August 2025 Luncheon - Travel Forward: A Look at the Future of Travel & Tourism

Description

Check-in & Networking 11:30AM-12:00PM
Program 12:00-1:00PM

From sports tourism to beautiful beaches and some of the best amenities around, it's no surprise why our region is the destination to travel to! Come learn what's in store for travel and tourism at our August luncheon, with presentations from Erin Duggan with Visit Sarasota County and Elliott Falcione with The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Speakers

Erin Duggan, CDME - President & CEO
Visit Sarasota County

Erin Thomas Duggan grew up in Sarasota County, and has been a proud Lakewood Ranch resident since 2004. She graduated from Florida Southern College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Communications Arts and went on to serve in positions for The City of Casselberry, United Way of Manatee County and the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County before beginning work with the local tourism board, Visit Sarasota County in 2005.

She serves as the President and CEO at Visit Sarasota County where she leads a team of marketing and sales professionals to shape the strategic direction of group sales, media placement, communications, research, and intellectual property management to ensure that Sarasota County is seen as a must experience travel destination to potential visitors all across the world.

Elliott Falcione, Executive Director
The Bradenton Area Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Elliott’s 34-year career has allowed him to work for two organizations: the Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Club in Pittsburgh and the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

During his business career, Elliott has always surrounded himself with talented and hardworking individuals that has helped him serve customers in a unique manner. Any success he has experienced in his career has resulted in an empowered creative staff and strong community partnerships.

Elliott doesn’t have much to say about himself but always likes to share this thought: Having unconditional love for people can only help positively impact your life and the lives of others.