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Every day, decisions are made in Washington that affect the tourism industry on a national, regional and local level. Our leaders need to hear your voice as they make policy decisions that affect your business and community. The STS Congressional Summit brings you that venue.

We invite you to join STS and National Tour Association (NTA), and Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) in Washington, D.C. for the annual Congressional Summit on Travel and Tourism.

This two day session allows you to visit with your Congress person at your leisure and keep in touch with those issues that affect our growing industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

Brand USA's Joel Secundy, vice president of strategic outreach, will address attendees on how this organization is engaging states and local communities.

The National Tourism Leadership Lunch, held in the beautiful Capitol Visitors Center, will include invited speakers Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary John Bryson and all six House and Senate Tourism Caucus co-chairs.

STS hosts a formal signing ceremony renewing our memorandum of understanding with our federal agency partners.

Invite your Member of Congress and/or key staff to join you at the Federal Tourism Recognition Reception, a casual luncheon at the convenient Capitol Visitors Center.

We need your voice! Register today and make a difference with your attendance.

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Tuesday, May 8

8:00 a.m. - Registration
Location: U.S. Department of the Interior, South Interior Auditorium, 1951 Constitution Ave., NW

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Brand USA Presentation
Location: U.S. Department of Interior, South Interior Auditorium, 1951 Constitution Ave., NW
Attendees/Invites: Registered Grassroots Summit Participants
Program description: The Impact of Brand USA's Programs on Communities. Brand USA will show all of the commercials, which will have just been released at Pow Wow. In addition, speakers will be provided to discuss with Summit attendees how Brand USA is engaging with the states and local communities.

11:00 a.m. - Buses depart from the South Interior Auditorium for Hart Senate Office Building

11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. - National Tourism Leadership Lunch
Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Room SH-902
Attendees/Invites: Registered Grassroots Summit Participants
Confirmed Speakers: Representative Jo Bonner (AL); Representative Sam Farr (CA); and Senator Mark Begich (AK).
Invited - Senator Mark Kirk (IL); Senator Roy Blunt (MO); and Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN).
Program/Agenda: Brief remarks by each caucus chair; Private sector appreciation for caucus leadership.

1:30 p.m. - Buses depart from the Hart Senate Office Building for the South Interior Auditorium

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Training Sessions
Location: U.S. Department of Interior, South Interior Auditorium, 1951 Constitution Ave., NW
Attendees/Invites: Registered Grassroots Summit Participants
Presenters: To Be Determined
Program: Educational sessions on selected legislative priority issues from, including VISA reform, surface transportation, National Parks, the Travel Regional Investment Partnership (TRIP) and a session focusing on best practices for meeting with your congressional leaders and staff.

6:00 p.m. - STS Dine-Around

Wednesday, May 9

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Capitol Hill Visits

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - STS MOU Signing Ceremony (Invitation Only)

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Federal (Agency) Tourism Recognition Luncheon Reception (Finger/ pick-up Food)
Location: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room SD-G50
Attendees/Invites: Registered Grassroots Summit Participants; Federal Agency Partners; Members of Congress and/or key staff.
Format/Agenda: Informal drop-by during the lunchtime hours; Federal agency exhibition;
Pick-up finger foods, reception style.

Afternoon: Hill Visits (for those who have completed their Hill visits, adjournment and return home) (Optional Hill Visits can be made on Thursday, May 10th for attendees who would like to extend their stay and make additional congressional visits.

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