Speakers

All-Delegate Luncheon Speakers

Discover New England is thrilled to welcome national and regional leaders to this year’s all-delegate luncheon on Wednesday, April 10th. Hear from our hosts in New Hampshire as they prepare to present just why New Hampshire is a year-round destination for visitors from around the world, and then our sponsor in Rhode Island excitedly unveils the location for the 2025 Discover New England Summit & International Marketplace.

Chris ThompsonChris Thompson, President of BrandUSA
Christopher L. Thompson is president and CEO of Brand USA, the nation’s public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. In this role, Chris is responsible for accelerating the organization’s efforts to build and execute effective marketing strategies to increase U.S. travel exports, create jobs, strengthen the economy, and help enhance the image of the United States with people all over the world. Under Chris’ leadership, Brand USA has nearly tripled its partnership network and more than doubled its partner contributions and program offerings.

Ellen DavisEllen Davis, Executive Vice President, Business Strategy and Industry Engagement for U.S. Travel Association
In her role at USTA, Ellen Davis is responsible for uniting the travel industry’s stakeholders, strengthening the association’s value to members and driving organizational growth through events and other initiatives. Davis has more than 20 years of association experience uniting stakeholders, diversifying value propositions and creating thoughtful growth strategies. She joined U.S. Travel from the Consumer Brands Association, where she built a strong community of industry CEOs, substantially grew membership and created new educational offerings – efforts which drove a 50% increase in revenue in three years.

Candice StoverCandice Stover, Regional Sales Manager – New England for Delta Air Lines
In Candice Stover’s current position as, she plays a critical role in creating and executing the strategy and vision in Boston and greater New England area for Delta Air Lines. She has been with Delta for 12 years and in her current for the last 3 navigating the region into profitability in a post covid environment. As the leading Boston carrier, she is a dedicated sales leader to a team of 5, and responsible for driving market development, and community sponsorships and partnerships in full support of the overall organization. Her goal is to continue to build brand affinity within the region and showcase Delta’s commitment to Boston, as one of it’s newest hubs, with investments in new routes, aircrafts, and facilities connecting Bostonians to the world.

DATTCODennis Lyons, Vice President, and David Eaton, Director of Sales for DATTCO Coach & Tour
Established in 1924, DATTCO is a third-generation family-owned business headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut. DATTCO has over 2,000 employees, multiple offices, terminals and service facilities throughout New England.  DATTCO operates a fleet of vehicles ranging from sedans and vans to double decker premium motorcoaches. Dennis Lyons, Vice President, has been at the helm of DATTCO’s various divisions, including the Motor Coach, Activity Transport, and Contract Services since 2000. Dave Eaton oversees the Coach & Tour Group Divisions. Both have extensive experience and leadership roles with the Connecticut Bus Association, the Massachusetts Bus Association, the International Motorcoach Group and the American Bus Association.

Lori Harnois

Lori Harnois, Director, New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Development
Lori’s primary role is to promote NH as a domestic and international travel destination in order to increase visitation, travel expenditures, business activity, and employment throughout the state. Lori has 20+ years of experience in the field of marketing, promotions and operations. Previously, Ms. Harnois was the Executive Director of Discover New England, located in Portsmouth NH. Lori is a board member of the US Travel Association, a trustee of the Eastern State Exposition, and a member of the Granite State Ambassadors. Lori received the honor of NH’s Forty Under 40 in 2012. Lori has taught at Plymouth State University and the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord, NH.

 

RIMark Brodeur, Tourism Director, Rhode Island Commerce Corp
The luncheon’s main sponsor, Rhode Island is eager to reveal the location for the 2025 Discover New England Summit & International Marketplace and this location has big reason to welcome the world to its doors! Mark is responsible for implementing and managing the activities of the corporation’s tourism efforts, PR, publications, trade events, marketing programs and tourism research.