Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) including convention and visitors bureaus, tourism and/or convention center authorities, chambers of commerce tourism departments, and other quasi-governmental local tourism agencies throughout the State of Georgia are faced with unparalleled challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.  These economic hardships have resulted in major shifts in staffing structure and layoffs which will take some time for full recovery.  Many professionals have never experienced these current career changes and need industry counseling assistance. 

The Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) is partnering with Dr. Mark L. Newton, Paul T. Martin Chair in Hospitality and Tourism of the Harry W. Walker School of Business at Piedmont College - Athens to assist Georgia's tourism partners through a virtual program on career education skills that are helpful in the employment process.

Dr. Newton developed a career education class working in tourism training at Gwinnett Technical College, and in his 34 years of teaching, he has always taken an active role in helping students and professionals become more employable. Dr. Newton has served the tourism industry as a speaker on career education and conducted seminars at several tourism conferences and events.

As a benefit to GACVB members, Dr. Newton is offering his time and expertise for this FREE, one-hour session, as a service to destination marketing and management professionals who are exploring new employment or anticipating a shift in career within the tourism and hospitality space. He will also provide follow-up, five-minute one on one counseling sessions for participants. Following an initial program, GACVB and Dr. Newton will explore a series approach for additional sessions.

The first session will take place next Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00 am and will also include special guest speaker Tim Chason of the Chason Group, Inc. A corporate "promoter" level ally member of GACVB, the team of experienced professionals at The Chason Group assists chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, foundations, and other non-profit entities in identifying qualified individuals to serve in leadership roles. Tim will share search firm insights on what candidates should be thinking about when they apply for positions and tips on the interview and negotiating process for professional positions.

REGISTER NOW for this FREE special offer for GACVB member-partners and only $35 for non-members / hopefully future members!

*Those investing in the education seminar will be invoiced via email following online registration.