Connections
See you in Richmond, VA September 9-11, 2026
Why Attend Connections?
The tourism industry doesn't stand still, and neither should you.
Connections is where tourism professionals from across the Southeast come together to share ideas, tackle challenges, discover what's next, and build relationships that matter long after the conference ends.
Whether you're looking for fresh marketing inspiration, innovative destination strategies, new partnerships, or simply a chance to connect with people who understand your world, Connections delivers the conversations, insights, and opportunities that move careers, organizations, and destinations forward.
Big Ideas. Real Conversations.
Tourism is evolving fast. From shifting traveler expectations and emerging technology to workforce challenges and changing economic conditions, the landscape looks different every year.
At Connections, you'll gain:
Actionable strategies you can put to work immediately
Fresh perspectives from industry leaders and innovators
Practical solutions to today's biggest tourism challenges
New ideas to elevate your destination, attraction, or organization
Insights into the trends shaping the future of travel
Your People Are Here.
Some of the best ideas don't happen during a presentation, they happen over coffee, at receptions, between sessions, and during conversations with peers facing the same opportunities and challenges. Connections isn't about collecting business cards or sitting through endless presentations.
It's about leaving with:
New relationships
Fresh ideas
Practical takeaways
Renewed energy
A clearer vision for what's next
Join us in Richmond, September 9–11, and be part of the conversations
shaping the future of tourism in the Southeast.
Transportation:
Airport
Distance to the hotel from the airport: 13-min drive (9.1mi)
Approximate taxi cost from the airport to the hotel:
Galaxy Cab Co. : 804-560-4408
Cost approximately $28-30Uber or Lyft:
Cost approximately $26-45 depending on time of day (peak vs non-peak hours) and vehicle type
Our 2026 Host State
Our 2026 Host City
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Learn more about Connections sponsorship opportunities…
To learn more about STS and event sponsorship, contact:
Veronica Frazier, Sr. Director of Member Development
veronica@southeasttourism.org
Memories of 2025 Connections in Lake Charles, Louisiana
About the STS Connections Conference
Connections is the annual educational conference, hosted by Southeast Tourism Society, that brings together travel industry leaders, destination marketers, and service providers in a format that emphasizes connection over convention. Attendees can expect insightful educational sessions, engaging marketplace interactions, and unforgettable opportunities to network and spark new business ideas.
Along with engaging educational and networking sessions, you’ll also take part in special events, including the STS Marketing College® Graduation, the Shining Example Awards Ceremony, and the Annual Membership Meeting.
Whether you're looking to generate leads, deepen partnerships, or stay ahead of industry trends, this is the conference that connects it all.
Cancellation Policy
For Southeast Tourism Society’s Connections event, requests for cancellation must be emailed to sts@southeasttourism.org. A full refund is available until July 17, 2026. A 50% refund will be available from July 18 to August 7, 2026. A $200 administrative fee applies to all refunds. No refunds are issued for cancellations received on or after August 8, 2026. Registration can be transferred to another individual within the same organization by emailing sts@southeasttourism.org. Registrations cannot be carried over to Connections 2027.