Summit Speakers and Workshop Facilitators

November 12, 2026

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Melissa Weddell

Dr. Melissa Weddell is Director of the Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research (ITRR) and Research Professor at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana. Her work focuses on transforming complex data into meaningful insights that advance outdoor recreation, tourism, and community development. Guided by a deep commitment to community well-being, she connects rigorous analysis with practical application through stakeholder collaboration to help build resilient, vibrant places.

Bryce Ward

Bryce Ward is the founder of ABMJ Consulting and a former Associate Director at the Bureau of Business and Economic Research. He has a PhD in economics from Harvard University and BAs in economics and history from the University of Oregon. He has expertise in urban and regional economics, labor economics, health economics, public finance, social economics, real estate economics, environmental and natural resource economics, and statistics/econometrics.

He taught classes at Harvard University, Lewis and Clark College, the University of Oregon, and Portland State University. He has published dozens of scholarly articles and economic reports, and he has provided expert testimony in dozens of court cases and legislative proceedings. His research has been featured in places like the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Associated Press, PBS NewsHour, NPR, and ProPublica.

Workshop Leaders

Melissa Shannon – Principal at Benchmark Public Affairs with Montana Lodging Hospitality Association
Kali Wicks – Principal at Treasure State Strategies – Government Relations
Ella Currier – Benchmark Public Affairs with MLHA
Jason Laird – Co-Owner with Clear Source Communications – Public Relations with Television/Radio Expertise
Chris Averill – Benchmark Public Affairs with MLHA
Dax Schieffer – Voices of Montana Tourism and Montana Travel Association
Racene Friede – Western Montana’s Glacier Country and Voices of Montana Tourism Board Member

Workshop Facilitators

Madi Tyson – Crowley Fleck and Lobbyist for Montana Travel Association
Marne Hayes – Business for Montana’s Outdoors
Madison Stromswold – Benchmark Public Affairs with MLHA
Molly Kruckenberg – Montana Historical Society
Renee Lemon – Montana FWP Parks & Outdoor Recreation Division Administrator
Barb Neilan – Destination Missoula and Voices of Montana Tourism Board Member
Callie Aschim – Helena Area Chambe of Commerce and Voices of Montana Tourism Board Member
Rebecca Engum – Visit Great Falls and Voices of Montana Tourism Board Member
Lisa Troyer – Montana Department of Commerce – Director of Tourism
Brad Niva – Visit Big Sky and Voices of Montana Tourism Board Member
Aly Eggart – Visit Billings and Montana Travel Association Board Member
Ben Thiem – Montana West Economic Development
Will Israel – Montana Outfitters & Guides Association – Executive Director
Ava Budde – Montana Stockgrowers Association – Content Coordinator
Scott Vollmer – Fishing Outfitter – MOGA Board Member – MTTA Board Member