Spring Seminar Program Agenda

Program Agenda

10:30 am – 11:00 am – Registration/Network with Sponsors 

11:00 am – 11:30 am – Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Ruth Toomey, Executive Director, Executive Director
• Justin Polizzi, Tourism Manager, Wicomico County Tourism
• Donald B. Hackett

11:30 am – 12:30 pm – Meet Eric Grantham

Join Eric Grantham for an inside look at “Eric’s Law,” including its origins, purpose, and growing significance. Learn why this legislation matters to the tourism industry and what organizations can do to align with its intent while improving accessibility and inclusion.

12:30 – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break with Box Lunch provided by Dinner Express 

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Maryland travel partners share insights on the challenges and best practices of inclusive travel, highlighting how their businesses are expanding accessible options for travelers of all abilities.

Panelists include:

• Bruce Clopein – President Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park 
• Maria McDonald, Executive Director, Greenwell Foundation

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – From Strategy to Action: Building an Inclusive Tourism Ecosystem

Speaker: Amanda Powers, VP of Sales & Business Development, Wheel the World

Learn how to strengthen your tourism offerings through proven resources and strategies that support accessibility and inclusion. This session covers destination certification, staff training, website accessibility, and other key tools to help you create a more welcoming and resilient visitor experience.

3:00 pm- 3:15 pm Break 

3:15 pm – 3:45 pm  – Reflecting on Today’s Insights: A Roundtable Discussion

Engage in a facilitated roundtable discussion to reflect on key takeaways from today’s presentations. Share insights, ask questions, and explore how to apply what you’ve learned within your organization.

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm Wrap Up & Thanks!