Central New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce (CNHCC) is holding its annual Travel & Tourism Seminar on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Common Man Inn and Spa in Plymouth, NH. Registration for the event is available now at centralnh.org and is open to the public. Attendees do not need to be CNHCC members to register.
“The Travel & Tourism Seminar is a great educational experience for anyone who is involved with or dependent upon the tourism industry in New Hampshire,” noted Matty Leighton, CNHCC’s executive director. “We have a slate of excellent speakers presenting on fresh and relevant topics. Our panel discussion, now in its second year, will focus on sustainable approaches to tourism, a subject which has garnered attention in recent years as some New Hampshire locations have experienced overwhelming levels of visitors.”
The seminar includes educational presentations, a networking luncheon and a mini travel expo where attendees can explore and interact with area businesses and organizations. This year’s speakers are:
- Adam Keul, PhD, associate professor and coordinator of Plymouth State University’s Tourism Management and Policy program, who will present “Sharing the ‘Awesomes’ in Your Backyard,” demonstrating how sharing the fascinating, small-scale “awesomes” that already exist where we live can help increase tourist interest and satisfaction.
- Steve Tucker, workforce development manager at Lakes Region Community College, will speak about Community Engagement and Workforce Development, highlighting how collaboration among local businesses, chambers, nonprofits and government can strengthen the tourism workforce and build a more resilient travel and tourism industry.
The event will also include a panel discussion on “Sustainable Tourism – Management Joins Marketing.” Panel members will include:
- Janel Lawton, director, State of NH Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development;
- Mike Harris, 4H Program Manager, New Hampshire 4-H | Extension;
- Jada Lindblom, economic development state specialist and associate extension professor, University of NH.
The 2026 Presenting Sponsor is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). “Travel and tourism are fundamental to both the state of New Hampshire and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport,” said MHT Airport Director Tom Malafronte, A.A.E. “This seminar is always an educational experience and helps MHT and the state better serve not only our own population here in New Hampshire but also those who come from all over the country – and world – to explore our state. We’re grateful to partner with the Central New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce again this year for this important event.”
“The Travel & Tourism Seminar has grown significantly over the past four years,” said Leighton. “The fact that high profile organizations like Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Service Credit Union, our Speaker Sponsor, are willing to partner with us is a testament to how the Seminar continues to deliver outstanding value to sponsors, exhibitors and attendees.”
Supporting sponsors include Ashland Woman’s Club, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative; Owl’s Nest Resort; Service Credit Union; Waterville Valley Resort Association and Wilkinson-Beane/603Cremations.com.
For information about the 2026 Travel & Tourism Seminar, related sponsorship opportunities or exhibiting at the event, contact the Central NH Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or (603) 726-3804.