Spring Seminar Program Agenda

June 25, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (Subject to change)

Program Agenda

Thursday, June 25

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, Executive Director, Dove Pointe

11:30 am – 12:00 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.

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Breaking Barriers: Advocacy for Disability Inclusion in Maryland

Join disability advocate Domique Sessa, “The Girl in the Pink Wheelchair,” as she shares her journey championing accessibility, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout Maryland. This session will highlight advocacy efforts, leadership initiatives, and the importance of creating more inclusive spaces and experiences for all.

12:30 pm – 12:45 pm – Lunch Break with Box Lunch provided by Dinner Express

12:45 pm – 1:30 pm – Beyond Compliance: Building Accessible and Inclusive Websites

Join D3 for an informative session on website accessibility and the importance of creating inclusive digital experiences for users who are blind, deaf, low vision, or living with other disabilities. Attendees will learn about common accessibility barriers, best practices for accessible web design, and practical steps organizations can take to improve usability, compliance, and engagement across their digital platforms.

1:30 pm – 2:30 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.

                Moderator: Leticia Cobian-Engel, Visit Montgomery

Panelists include:

  • Dee Becker – Director of Sales & Marketing, Great Wolf Lodge
  • Maria McDonald, Executive Director, Greenwell Foundation
  • Adrienne Trout, Office of Corporate and Community Relations, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

2:30 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!