2025 NETtra Tourism Conference Program
Quick links:
Please note that details are subject to change; check back here for updates.
Program Overview:
- Online/mobile view of the full agenda
- Downloadable versions of the agenda and the detailed presentation descriptions
Please note that details are subject to change; check back here for updates.
Program Overview:
Conference Highlights:
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Wednesday Night Awards Dinner Cruise
A cruise on the historic M/S Mount Washington is a classic Lakes Region experience! Conference attendees and guests will embark from Meredith Harbor at 5:30 pm to enjoy sunset over Lake Winnipesaukee. Cocktails (cash bar) and networking will be followed by a buffet dinner and the NET & NETTRA awards ceremony. The cruise will return to the harbor around 8 pm. This cruise is included in the full conference rate; attendees are welcome to bring additional guests ($75 per person; limited spaces available). |
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Thursday Afternoon Mobile Workshops
Conference registration includes a field trip on Thursday afternoon focused on advancing knowledge on different themes of tourism planning, development, and promotion. Destinations include regional businesses and attractions such as Highland Mountain Bike Park, Hermit Woods Winery, Remick Country Doctor and Farm Museum, Squam Lakes Association, Mill City Park (whitewater kayaking park), and more. Spaces are limited - register early for best selection! Scroll below for full descriptions. |
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Academic, DMO, and Practitioner Presentations
Through oral presentations, panels, interactive workshops, roundtables, and a poster session, attendees will learn about tourism research, trends, and projects in the Northeast and beyond. Presentation sessions will begin on Wednesday and conclude Friday morning. |
Mobile Workshop Options (Thursday, October 9th)
Please note that workshops may be subject to change.
Please note that workshops may be subject to change.
Celebrating Rural Life: Agritourism and Heritage Tourism in New Hampshire
Meredith, NH and Tamworth, NH
Join historic barn and dairy farming expert John Porter and New Hampshire agritourism specialist Gail McWilliam Jellie on a tour of New Hampshire agriculture, past and present. The tour will first stop at Moulton Farm in Meredith, where participants will hear from owner and farmer John Moulton about how his business has adapted to serve visitors and locals over the years. Enjoy a whoopie pie from the on-site bakery or explore the corn maze. Next, the group will head to the historic village of Tamworth to visit the Remick County Doctor Museum and Farm to learn about historic preservation and the museum's emphasis on rural life. Lastly, participants can take a moment to wander the village to see other notable attractions such as Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile and the Barnstormer Theater.
Everything Worthwhile is Uphill: Evolving Landscapes of Outdoor Recreation (with Optional Mountain Biking)
Northfield, NH and Franklin, NH
Participants will pile into Highland Mountain Bike Park's vans for an active afternoon in the communities of Northfield and Franklin. First, the group will fuel up with a pizza lunch at Highland Mountain Bike Park's lodge while learning about recreational visitor trends and business development from owner/founder Mark Hayes. Then, participants can choose to do a "Find Your Ride" group intro lesson to downhill mountain biking, pick up a rental bike to explore the mountain and trails independently, or take it easy by exploring the park's grounds (such as the new summer camp facilities) or enjoying conversation at the pub. Next, the group will travel by van to Franklin, NH, to learn about Mill City Park's expanding downtown whitewater park development and how the organization aims to put Franklin on the map for kayaking, rafting, and more.
Ripe for Visitors: Creating Vibrant Downtowns and a Sense of Place
Meredith, NH
The last few decades have a brought a variety of changes to Meredith's historic lakeside village - including wine! This walking tour will meet with local organizational leaders and business owners to hear about how history, culture, and nature converge to create an immersive visitor environment. The group(s) will begin with lunch and a tour of Hermit Woods Winery's facilities with co-owner/founder Bob Manley. Participants will hear how personal interests in winemaking evolved into a year-round destination for local wine and music. After sampling some unique NH blends, the group will continue through Main Street to learn about Meredith's initiatives to highlight art and history. The wheelchair-accessible Laverack Nature Trail and lakeside Meredith Sculpture Walk provide examples of how towns can integrate natural and cultural visitor experiences.
Note: This tour is mobility device/scooter friendly and can be modified to meet the needs of participants. If any attendees need mobility accommodations, please contact the conference organizers.
Paddling Together: Lakes, Tourism, and Balancing Uses
Holderness, NH
Visit another famous lake in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Squam Lake, known for its conservation initiatives and for being the filming location of the 1981 film "On Golden Pond." The group will meet with staff from Squam Lakes Association to hear about how they create opportunities for visitor use and enjoyment while also helping protect the lake's special environment. Then, everyone will buddy up for a canoe outing to observe the lake's aquatic and recreational assets first-hand. This mobile workshop will be led by Amanda McQuaid, UNH Extension State Specialist and Professor of Water Quality and Ecotoxicology/Director of Lakes Lay Monitoring Program, and Shannon Rogers, UNH Extension State Specialist for Nature-Based Economic Development and Professor of Natural Resources & the Environment.
Meredith, NH and Tamworth, NH
Join historic barn and dairy farming expert John Porter and New Hampshire agritourism specialist Gail McWilliam Jellie on a tour of New Hampshire agriculture, past and present. The tour will first stop at Moulton Farm in Meredith, where participants will hear from owner and farmer John Moulton about how his business has adapted to serve visitors and locals over the years. Enjoy a whoopie pie from the on-site bakery or explore the corn maze. Next, the group will head to the historic village of Tamworth to visit the Remick County Doctor Museum and Farm to learn about historic preservation and the museum's emphasis on rural life. Lastly, participants can take a moment to wander the village to see other notable attractions such as Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile and the Barnstormer Theater.
Everything Worthwhile is Uphill: Evolving Landscapes of Outdoor Recreation (with Optional Mountain Biking)
Northfield, NH and Franklin, NH
Participants will pile into Highland Mountain Bike Park's vans for an active afternoon in the communities of Northfield and Franklin. First, the group will fuel up with a pizza lunch at Highland Mountain Bike Park's lodge while learning about recreational visitor trends and business development from owner/founder Mark Hayes. Then, participants can choose to do a "Find Your Ride" group intro lesson to downhill mountain biking, pick up a rental bike to explore the mountain and trails independently, or take it easy by exploring the park's grounds (such as the new summer camp facilities) or enjoying conversation at the pub. Next, the group will travel by van to Franklin, NH, to learn about Mill City Park's expanding downtown whitewater park development and how the organization aims to put Franklin on the map for kayaking, rafting, and more.
Ripe for Visitors: Creating Vibrant Downtowns and a Sense of Place
Meredith, NH
The last few decades have a brought a variety of changes to Meredith's historic lakeside village - including wine! This walking tour will meet with local organizational leaders and business owners to hear about how history, culture, and nature converge to create an immersive visitor environment. The group(s) will begin with lunch and a tour of Hermit Woods Winery's facilities with co-owner/founder Bob Manley. Participants will hear how personal interests in winemaking evolved into a year-round destination for local wine and music. After sampling some unique NH blends, the group will continue through Main Street to learn about Meredith's initiatives to highlight art and history. The wheelchair-accessible Laverack Nature Trail and lakeside Meredith Sculpture Walk provide examples of how towns can integrate natural and cultural visitor experiences.
Note: This tour is mobility device/scooter friendly and can be modified to meet the needs of participants. If any attendees need mobility accommodations, please contact the conference organizers.
Paddling Together: Lakes, Tourism, and Balancing Uses
Holderness, NH
Visit another famous lake in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Squam Lake, known for its conservation initiatives and for being the filming location of the 1981 film "On Golden Pond." The group will meet with staff from Squam Lakes Association to hear about how they create opportunities for visitor use and enjoyment while also helping protect the lake's special environment. Then, everyone will buddy up for a canoe outing to observe the lake's aquatic and recreational assets first-hand. This mobile workshop will be led by Amanda McQuaid, UNH Extension State Specialist and Professor of Water Quality and Ecotoxicology/Director of Lakes Lay Monitoring Program, and Shannon Rogers, UNH Extension State Specialist for Nature-Based Economic Development and Professor of Natural Resources & the Environment.
More schedule information coming soon!
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