Visit Jacksonville Tourism Summit 2026
Visit Jacksonville's inaugural Tourism Summit is Thursday, June 18 at the Florida Blue Conference Center. Learn from local tourism and marketing experts, network with fellow attendees and have some fun along the way.
The Visit Jacksonville Tourism Summit schedule is structured for you to spend the full day, the morning or the afternoon with us, whichever is best for your schedule.
Registration is now closed. We hope you can join us at next year's Summit!
8:30 – 9 am: Registration and Coffee
The registration table will remain open through lunch for those who will only be joining us for the afternoon.
9:15 – 10 am: Session 1
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Learn how to leverage communication and shared goals to create lasting partnerships that benefit visitors and residents alike.
Designed for destination partners, community organizations, and local stakeholders, this panel brings together industry voices to discuss how alignment and trust strengthen our local network. Panelists will share real-world examples of collaborative initiatives that enhance the visitor experience while supporting the long-term interests of Jacksonville businesses and residents.
On the Road with Visit Jax & the WOW Factor
Explore Visit Jacksonville’s travel strategy and learn how our Services team delivers unforgettable, personalized visitor experiences.
Get an inside look at the Visit Jacksonville Travel Plan and the trade shows driving tourism to our city. Discover how these efforts create direct opportunities for partners, how you can join us on the road, and the secrets behind our Services team’s ability to deliver the "WOW factor" through thoughtful planning, personalized touches, and memorable experiences.
10:20 – 11:05 am: Session 2
Should I Apply for a TDC Grant?
Navigate the Tourist Development Council grant process to see if your event qualifies for funding.
Does your event have the potential to drive tourism and qualify for grant funding? In this session, we’ll demystify the Tourist Development Council (TDC) process. Learn how funding determinations are made, what the application requires, and how to best prepare your request to maximize your chances of success.
Event Excellence: From Promotion to Sponsorship
Learn the strategies for marketing, sponsorship, and community engagement to elevate events of any size.
Whether you plan intimate gatherings or city-wide festivals, this session covers the essential pillars of event success. Gain practical tips on effective marketing tactics, building sustainable sponsor relationships, and delivering high-impact experiences that drive attendance while creating a positive footprint in the local community.
11:25 am –12:10 pm: Session 3
Data 101: Understanding Geodata Platforms
Learn how to turn Visit Jacksonville’s visitor data into growth strategies for your business.
We’ll break down the basics of data analysis and show you how to use Placer.ai, our real-time tracking platform. Discover how to leverage mobile device data to understand exactly how visitors move, where they come from, and what they need, allowing you to stop guessing and start strategizing.
Share the 904: Promoting Jax in Your Daily Role
Master the key themes and talking points to confidently promote Jacksonville and your business.
Become an ultimate city ambassador by aligning your brand’s message with the most compelling themes of the Jacksonville experience. We will provide you with a toolkit of talking points to help you promote our city to clients and visitors in a way that feels natural, authentic, and beneficial to your bottom line.
12:30 – 2 pm: Lunch and State of Jacksonville Tourism Presentation and Panel
Michael Corrigan, President and CEO of Visit Jacksonville, will bring attendees up-to-date on what’s currently happening in the tourism industry in Jacksonville.
2:15 - 3 pm: Session 4
Building Strong Community Partnerships (repeat session)
Learn how to leverage communication and shared goals to create lasting partnerships that benefit visitors and residents alike.
Designed for destination partners, community organizations, and local stakeholders, this panel brings together industry voices to discuss how alignment and trust strengthen our local network. Panelists will share real-world examples of collaborative initiatives that enhance the visitor experience while supporting the long-term interests of Jacksonville businesses and residents.
Be Seen in the 904: Marketing Basics for Your Business
Optimize your digital presence with website essentials, Google Business, and Visit Jacksonville listings.
Ensure your brand stands out in a crowded digital landscape. From website must-haves to Google Business optimization, we’ll cover the technical essentials that ensure you show up in searches. Plus, discover how to maximize Visit Jacksonville’s platform to put your business directly in front of active travelers.
3:15 - 4 pm: Session 5
Building Your Voice: Social & Content Creation
Go behind the scenes with the Visit Jacksonville team to master storytelling and creator collaborations.
Get an exclusive look at the social media and content strategies used by Visit Jacksonville to tell our city’s story. Learn how to adapt these professional tactics for your own brand and effectively partner with creators and writers to amplify your reach and keep your business trending.
On the Road with Visit Jax & the WOW Factor (repeat session)
Explore Visit Jacksonville’s travel strategy and learn how our Services team delivers unforgettable, personalized visitor experiences.
Get an inside look at the Visit Jacksonville Travel Plan and the trade shows driving tourism to our city. Discover how these efforts create direct opportunities for partners, how you can join us on the road, and the secrets behind our Services team’s ability to deliver the "WOW factor" through thoughtful planning, personalized touches, and memorable experiences.
4 - 5 pm: Networking Time
End the day networking with fellow attendees.
Registration is now closed. We hope you can join us at next year's Summit!
Interested in being a sponsor? Email Hana Ferguson, Senior Outreach Manager at Visit Jacksonville.