LANSING, Mich., Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of tourism stakeholders from across the state will convene this spring to prepare for the 2013 season during the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism. Set for April 14-16 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, the event brings together people from all segments of Michigan's tourism industry including professionals from lodging, convention and visitor bureaus, campgrounds, golf courses, ski resorts, and importantly, economic development professionals.

"That was an important change we made last year," said Steve Yencich, President/CEO of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, (MLTA). "Tourism plays a big role in local and state business development; it takes place year-round and in all eighty-three counties.  Adding content for city, county, township and other local officials reflects those realities." 

Travel Michigan's George Zimmermann will report on the overall effectiveness and return on investment outcomes for the award-winning Pure Michigan campaign, as well as unveil plans for 2013.  Professors Sarah Nichols and Dan McCole from Michigan State University will also present a recap of 2012 outcomes and reveal projections for the upcoming summer season. 

The conference features separate tracks for lodging, tourism, economic development and digital marketing professionals.  Keynote presentations will feature Josh Linkner, New York Times best-selling author of "Disciplined Daydreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity" and industry expert Peter Yesawich CEO, of Ypartnership. Governor Rick Snyder, who attended the past two years, is an invited guest.

The conference, produced by MLTA in conjunction with Travel Michigan and Michigan State University has grown since the event was first merged in 2006. Almost three hundred attended that first year, but in 2012 attendance grew to over nine hundred. 

"This conference is now a must-attend event for anyone who wants to increase the economic impact of visitor spending on their business, city, county or region," said George Zimmermann, Vice President for Travel Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  "The conference is attracting an increasing number of economic development professionals, community leaders and local public officials."

Conference sponsors are urging attendees to take advantage of the early bird rate of $299 per person which ends on February 1st.  After that date registration moves to $329 per attendee. 

The 2013 conference will also feature a trade show, silent auction and student/employer roundtables where hospitality students can network with property managers and tourism business owners. 

For more information regarding the 2013 "Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism" visit www.milodging.org/conference.

SOURCE Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association