DESTINATION DOWNEAST
TOURISM CONFERENCE
June 12, 2026 | 9:30 - 3:00 PM
University of Maine at Machias
The Destination DownEast Tourism Conference brings together businesses, creators, nonprofits, chambers, entrepreneurs, municipalities, and community leaders to strengthen the partnerships that make DownEast Acadia a premier destination for visitors from near and far.
Get ready for the 2026 season with new tools, connections, and strategies designed to set you up for success. Learn how to engage your audience, expand your network, and strengthen your bottom line.
DESTINATION DOWNEAST TOURISM CONFERENCE AGENDA
9:30am – 10am: Pastries, Coffee, & Networking
10am – 10:15am: Welcome
Dean Megan Walsh, University of Maine at Machias
Peter Piconi, Director of Business Advising and MaineStreet Business Building
10:15am – 10:45am: DownEast Acadia: Washington and Hancock County Tourism
Cecil Gardner, DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism Coordinator
10:45 – 11:00am – Break
11:00am – 12:30pm – Breakout Panel Discussion #1
Where Land Meets Sea: Outdoor Experiences That Draw Visitors
Seasonal Hospitality in Downeast Maine
12:30pm – 1:30pm – Lunch / Table Topics
Lunch by Angie’s Comfort Kitchen
1:30pm – 2:45pm – Breakout Panel Discussion #2
Telling the Downeast Story Online
Leveraging Economic Resources for Destination Development
2:45pm – 3:00pm – Dessert / Networking / Conclusion
Panel Discussions
Where Land Meets Sea: Outdoor Experiences That Draw Visitors
How Maine guides and operators are leveraging Downeast’s natural assets to meet visitor demand and drive revenue.
Panel:
- Daniel Daggett, Woodie Wheaton Land Trust / Grand Lakes Guide
- Renee Patterson, Bold Coast Charter
- Taylor Rodgers, Catch Your Dinner Lobster Tours
- William Steinharter, Osprey’s Echo Seakayking
Seasonal Hospitality in Downeast Maine
Navigating seasonality, growing a business Downeast, and delivering exceptional customer service in one of Maine’s most visited regions.
Panel:
- Jeremy Dougherty, Witham Family Hotels
- Jeff McEvoy, Weatherby’s Lodge, Grand Lake Stream
- Ryle Mortland, Machias River Inn, Margaretta Inn
- Bob Noddin, Crocker House Inn, Hancock
Telling the Downeast Story Online
How local businesses and creators are using social media to drive engagement, promote the region, and increase their online presence.
Panel:
- Elana Beal, Josh Pond, IG MGMT
- Kelly Hinkle, Downeast Cowboy
- Julie Redding, Downeast Maine
- Jillian Taylor, Rural Maine / DART
Moderated by Ashley Hinson Dhakal, Director of Business Programs & Communications, Sunrise County Economic Council
Leveraging Economic Resources for Destination Development
Where funding comes from, what gets priority, where the opportunity is, and how regional collaboration stretches every dollar further.
Panel:
- Everal Eaton, Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
- Jeff McCabe, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation
- Jon Southern, Roosevelt Campobello International Park
- Penelope Whitman, Sugar River Region
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please reach out to hello@downeastacadia.com