Photo Credit: Brandon Sprung
2025 Visitor Industry Council Committees
Visitor Industry Council (VIC) committees and task forces combine the expertise and passion of Visit Rochester members with the resources and knowledge of professional staff. Visit Rochester members are invited to join forces with their fellow members on a committee and/or task force of interest.
Scroll to learn about each committee and register using the form below.
VISITOR SERVICES COMMITTEE
Staff Liaison: Greg LaDuca
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair:
The visitor services committee is geared towards those that work on the frontlines and engage with visitors on a regular basis (ie: Hotels, attractions, etc.). The committee will focus on creating new and creative ways to engage with Rochester’s frontlines to communicate all of the tools available to them to create exceptional stays in our region.
Event Services Exchange
Staff Liaisons: Amanda Fox and Amber Brewer
Committee Chair/ Co-Chairs: John Tassone and Jennifer Gallo
The Event Services Exchange committee is designed to bring together organizations and professionals involved in or looking to expand into the events industry. This group serves as a platform for members to connect, share insights, and enhance their understanding of the event services sector. Whether an organization currently works with events of any caliber or is seeking to expand its involvement in the industry, the committee aims to foster collaboration and provide educational resources. Through regular discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, the Event Services Exchange seeks to empower members with the knowledge and tools needed to grow in the dynamic world of event services.
I.D.E.A. Committee
Staff Liaisons: Amanda Fox and Diana Keating
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair: Katie Dee
The committee will focus on the community as a destination, through the lens of four pillars: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (I.D.E.A). They will work to partner with community entities to develop best practices for becoming or enhancing inclusive amenities to all abilities including but not limited to; blind and visually impaired, hard of hearing and wheelchair accessibility resources. The group will continue to bring resources to the membership to strengthen their knowledge and engagement in these areas.
“ROC For A Reason” Task Force
Staff Liaison: Elena Oyer
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair: Toni Lynd and Kaitlin Cleary
This task force will look for ways to share and support community needs throughout the year. They will work to identify local organizations and visiting groups that may need volunteer time, donations, and/or services. The task force will share this information and invite members to unite and give back in 2025. If you and/or your member organization are looking to give back to the community and enjoy networking with your fellow VIC attendees, this committee will be the perfect fit!
Membership Engagement Committee
Staff Liaison: Elena Oyer
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair: Renee Veniskey
This committee will continue to focus on boosting engagement with existing members, encouraging them to utilize all their member benefits, while working to attract new individuals and organizations to Visit Rochester. They will do this through a series networking events throughout the community, with a goal of 3-4 events for 2025 as well as supporting other VIC Committees and Task Force events. If you are looking to grow your network, or if you enjoy planning events and exploring new member locations, this committee might be for you.
NYS Association Committee
Staff Liaison: David Samentello
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair: Andrew Patel and Noelle Whitford
The NYS Assn. Sales Committee will focus on the Albany region to maintain a presence in this market and continue to foster relationships. The committee will focus on planning and executing a two-day Albany sales blitz that will end with a client tradeshow event. The committee will have the benefit of maintaining relationships and prospecting the NYS Association market for their organization. This is a great opportunity for individuals directly involved with the convention and meetings business, such as hotels, meeting/event venues, meeting service companies, and attractions.
Young Professionals Committee
Staff Liaison: Elisa Everett
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair:
This committee is geared towards empowering those who are just starting out in their career to become forward-thinking professionals dedicated to shaping the future. The group will strive to cultivate a safe space where members can work on developing their professional skills through workshops, networking opportunities and more. If you are striving to become a future leader or see yourself as a trailblazer, this committee is for you.
Communications Committee
Staff Liaison: Rachel Pulvino
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair:
This committee will work to bond the social media, PR and communications communities in our region to create one voice as we work to promote Rochester and the Finger Lakes region to visitors. Activities will include networking and round table discussions about the issues that affect us. Communications professionals are encouraged to participate in this committee.
College Collaboration Committee
Staff Liaisons: Elisa Everett and Greg LaDuca
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair:
This committee will build upon and expand Visit Rochester’s presence on college and university campuses at new student orientation events. The committee will be tasked with finding new and engaging ways to interact with college and university staff that oversee the student experience. This committee is suited for those that benefit from visitation by students and their parents.
SHOP SEGMENT TASK FORCE
Staff Liaison: Amanda Fox and Rachel Laber Pulvino
Committee Chair/ Co-Chair: Jo Carroll and Nita Brown
Calling all shop segment members! We would like your feedback on how to best support you and do some constructive brainstorming on new tools and ideas to best support you in the year ahead. This committee is open to all shop segment members, and we will convene 2-4 times this year via Zoom with the option for an in-person gathering later this year.