Global Food Collaborative

Thursday, June 11th, 2009:   5:30-7:30 PM
Soldotna Sports Center Conference Room

The International Culinary Tourism Association and the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council invite you to learn more about culinary/agri-tourism.  You will learn why including unique and memorable food and drink experiences is an important part of packaging Alaska, and how to put culinary/agri-Tourism to work for your business.
 
Please join us for an evening of education and networking with leaders in the International Culinary Tourism Association and tour operators putting together culinary/agri tourism packages for The Kenai and Alaska.
 
Meeting participants can/should include:
 
Statewide visitors and convention associations
Chefs and hospitality related businesses that are interested in being included in a tour package by featuring Alaskana fare
Destinations that are interested in exploring this commercial business opportunity (farms, breweries, fishing sites, vessels, etc.)
Tour and regional economic development associated interests in advancing this segment of Alaska's industry
 
The evening will begin with a presentation from Erik Wolf, President and CEO of the International Culinary Tourism Association.  Erik is recognized internationally as the founder of the culinary tourism industry. Erik has more than 20 years of experience in travel marketing and has worked with a variety of travel industry companies. He is a popular speaker in the USA and abroad, and is considered as the go-to culinary tourism resource for media all over the globe.
 
Erik’s presentation will be followed by Shanon Hamrick, Executive Director of the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council.  Shanon will give an overview of some of the incredible opportunities The Kenai has to develop and showcase our Alaskan culinary and agri-tourism product, including ways for our commercial and tourism businesses to work hand in hand.
 
Finally, you will hear from Isabelle Bornemann, Operations Manager for Explore Tours. Isabelle has been instrumental in the development of culinary and agri-tourism tours in other areas of Alaska.  She will cover the nuts and bolts of working with a tour company so you can leave with all the tools you need to start packaging your business for success in this new and lucrative industry.
 
This meeting is scheduled immediately following the second day of Global Food Alaska 2009 to take advantage of many interested in participating in both.  Please RSVP shanon@kenaipeninsula.org by June 1, 2009.
 
Thanks and we hope to see you there!
 
Shanon Hamrick
Executive Director
Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council
35477 Kenai Spur Hwy., Ste 205
Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-5229  Cell (907) 394-0466
http://www.kenaipeninsula.org