southland Development, Inc.). In 1993, the Bureau separated from its parent organization and became an independent 501(c)6 organization. As a regional cooperative, the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau represents 61 south and southwest municipalities, approximately 35 miles south of downtown Chicago.FundingThe Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is a regionally funded destination marketing organization. Its annual budget is composed of several funding sources. The State of Illinois recognizes the importance of tourism, and therefore provides the bureau with a state grant (Illinois is one of few states with a tourism grant program supporting convention and visitors bureaus). The Local Tourism Convention Bureau Grant program requires the recipient to match the grant funds dollar for dollar. The match funds are comprised of the following sources: First, the bureau has contracts with 19 municipalities to receive a portion of their transient hotel/motel room tax for marketing purposes. Second, the bureau has a growing membership which makes an annual investment in the bureau’s programs. Third, the bureau develops resources including non-dues revenue to enhance and expand its programming responsibilities. Property tax or taxpayer dollars are not involved in any funding of the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau.

At 65 degrees north latitude, the sky takes on a capricious life of its own—a canvas for the aurora borealis, the midnight sun and sunsets and sunrises that last forever. Here there are serious mountain ranges, pristine rivers and lakes, abundant wildlife and a certain poignant solitude that is found nowhere else on Earth. Locals embrace the natural world and have created a vibrant river city in the far north. Where else can you travel to such a remote locale and still enjoy all the amenities of a charming downtown, a thriving arts community, rich Alaska Native culture, authentic Alaskan activities and attractions and endless opportunities for exploration?

Quirky? Unexpected? Yes! But more importantly, we invite you to define your own version of a city that offers an escape from the ordinary.Lawrence is a lively town with lots to do – ranging from two universities to an intriguing pre-Civil War history to arts, crafts, music, shopping and dining, sports, and outdoor activities.

Finger Lakes Visitors Connection represents the heart of the Finger Lakes Region in New York State, most specifically the area within Ontario County, NY. The Finger Lakes is known for its beautiful freshwater lakes, rolling green mountains, and amazing wine from locally grown vineyards. In the fall, the hills are ablaze with gold, red, and yellow leaves, many people enjoy hiking to see the stunning views over the lake. In the winter, adventure seekers enjoy the downhill and cross country ski resorts, while others enjoy cozy retreats.

A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands is an outdoor lover’s paradise that spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located just an hour east of Pittsburgh, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery as the home of the nation’s top fall foliage destination, according to USA Today readers, and the top scenic drive in the Northeast, as rated by Good Housekeeping. Outstanding skiing, hiking, biking and golfing opportunities draw visitors from across the globe, as do historic sites and attractions, family activities and world-class resorts. Notable destinations within the region include four architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä and Duncan House – as well as Nemacolin, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and SoakZone, the Great Allegheny Passage trail, whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park and much more.Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington D.C., Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands is within a day’s drive for 23% of the U.S. population.

Hemsworth, a top-ranked PR and social media agency specializing in destination marketing, is excited to attend NATJA on behalf of our clients ATL Airport District and Explore Gwinnett. About the ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors BureauThe ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the cities of College Park, Hapeville and Union City, Georgia. Home to the world’s most traveled airport, Georgia’s second largest convention center, more than 7,000 hotel rooms, an abundance of arts and culture, an eclectic mix of great restaurants, and located just minutes from downtown Atlanta, the ATL Airport District offers big-city amenities balanced with Southern charm. For more information, visit www.atldistrict.com. About Explore Gwinnett:Explore Gwinnett serves as the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, which consists of 16 cities north of Downtown Atlanta. Gwinnett County offers award-winning dining ranging from authentic Asian fare to southern delights, an abundance of shopping, arts programming, outdoor activities and more. Locals and tourists alike can explore various culinary offerings with special year-round events including Sippin’ in the Suburbs Beer Tours and Seoul of the South Food Tours. Gwinnett County is a flourishing community for artists and also serves as a thriving production hub for popular films and television series. For more information, visit www.exploregwinnett.org.

Huntsville is known as the Rocket City. We’re the largest city in Alabama and the birthplace of the U.S. space program. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is Earth’s largest space museum and home of Space Camp. Art, music, historic, and outdoor recreational activities and venues are plentiful, including The Orion Amphitheater and the Mid-City District. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment is the largest privately-owned arts facility in the South. The Huntsville Botanical Garden boasts the largest open-air butterfly house in the country, and the Huntsville Museum of Art holds the most extensive collection of art by American women. EarlyWorks Children’s Museum is the largest hands-on history museum in the region and Burritt on the Mountain offers panoramic views of the Tennessee Valley. Stroll through historic neighborhoods in and around downtown Huntsville and Madison and treat your taste buds to a wide variety of dining options. Come see the Rocket City.

Jefferson Parish is the largest and most diverse parish in Louisiana, sprawling over sixty miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the shores of beautiful Lake Pontchartrain. We are the family friendly neighbor of New Orleans known for our comfortable accommodations, historic districts, great shopping, amazing food, and outdoor recreation. With a national park and two state parks, we are a nature lover’s dream! Enjoy inland or off-shore fishing, hiking, bird watching, or a sandy beach in Grand Isle. Festivals that celebrate culture, music, Mardi Gras, and cuisine abound in Jefferson Parish all year long. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, adventurous get-away, or a business trip, Jefferson Parish offers all the comforts, entertainment, and amenities to make your stay memorable.

Whatever it is you are looking for in a vacation, Kentucky has that and more. Rich cultural experiences in bustling cities and quaint small towns, some of the most beautiful outdoor settings the world has to offer, food and spirits made by world famous chefs and distillers. All of that and so much more. Come to the Bluegrass State and find what you are looking for.

Located just 22 miles off southern California’s coast, Catalina Island welcomes visitors year ’round. Getting here is easy with travel time to the island as little as 15 minutes by air or one hour by high speed passenger ferry. California’s only island resort, Catalina Island offers endless options for visitors to enjoy. Avalon hosts all the amenities of a larger city for residents to rely upon, while the village of Two Harbors offers a boater’s paradise and quiet escape from the crowds with easy access to camping and wildlife. The island is also home to many camps and campsites as well as the Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, home to the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Whether you are planning a vacation, a wedding or group event or even looking to relocate to our island paradise, Catalina Island is the ideal destination for you. The Catalina Island Conservancy operates a non-profit land trust that manages 88% of the island as a preserve. Wildlife viewing, hiking and camping are the top reasons to visit the island’s “interior.”

North Little Rock, Arkansas, is a destination for all seasons, drawing people of all ages, interests and lifestyles with its small-town atmosphere and large-city offerings. From a World War II submarine to the last standing structure from “Gone with the Wind,” the story ideas here are endless.

Just 20 minutes south of Houston, Pearland has an identity entirely its own. Whether you’re craving a cold beer from a hometown brewery, looking for a unique cultural arts experience, or simply wanting to shop till you drop, Pearland is a perfect stop on your next tour of Texas. With a jam-packed events calendar, immersive parks and birdwatching, and plenty of award-winning restaurants there’s something new to see, do, and eat in Pearland all year long. Step inside the Sri Meenakshi Temple, the only one of its kind outside of India, find live examples of local flora and fauna at the Delores Fenwick Nature Center, and explore Pearland’s wealth of unique small businesses between the thriving culinary scene, cozy coffee culture, boutique and antique shops, and spacious taprooms. Pearland is chock-full of attractions, both big and small, to occupy every family member throughout your visit. Head out on the Pearland Mural Tour for a journey across Pearland’s most artistic landscapes, find and document Pear-Scape Trail sculptures, and discover Pearland’s rich heritage, dating back to 1894, at historic sites that speak to the legacy of the city. Pearland is both a destination all its own and the ultimate starting point to exploring the Texas Gulf Coast region.

Visit Port Arthur is the official Cajun Capital of Texas and your upper coastal stop for a natural good time. We’re a birding hot spot in spring and fall migration, boast boardwalks at Sea Rim State Park and good eating, music and hospitality. While guests from around the world head to Museum of the Gulf Coasts to honor hometown girl Janis Joplin, there’s plenty more to view than the replica of her psychedelic Porsche. The Big Bopper, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, Tex Ritter and other music greats are honored here. Our area has produced rock, Cajun, country, jazz, swamp pop and hip hop greats. The museum also features sports heros, notable people, a maritime and glass collection and the largest indoor mural in the region, telling our story from Jurassic to Joplin.

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is Florida’s best-kept secret of a charming natural paradise located on the idyllic Southwest Gulf Coast. This coastal community surrounding the state’s second-largest harbor sits conveniently between Tampa and Naples. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a haven of vibrant experiences in the sun-soaked oasis of the Southwest Florida islands, characterized by almost year-round sunshine and sub-tropical weather. Relaxation and discovery await in miles of waterways and inland exploration trails filled with unspoiled natural beauty. From beaches to boating, hiking to harbor tours, fishing to nature paths; to sun, shelling, and fossilized sharks’ teeth, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach immerses lively locals and active adventurers in a pure island experience. Most notably known for its 830 miles of pristine unparalleled shoreline, including captivating river passages, a mangrove-edged aquatic preserve, and more than a dozen miles of natural Gulf beaches, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Knight Island, Placida, Babcock Ranch, Port Charlotte, Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda. To learn more about Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach, visit www.PureFlorida.com, call 941.743.1900 or discover the destination on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @RealPureFlorida

Seven destinations, each with their own personality and flavor, make up the eclectic Richmond Region. From urban bustle to small town charm, from river life to nightlife, a visit to RVA is as diverse as the people you’ll meet along the way. The Town of Ashland, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Hanover County, Henrico County, New Kent County and the City of Richmond warmly welcome you for an “Only in Richmond” experience. The Richmond Region celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion through community-driven initiatives at the heart of everything that we do.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida’s Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com

Port Aransas, Tex., the True Texas Coast, is the idyllic getaway for families, vacationers, snowbirds, and others in 2024. With 18 miles of sunny shoreline and unforgettable offerings including annual events like Texas SandFest and the Whooping Crane Festival, inviting temperatures year-round, extended stay options, and a welcoming community anchored in rich tradition, Port Aransas is the ultimate Gulf Coast destination.

A fusion of arts, culture, and the great outdoors – Bentonville, Arkansas was dubbed “a new capital of cool” by the Wall Street Journal in 2023. Home to the new Walmart Corporate Headquarters, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Walmart Museum, Amazeum, and renowned biking trails, Bentonville is a destination for all ages and walks of life. Highlights:–Located in Northwest Arkansas, 20 minutes from Northwest Arkansas National Airport, we are centrally located in the heartland of the United States and easy to access by car or plane.–Home to award-winning art, science, and history museums, the majority of which offer free general admission.–70 + miles of trails running throughout the city, seamlessly connected to the 400-mile award-winning systems across the bluffs and hollers of Northwest Arkansas. –Eclectic culinary scene with farm-to-table and international flavors, including chefs recognized by the James Beard Foundation, Taste of the South, and more.

Visit Central Florida, which represents Polk County, Florida, is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, Polk County offers something for everyone including Florida’s Newest Attractions. Rediscover your inner child at LEGOLAND Florida Resort and the adjacent Peppa Pig Theme Park – which opened in 2022, go wild at Safari Wilderness Ranch and tee up at Streamsong Resort. You will find 554 lakes, wonderful nature preserves, and rich “Real Florida” experiences. Tour an orange grove and pick fresh citrus straight from the trees, spot alligators as you zip across sparkling lakes in an airboat, or cheer on real Florida cowboys in an action-packed rodeo. Become a cowboy at Westgate River Ranch Resort then catch some winks in their luxury Glamping tents, teepees and Conestoga Wagons. Stroll through Bok Tower Gardens, including a 2.7 acre Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, while listening to the 60-bell carillon in the majestic 205-foot art-deco tower, then study the masterful architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s 13-structure “Child of the Sun” collection at Florida Southern College. www.VisitCentralFlorida.org

El Paso is the gateway to your adventure in Big Bend. Fly in and experience great outdoor activities and rich culture. Hike up to the top of the Franklin Mountains to see where El Paso meets Mexico. Discover 400 years of history woven into El Paso and end the day with authentic Mexican food and a refreshing Margarita. After starting your adventure in El Paso, make your way down to Big Bend and experience river, desert, and mountain landscapes in a massive National Park and the largest state park in Texas. The local communities invite you to come explore this 1100 square mile playground.

If you had to sum up Jacksonville in a nutshell, it would be a boiled peanut: a secret recipe, an unexpected delight, and a reason to pause instead of passing through.Yes, we have 22 miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, world-class museums and all the special extras you’d expect from a city our size, but Jacksonville offers a different take on the basics. Sure, we get spring breakers — but you’re more likely to find breaking waves ridden by surfers, paddle boarders and pelicans.Picture a canopy of oak trees shading a historic neighborhood. Miles of waterways and marshgrass estuary where the St. Johns River meets the sea. We’re a little bit country, and a whole lot of (southern) rock n’ roll. We cheer loud and proud in our arenas and stadiums, but sports aren’t the only game in town. Don’t leave without trying our bakeries and cafés, our barbeque, breweries and distilleries.Throw a dart on a map of Florida, and you’ll likely land on a pretty beach, a theme park, a golf course, or a crystal-blue swimming pool. But if you’re open to something a little different, you’ll find a slice of Florida that locals love. That’s Jacksonville, in a nutshell. And, like a good batch of boiled peanuts, it’s best savored when shared.

Whether you’re looking for that sleek modern edge of a city or a true-to-its-roots destination, Oklahoma City is a visionary city that blends both for an overall cultural experience that visitors are drawn to. It’s a city that offers all of the culture, cuisine, attractions and amenities you’d expect in a modern metropolis while embracing its rich history. From the rumble of fans cheering for the OKC Thunder to the stampede of our rugged Western heritage, OKC has created a downtown urban renaissance with world-class museums, renowned restaurants, a riverfront, burgeoning art scene and much more.In Oklahoma City, self-reliance and resiliency have been part of the city’s DNA from the very beginning and lived out in the new ways over many decades. Today, Oklahoma City embodies the Modern Frontier by defining its own future. Experience the energy, excitement and welcoming spirit of OKC – a city open to all.

Write Touch Public Relations is a boutique, hospitality-focused public relations agency led by veteran publicist and author, Lauralee Dobbins. Lauralee started her PR career in Atlantic City’s nascent casino industry and over the years, she has earned a reputation for developing and executing informed, creative public relations strategies that get attention.

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