30th Annual Go West Summit

Can you get a drink in Salt Lake?

While the air may be dry, our dining and nightlife definitely are not. In addition to the long-running craft brewery scene--and the more recent and growing craft distillery scene--in Utah’s capital city, the New York Post recently listed Salt Lake as the second most hipster city in America. “The streets of downtown Salt Lake are teeming with an inordinate amount of well-dressed and busy millennials and boomers, the housing market is hot, and it’s no secret that our craft beers and liquors adorn the top shelves of east coast bars,” according to the New York Post. Speaking of craft beers, Salt Lake has nearly a dozen breweries along with whiskey, vodka, rum and gin distilleries throughout the valley.  Along the same lines, the Salt Lake culinary scene is bustling with flavor, spices and culture from around the globe and features locally-sourced farm-to-table products, markets, events and restaurants. With non-stop service from the west coast, seafood creations at Current Fish & Oyster is a must while in Salt Lake, in addition to small plates at Eva, inventive food at Pallet, tacos at Taqueria 27, and, of course, our local speakeasies, The Rest and Avenues Bistro.

Salt Lake City's Family History Library

Ever wonder why you can’t get that cowlick to lay down? Or why you love borscht but none of your friends do? At Temple Square, you can take a family history tour to discover your ancestors and their stories. They’re free (are you sensing a pattern?) and can explain a lot. Who knows… you might be 1/32nd Utahn. The Family History Library is free and no reservation needed, open Monday 8am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday 8:00am to 9:00pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. For more information go to www.templesquare.com

Prepare for Go West with our Upcoming Webinar

The internet has changed the way we do business with tour operators and international consumers. Florian Herrmann, CEO of Herrmann Global will present simple tactics you can apply to strengthen your relationship with international travelers and tour operators. In this online presentation Florian will answer the most important questions when preparing for Go West Summit: What is the best preparation process to communicate with tour operators and media at Go West? What are the best email subject lines? How to use existing tour operator and media lists for Facebook custom audiences? How to prospect new tour operators using LinkedIn? This valuable presentation will happen Wednesday, December 20th at 2:00pm MST.

Suppliers! Don't Forget to Opt-In!

Go West Summit is a great opportunity to meet with buyers from all over the world. You can also gain more exposure by opting-in to meet with our media delegates. This new feature gives you more control over the companies in your final appointment schedule. Go West realizes that some attending suppliers are not responsible for their company’s media presence. The default is OFF, but if you want to meet with them, when you log in to submit your appointment requests, turn the below button to on!

FAM Update

The pre/post FAM's for all buyers are filling up quickly! If you have not submitted your request, please review the remaining available FAM's and submit your request. If you were declined for a FAM that you are still interested in attending, contact Rachel Bremer, with the Utah Office of Tourism, rbremer@utah.gov .

Find a Winter Refresh in Utah

From undisturbed desert landscapes to a bustling alpine ski scene, Utah’s winters offer a change of pace. Skiers and snowboarders revere Utah for having The Greatest Snow on Earth ® , but Salt Lake City also offers some of the closest slopes on earth. With 10 ski resorts less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport, a winter vacation spent skiing in Utah lets you clock More Mountain Time™ skiing, riding, relaxing in style and warming up in the hot tub in between. Oh, and the après scene includes everything from rustic slopeside watering holes to mountain towns and cities full of culture and amenities. Once you’ve gotten your fix of the ski scene and are ready to slow time down, get ready to see winter from a whole new perspective. Winter in Utah can mean discovering red rock landscapes dusted with snow in the offseason of national parks and monuments. Experiences range from snowshoeing Bryce Canyon National Park high on the Paunsaugunt Plateau to a quiet moment overlooking the confluence of two massive rivers at Canyonlands National Park. Then try something completely new at one of 43 Utah state parks. Options range from ice fishing and bald eagle viewing to bundling up for unparalleled stargazing then warming up in a yurt. Or head to the southwest for off-road adventures or hiking in typically mild temperatures.

Nevada's Pony Express

Pony Express riders carried and delivered mail between Sacramento, California and St. Joseph, Missouri from April 1860 to October 1861. The distance was 1,800 miles, and it took Pony Express riders ten days, which was half the time the stagecoach required for the same journey. By keeping the east connected with the west, the Pony Express held the nation together. Young Pony Express riders charged across the country on the fastest horses available. Over two thousand miles of wilderness was crossed, including a section of high mountain desert in Nevada. Today, this stretch of Nevada has been designated "Pony Express Territory." Today, Highway 50 take travelers along this route from Utah, across Nevada to South Lake Tahoe and into California. Experience Great Basin National Park, the Ghost Train of Ely, Eureka Opera House, Stokes Castle in Austin, Fallon National Wildlife Refuge, Wildlife Refuge of Fallon, Historic Carson City. Nevada travelers who complete the route can also receive a certificate. Click on the link for the Highway 50 Guide: https://issuu.com/travelnevada/docs/hwy50survivalguide

Are You Prepared?

Whether it's your first time attending Go West Summit, or you're simply looking for tips to get the most out of the event, these resources will increase your chances of a successful summit.  Glossary of Terms >> PDF Use this document to help you navigate through all the industry-specific terms commonly used at travel trade shows like Go West Summit. How To Summit >> PDF Get the most out of the event by capitalizing on every possible networking opportunity.  Prep Sheet >> PDF Check off items on this "to-do" list to be sure you haven't missed anything. Appointment Requests >> PDF Our effective and easy-to-use, customizable appointment matching system (CAMSYS) combines your appointment selections along with the selections of companies that want to meet with you to create your appointment schedules.  YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SELECT YOUR APPOINTMENTS UNTIL YOUR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN PAID IN FULL! You can log in at any time to pay your invoice by credit card.

Discover Texas

Texas is “more than you think”. In addition to its rich ranching and cowboy heritage, Texas is a world-class, year-round destination in its own right. Visitors to the Lone Star State are greeted with 600 miles of sparkling coastline, breathtaking national and state parks, an endless choice of luxury golf and spa resorts, and activities ranging from hiking and biking to bird watching and boating – plus outstanding arts and cultural facilities. Think of Texas and think of the great outdoors and great adventure. Go hiking and camping in the Big Bend National Park, kayaking on the Rio Grande River, horse-backing riding in the Hill Country or biking through the Palo Duro Canyon for an adventure of a lifetime. Texas provides excellent value for money, and offers plenty of opportunities for the savvy shopper: from quaint local boutiques, to discounts at outlet stores and bargains along the Mexican border; as well as world-class shopping in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The diversity of Texan history, culture, festivals and cuisine means visitors are assured a colorful and exciting holiday experience. For more information, visit www.TravelTexas.com.

Reminder to book your rooms!

We're not kidding! Rooms are going fast and you might have a hard time securing accommodations outside our room block because other shows are in town and it is a busy holiday week. Go West Summit has negotiated a reduced rate for both buyers ($109) and suppliers ($159 at the Radisson). Registered users are invited to  log in to view their personalized weblink to book their room. All hotel reservations are subject to a final verification by Go West Summit staff.

Go West Summit’s airport transportation schedule is based on your flight data. Add your arrival and departure information by logging in and updating your profile as soon as you book your flight. Simply click ‘Flight Plans’ on your landing page. Only 26 attendees have submitted their plans which doesn’t give us a lot of data to work with.

Update your  flight information!

The Historic Oregon Trail's 175th Anniversary

In 2018, the pioneer spirit comes alive in Oregon for the 175 th anniversary of the Historic Oregon Trail commemorating the largest migration in American History. Settlers, inspired by the dream of Oregon, uprooted their families, packed their lives into a covered wagon and walked 2,000 miles (3,220 km) to the land of opportunity known as Oregon. Visitors will find this pioneering and adventurous spirit lives today in the heart and spirit of Oregonians. Join Oregonians in rediscovering Oregon from the perspective of those pioneers by walking in the ruts left by the wagon trains, explore the rugged country and wide open spaces that inspired awe and countless journal entries, learn the stories of men, women and children who embarked on this journey from reenactors at historic sites across the state and world class museums that bring the journey to life. Join events marking this historic event throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall of 2018 found at TravelOregon.com or find your own pioneering spirit and explore the sites along the trail any day. Just like the settlers, once you start your Oregon Trail journey it will forever be part of your story.

Meet Colorado's National Parks

C olorado National Parks Loop Watch this Colorado National Parks Loop video to get a glimpse of our beautiful parks that are open year round!  Colorado National Parks Loop Video   Rocky Mountain National Park  Visitors can see elk, deer, bighorn sheep and pikas. The dramatic tundra above tree line is a dramatic view of the Rocky Mountain Range.  Colorado National Monument is a journey through 11 red rock canyons of the Monument that reveals a story told in stone of millions of years of erosion, changing climate and dramatic geological upheavals.  Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park and has a highly popular astronomy program. The canyon has some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America.  Mesa Verde National Park , a world UNESCO Heritage site is located in southwest Colorado, is the only national park dedicated to preserving the works of man and is known as one of the most unique Ancestral Puebloan dwellings in the world. Finally, Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra. Experience this by hiking, sand sledding, splashing in creeks, wildlife watching, and more! Visit www.colorado.com for more information. .

Become a Sponsor!

Sponsorships are still available but they are going fast! We can customize your sponsorship package to fit your needs. This is a great way to increase your visibility at Go West and leave a lasting impression with potential clients. See what we have to offer on our 2018 Sponsorship Menu. If you are ready to sign up for a sponsorship, email lexie@itm.travel Registrants enjoy lower sponsorship rates!

Get an international visitation BOOST by hosting a Go West Summit

Four Complimentary GWS Registrations Direct and Private Access to Buyers Ability to Showcase Destination to an International Audience Unprecedented Access to Registrant Data Long-Lasting Residual Benefits Immediate Financial and Room Night Boost These are just a few of the benefits available to you as the destination sponsor. Go West Summit is now accepting proposals for years 2019 through 2022 and we hope you will consider joining our long list (three decades now!) of destinations that have benefited from hosting the show. Click here for a quick peek of room night and meeting space requirements then contact us if you'd like to learn more. Our clear timeline and straightforward requirements make hosting a Go West Summit possible even if you're a one-person show! Multiple host sponsor opportunities means you can generate revenue by inviting your partners to present their products and services to our registrants.

Coming up...

Stay tuned for information on last minute details and other important information. What's the easiest way to get the most updated information? Follow us on social media to stay connected!