2025 GO Laurel Highlands Spring Summit

Unleash Your Tourism Marketing Superpowers

Thank you for joining us for this educational event designed to empower attendees with cutting-edge marketing insights to thrive in an evolving economy. Now in its 12th year, the Summit once again delivered impactful content — and this year was no exception. Featuring nationally recognized speakers and a strong focus on marketing strategies and inclusion efforts, attendees walked away with the tools and knowledge needed to drive success.

2025 Summit Sessions:

Click on View Presentation buttons below to unlock the marketing superpowers shared at this year’s Summit!

Carrisa Parrish photo

Carissa Parish | NYC Tourism + Conventions | Senior Vice President, Digital & Media

Digital Marketing Strategies for 2025: What’s Next and What Matters

Carissa is the Senior Vice President of Digital and Media at NYC Tourism + Conventions, where she leads innovation across digital, product development, and media. With a tech-driven background, she oversees global media initiatives and a multidisciplinary team, helping position New York City as a top global destination through modern, impactful marketing.

View Presentation

We Are Autism Ready - Are You?

Ashley Howes | Fayette Chamber | Membership & Digital Media Specialist | Autism Advocate

Laura Argenbright | GO Laurel Highlands | Senior Director of Creative Strategy

View Presentation

Pow! Master AI Techniques for Tourism Destinations

Sarah Benoit is a digital marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience in web design, SEO, and social media. As President of Creative Original and Co-founder of JB Media Institute, she develops and leads engaging training programs for businesses. A sought-after speaker across the Southeast, Sarah has been recognized as Woman Executive of the Year by WomanUp, named to Asheville’s 40 Under Forty, and is a graduate of both Leadership Asheville and the Hive Global Leaders program.

View Presentation

Sarah Benoit as a superhero

Sarah Benoit | Founder & Lead Instructor of JB Media Institute

Peter Obletz and Kurt Gingrich as superheros

Kurt Gingrich | Pittsburgh Steelers | Corporate Partnerships Manager

Peter Obletz | Pittsburgh Steelers | Partnership Activation Manager

Bringing Home the Win - A Game Changing Partnership

Sponsored by

The Steelers Corporate Partnerships and Activation Department is responsible for developing and managing strategic relationships with corporate partners.

Schedule Release Video Channel

Schedule Release Photo Channel

Schedule Release Article Channel

View Presentation

Crafting the Right Media Mix on any Sized Budget

Sarah Benoit | Founder & Lead Instructor of JB Media Institute

View Presentation

Becoming a World Class Destination: It Takes Us All to Welcome All

Roni Weiss is the Executive Director of Travel Unity, a nonprofit focused on making travel more inclusive for people of all backgrounds. A prodigy who earned college honors at 12 and two degrees by 18, Roni now leads Travel Unity’s Standards and certification programs, helping organizations implement inclusive practices. A seasoned traveler to 70+ countries, he lives in Pleasantville, NY, with his partner and four children.

View Presentation

Roni Weiss headshop