Looking Ahead
The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau made the most of its exposure to the faith-based travel audience.
“How many of you are first-timers in our wonderful city?” asked Gretchen Hall, the CVB’s president and CEO. “That’s a lot of hands up. Nice. I love it.”
Jessica Ledbetter, also of the CVB, said first-timers can learn about the city and take that information back to their hometowns. “One thing we hear, especially at this conference, is how people are surprised by Little Rock,” she said. “They didn’t know about it. So to bring in hundreds of tour operators and travel planners at one time is great. You just have to get them here, and the city sells itself.”
Mark Stodola, Little Rock’s mayor, took time to welcome delegates. “We open our arms to travelers and tour operators,” he said. “The people you represent in the religious market are important. They’re friends and neighbors and people you love. You not only worship with them but share stories. We want to be sure you have wonderful stories to share about Little Rock.”
Grand Rapids, Michigan, will host the 2019 Going On Faith Conference.
“Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city,” said Dave Nitkiewicz from Experience Grand Rapids. “I say to all: Come check it out. We have the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. You can plan extra days to go out to the Lake Michigan shore. There will be lots for groups to do while staying at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on the river downtown.”
To register for the 2019 Going On Fait Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan , go to www.gofconference.com.
