Michael Redpath, president of Redpath and Associates LLC, had the privilege of chairing the Program Committee for the highly successful 2003, 2004, and 2005 Governor's Conferences on Tourism. After three years, he has stepped down to pursue a graduate degree.

"The feedback we have received indicates attendees felt that these were the best conferences in many years," Redpath reported. "That is attributable to a total focus on the needs of the attendees and having an outstanding volunteer committee working on program sessions."

The 2004 conference features sn opening session that included talent from each of the state's six tourism regions offering a brief performance representing their region and a finale that featured a laser show by Stellar Designs. "We are an industry dedicated to entertaining our guests, so we felt it appropriate to start the conference on an upbeat, entertaining note," Redpath commented.

Educational sessions included customer service, crisis management, dealing with the media in a crisis, labor issues, legislative issues, and sponsorship development and relationships, among other subjects. The conference is produced by the New Jersey Travel Industry Association.