Photo Credit: Brandon Sprung
2026 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.
America's 250 Task Force
Chairs: TBD
Staff Liaisons: Diana Keating and Amanda Fox
This task force will play a role in content creation, storytelling, community engagement and event development as we celebrate Rochester and Monroe County’s contributions to America.
College Collaboration Committee
Chairs: Andrea Tuttle
Staff Liaisons: Greg LaDuca and Autumn Graney
This committee will work to expand Visit Rochester’s presence on college and university campuses throughout the year by partnering with Campus ROC. The committee will work to find new and innovative ways to engage with college students, providing them with the tools needed to experience Rochester. This committee is geared towards members that benefit from patronage from college students and their parents.
Communications Committee
Chairs: Paige Engard
Staff Liaisons: Rachel Pulvino and Katie Dee
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.
Event Services Exchange
Co-Chairs: Jen Gallo and John Tassone
Staff Liaisons: Amanda Fox & Amber Brewer
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.
Future Focus Task Force
Chairs: John Tassone, Tai Wright and Ashley Fico
Staff Liaison: Greg LaDuca and Elena Oyer
This task force will work to survey the membership of Visit Rochester to provide feedback to forward the Visitor Industry Council’s mission of providing education, engagement, and networking opportunities to our members.
I.D.E.A. Committee
Chairs: TBD
Staff Liaisons: Diana Keating and 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.
Membership Engagement Committee
Chair: Jon Piscitelli
Staff Liaison: Elena Oyer and Greg LaDuca
This committee focuses on strengthening engagement with existing members by encouraging full utilization of member benefits, while also attracting new individuals and organizations to Visit Rochester. In alignment with the 2026 VIC theme of members supporting members, the committee will host a series of networking events throughout the community, with a goal of 3–4 events in 2026. Members of this committee will also support events hosted by other VIC Committees and Task Forces. If you’re interested in growing your professional network, enjoy planning events, or like exploring and showcasing member locations, this committee is a great fit.
Meetings Familiarization (FAM) Experience Task Force
Chairs: Shawnee Dynes
Staff Liaisons: Dave Sametello
New for 2026, the Meetings FAM Experience Task Force brings together Visit Rochester members and stakeholders in the meetings industry space to collaboratively plan and execute a hosted client experience during the June FAM, which will attract national/state meeting planners to experience Rochester. The group will take the lead on designing, coordinating, and ensuring a seamless, engaging, and memorable event for attendees.
Multi Generational Committee
Chairs: TBD
Staff Liaisons: Autumn Graney, Katie Berry, and Libby Craig
New for 2026, this committee will work to connect emerging leaders with seasoned hospitality professionals to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning across generations. By creating opportunities for networking, professional development, and industry engagement, the committee helps cultivate the next generation of tourism leaders while strengthening the region’s hospitality community as a whole.
ROC for a Reason Task Force
Chairs: Ashley Fico & Kaitlin Cleary
Staff Liaison: Elena Oyer and Greg LaDuca
This task force focuses on identifying and supporting community needs throughout the year. Members will work to identify local organizations and visiting groups that may benefit from volunteer time, donations, and/or services. The task force will share these opportunities with members and encourage collective efforts to unite and give back in 2026. If you are passionate about giving back to the community and enjoy networking with fellow VIC members, this committee is a great fit.
Travel Trade Task Force
Key Support: Greg Marshall
Staff Liaison: Diana Keating
This task force will focus on sales development and relationship building in relation to group tour/travel trade.
* Members are encouraged to join committees or task forces where they feel they can best contribute, while noting that many of the events and sessions organized by these groups are open to all members.*