Events
Voices of MT Tourism Summit, Nov. 12 – Helena
November 12, 2026
View the Summit Agenda · Meet the Summit Speakers
Registration is Open! Tourism leaders across Montana are invited to attend the Voices of Montana Tourism Summit on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Montana Heritage Center in Helena.
As we prepare for the 2027 Montana Legislative Session, there has never been a more important time for our industry to come together with one voice.
This full-day summit will bring together tourism professionals, destination organizations, chambers of commerce, hospitality businesses, community leaders, and industry partners for practical training on legislative engagement and advocacy. Attendees will learn how to effectively communicate with policymakers, strengthen relationships with elected officials, and share consistent, data-driven messages about the value of Montana’s visitor economy.
Whether you’re new to advocacy or an experienced industry leader, you’ll leave with new tools, stronger connections, and greater confidence to help shape policies that support Montana’s communities and visitor economy.
Ticket prices are $99 per person, lunch is included, free parking. Register Here
Event will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. followed by evening networking reception.
Workshops include:
- Legislative Advocacy 101
- Crafting your Tourism Story
- Media and Messaging
- The 70th Legislative Session, who’s in, who’s not and anticipated priorities
- Lodging Facility Use Tax Partners
- Federal Policy Priorities in Travel
- Testifying at the Capitol, how to prepare
- Building Coalitions
- Digital Advocacy
Hotel Room Blocks with special rates:
Delta Colonial Helena
$139.00
Booking Deadline = October 21
Book online
or call 406-443-2100 to book under the “Voices of Montana Tourism” block
Great Northern Best Western
$179.00
Booking Deadline = October 26
Book online
or call 406-457-5500 to book under the “Voices of Montana Tourism” block
Comfort Suites Helena
$129.00
Booking Deadline = October 30
Book online
or call (406) 495-0505 to book under the “Voices of Montana Tourism” block
We hope you’ll join us as we work together to strengthen tourism’s voice across Montana.
Summit Agenda
November 12, 2026
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration, coffee, and networking
8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Message provided by Voices Executive Director: Why Tourism’s Voice Matters in Montana Policy
9:15 – 9:30 a.m.
Break
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Workshop Block 1 (choose one):
These workshops run concurrently. Choose one option for this time slot.
- Legislative Advocacy 101: How a bill becomes law and where influence happens Melissa Shannon and partners
- Crafting Your Tourism Story: Using data and personal impact effectively Melissa Weddell and partners
- Media & Messaging: Working with press, social media, and public narratives Jason Laird and partners
10:30 – 10:40 a.m.
Break
10:40 – 11:40 a.m.
Workshop Block 2 (choose one):
These workshops run concurrently. Choose one option for this time slot.
- The 70th Legislative Session: With the results of the election, learn from experts on anticipated structure Melissa Shannon and partners
- Lodging Facility Use Tax partners collaborating on critical funding structure Dax Schieffer and partners
- Federal Policy Priorities in Travel – Priorities and engagement Chris Averill and partners
11:40 – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch Served – Chili O’Briens catering
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
General Session: “Montana Tourism by the Numbers” (economic impact, workforce, tax revenue, rural development) – Melissa Weddell
12:45 – 1:15 p.m.
Networking time & sponsor showcase
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Workshop Block 3 (choose one):
These workshops run concurrently. Choose one option for this time slot.
- Testifying at the Capitol: Hearing preparation and public speaking Kali Wicks and partners
- Building Coalitions: Partnering with chambers, tribes, and local governments Racene Friede and partners
- Digital Advocacy: Email campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and legislator engagement tools Ella Currier and partners
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Break
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
Keynote: Follow the Money: Understanding Montana’s Finances – Dr. Bryce Ward
3:15 – 3:30
Building Tourism’s Voice with Industry Digital Tools – MTTA Action Center
3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Action Planning Session: Discussions and next-step commitments
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Closing remarks and call to action
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Evening networking reception with Lawmakers (Ten Mile Brewery)