Photo Credit: Brandon Sprung
2023 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.
VIC Leadership Task Force
Chair: Jess Conley (immediate VIC Past Chair), Deb Ross
Staff Liaison: Greg LaDuca
In the summer months; this task force will facilitate 1-3 meetings with the membership to tackle a question/ questions important to the Visitor Industry Council. These roundtable discussions will be open to all members, especially those that are interested in learning more about taking on leadership roles within the VIC and helping to shape its future.
Tourism Eclipse Committee
Chair: Rebecca LeClair, Dan Schneiderman
Staff Liaison: Diana Keating
This committee will unite with, and further the work of, the Rochester Eclipse Task Force that was created in 2021. All members of the hospitality community will be invited to join this committee as they present topics that will help prepare our businesses for April 8, 2024. Monthly meeting will be held (virtually and in person) and the chair people will work to communicate the information to our entire membership.
Event Enhancement Task Force
Staff Liaison: Amber Brewer
The Event Enhancement task force will work onsite at selected events throughout the year to enhance the athlete and visitor experience for events occurring in the Rochester area throughout 2023. Members will assist onsite with activations such as photo booths, giveaway prize wheel, welcoming tactics, set up and other volunteer tasks.
The task force will gather for events over the following months: May-November.
“ROC For A Reason” Task Force
Chair: Monica Harnischfeger
Staff Liaison: Elena Oyer
This task force will look for ways to share and support community needs throughout the year. They will work to identify local organizations that may be in need of volunteer time, donations and/or services. The task force will share this information and invite members to unite and give back in 2023. 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!
I.D.E.A. Committee
Chair: Rebecca Griffin
Staff Liaison: Diana Keating & Tim James
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 also work with these entities to develop a DEI focused VIC meeting and a community resource guide for Visit Rochester members and their staff.
NYS Association Sales Committee
Chairs: Kim Tanner and Caitlin Harris
Staff Liaison: Alicia Gazda
The NYS Assn. Task Force will focus on the Albany region to maintain a presence in this market and continue to foster relationships. The task force will focus on planning and executing a member/client event to bring to Albany along with a sales blitz. Members of this task force will also actively assist in the planning for the ESSAE Trade Show that will occur in May. Members of this committee will benefit if they are in charge of the NYS Association market for their organization.
Membership Engagement Committee
Chair: Jess DeCotis
Staff Liaison: Elena Oyer
This committee will continue to focus on boosting engagement with existing members, encouraging them to utilize all of 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 2023 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.
Social Media/PR Committee
Chair: Meg Hartman
Staff Liaison: Rachel Laber
This committee will work to bond the social media and PR 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. Social media and PR managers are encouraged to participate in this committee.
Tour & Travel Committee
Chair: TBD
Staff Liaison: Emma Quinn
This committee will work on sales missions, presentations, tradeshow exhibitions, education and overall market development to keep Rochester top of mind as a preferred stopover destination for future travel trade and group tour business. Members will work collaboratively to develop selling strategies and continue to focus on communication with potential prospects and booked business. This committee is designed for those that benefit from group tour business (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
College Collaboration Committee
Chair:Julia Pagano, Ashley Fico
Staff Liaison: Emma Quinn
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 all students in our region throughout the year. This committee is suited for those that benefit from visitation by students, and their parents.