First conference on tourism marketing to gays and lesbians in New York State

Big Gay Hudson Valley organized a one-day retreat for businesses and tourism professionals featuring leading names in destination marketing on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

According to a Big Gay Hudson Valley press release, businesses looking for new ways to expand into the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender) market are invited to attend their first-ever GLBT tourism marketing conference. Hosted at the Locust Grove Estate in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday, March 27, with support from Travel Hudson Valley, this all-day event will bring together leading names in destination marketing to share how they attract GLBT consumers to their regional offerings.

Patrick Decker, event organizer and co-founder of Big Gay Hudson Valley elaborated, “With New York State serving as a national leader for GLBT rights and equality, businesses throughout the State stand to benefit tremendously from learning how to make themselves more appealing to gay & lesbian consumers. This demographic is generally well-educated, affluent, and spends money on recreational ventures like travel. Speaking the right language with your marketing outreach is fundamental to getting their attention.”

Mary Kay Vrba, Executive Director of Dutchess County Tourism and Travel Hudson Valley, said “Tourism is a tremendous economic and social engine for the entire State of New York.” She went on to encourage all business owners, both straight and gay, to attend the Big Gay Hudson Valley GLBT tourism marketing conference if they are looking to expand the reach of their services.

Vrba and others from organizations such as Travel Gay Canada, Hudson Pride Foundation and The American Hotel will speak on discussion panels and host breakout sessions throughout the day. The goal is to help gay-affirming business owners and tourism operators understand the habits and culture of the GLBT community so that they can then tailor their offerings and marketing language to this affluent and engaged demographic.

A comprehensive event outline and registration information ($99 per person “Early Bird Rate” including continental breakfast & lunch) are available now on BigGayHudsonValley.com/Conference.