Meredith Almond joined Sparkloft Media (Portland, Oregon, USA) in 2013 and is currently a Senior Strategist based in Atlanta, Georgia. As one of the original members of the Atlanta office, she focuses her strategy work on tourism and entertainment verticals, with clients including South African Tourism and Warner Brothers. Meredith’s session will dive into the importance of social data and analytics for tourism professionals, to help build comprehensive, effective social media campaigns. Find out more in this is exclusive Meet the Speaker Q&A:
Why should DMO’s and tourism companies make the most out of social data?
For years, DMOs have made their own conclusions about their destinations’ unique selling points, often using quickly-outdated metrics. Humans are changing the way they travel. The next generation of travelers are actively telling us where they want to visit, and the things they’re interested in, just through native social behavior. What you can see from the surface level can only get you so far in understanding your audience. To create compelling content that genuinely speaks to your target audience, you have to dig deeper to figure out what motivates them naturally and find a way to organically fit your brand into that conversation.
What are the main takeaways from your session at British Tourism & Travel Show 2019?
The main takeaway from my session is how you can easily incorporate social data to build more robust social media campaigns.
>Do you have an example of a social media campaign done well, or a particular travel brand with a good social following, and why?
One of my personal favorite destinations to follow: Pure New Zealand. You’ll have to wait for my session to see more! 😉
Why are trade shows like the British Tourism & Travel Show a great event for the industry?
Shows like this bring travel industry folks together from all over the world to share our passion for destination marketing. Despite potentially being in a booth next to your competitive set, we come together to put competition aside and learn how to work together to further the travel industry as a whole. Bringing so much passion under one roof always brings together the best ideas!
Apart from speaking, what are you looking forward to most about attending the British Tourism & Travel Show?
Connecting with curious people who want to know more about social and my first visit to Birmingham. Ready for any tips you have!
Meredith Almond’s session titled ‘Engagement in silver, data is gold’ will take place in the Keynote Theatre on Wednesday 20 March at 3pm – 3.45pm.
British Tourism & Travel Show returns to NEC Birmingham on 20-21 March 2019. To register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.eventdata.uk/Forms/Form.aspx?FormRef=BTT39Visitor .