In partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Alaska Communication Systems (ACS) the 6th annual Heritage and Cultural Tourism Conference will be held in Sitka, Alaska from March 26-28, 2012 in Harrigan Centennial Hall.

The three-day event features field activities, conference sessions, and workshops focused on the development, evolution, and sustainability of heritage-based tourism businesses. The conference is recommended for all levels of management and personnel in related fields, including: museums, tourism businesses, attractions, and state/local/tribal government entities. Individuals interested in developing culture- or heritage-based tourism businesses should also attend.

Field experts and related agency representatives are scheduled to lead an array of workshops and presentations. Subjects range from business development to working with government agencies to funding resources for small businesses.

Featured sessions include:”How to benefit from the use of today’s Social Media”, Carley Lawrence, Nerland Agency; “Tourism Overview”, Eric McDowell, McDowell Group, Inc; “Sustainable Tourism”, James Dion, National Geographic; “Commerce in the National Forest”, Carol Goularte USFS, Dru Fenster, DCCED, State of Alaska; Funding Resources-Keith Perkins, USDA Rural Development, Mr. Ed Hall BIA and Ann Jennings BIA; Father Michael Oleksa will present the Keynote Address.

Conference activities include the opening performance with ‘One Crazy Raven’ Gene Tagaban, an evening wildlife cruise field session on board an Allen Marine boat, and closing Regalia Show, sharing from diverse cultures

Registration is now open. More information is available at www.TourismConference.org, email info@tourismconference.org, find us on Facebook-TourismConference or call Lillian Feldpausch of Sitka Tribal Enterprises toll-free at 1-888-270-8687 or 907-747-7290.