2nd Annual Accent West Highlights a Variety of Attractions in Branson

Big business is done in small groups

Delegates from around the United States and Canada converged in Branson, Missouri, located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, last month to take part in the 2^nd Annual Accent West Tourism Conference.

Produced by Mid-Atlantic Receptive Services (MARS) and hosted by Explore Branson, the conference was designed to better acquaint tour operators with destinations, hotels, attractions and restaurants in the region. Speakers, brainstorming, itinerary planning, networking activities, a trade show and local area touring were among the activities offered to delegates.

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Big business is done in small groups – and Accent West was the perfect example. Delegates got to know and learn from each other while discovering the diversity of attractions and historical treasures in Branson and the surrounding areas. Relationship building and the sharing of best practices are what makes the Accent brand so popular.

Delegates had a grand time at the early-bird reception, sponsored by Explore Branson and the Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel. The next day began with a breakfast sponsored by Shared Departures by MARS, followed by a keynote panel, consisting of Kerstin Landwer from Visit Joplin MO, Melissa Martelli, from the Springfield, Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Melanie Bench from Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. They discussed how culture, history and conservation work collectively to draw groups to destinations. Then, delegates broke into small groups to discuss challenges, successes, partnerships and the use of AI within their segment of the industry (hotels, attractions, DMO’s, operators). Their results were communicated and discussed by the entire group. Lunch followed, sponsored by Travel OK.

Producing quality travel itineraries

In the afternoon, a trade show matched operators with all the different suppliers. Dinner and entertainment at Shephard of the Hills, an iconic rendition of Ozark history, was sponsored by Explore Branson.

The next day, breakfast was sponsored by Dutchman Hospitality. Accent’s most popular session, Itinerary Planning followed. Operators took what they learned at the trade show, brainstormed with suppliers and produced actual itineraries. All seven of the itineraries were then presented to the group. As part of the Accent Supports Local initiative, two local small businesses attended and learned more about the group tour industry and what operators require.

“This was our first time experiencing Accent West and we came away with so many wonderful connections,” said Jenna Consiglio, group events & sales representative at the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. “Not only that, but we learned so much within the industry from an Attraction standpoint, to Operators, Hotels, DMOs, etc. and how we can all work together more cohesively. We are looking forward to 2025.”

Prior to the conference, operators explored an array of attractions and enjoyed the hospitality of numerous Branson partners. The FAM began with a visit and hosted lunch at Silver Dollar City, an 1880s theme park, including a town filled with craftsmen at work, thrilling roller coasters, live shows, home-style cooking and seasonal festivals. The group checked into the Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel before enjoying a delicious and plentiful dinner at the Grand Country buffet followed by an entertaining Grand Country Jubilee performance. The group enjoyed the great harmonies, comedy and genuine Ozarks hospitality.

A Titanic murder mystery tour

The next day, breakfast was hosted at the luxurious Chateau on the Lake Resort. Operators were then picked up at the Chateau by Pink Jeep and treated to a two-hour off-road experience. Lunch was hosted at the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel, followed by an afternoon performance of the SIX Show. One of Branson’s premier shows, the SIX Show features an “Orchestra of Human Voices.” This evening, everyone enjoyed wine tasting and dinner at St. James Winery, featuring award-winning wine and bistro style dining in a casual outdoor atmosphere. The evening concluded with a Titanic Murder Mystery Tour. Operators got a glimpse of how it felt to discover the sunken remains of the Titanic while solving the mysterious murder of a passenger.

The following day, the group discovered The Lost Canyon Cave Tour aboard golf carts. This tour encompassed a 2.5-mile journey with some amazing waterfalls and natural rock formations. Next, the group toured the College of the Ozarks and enjoyed lunch at the Keeter Center, serving farm-to-table cuisine. In the afternoon, the group participated in a service project at the Dewey Short Visitors Center, assisting with prairie habitat restoration. At Accent West 2023, our keynote speaker Rafael Villanueva talked about how travelers are choosing to give back to the destination as part of their vacation. It was rewarding to be putting what was learned at past Accent conferences into action. The Sweet Shack provided delicious home-made ice cream to everyone to conclude the FAM.

Future Accent Travel Conference dates are as follows:

6^th Annual Accent East – November 12-14, 2024 – Traverse City MI
3^rd Annual Accent West – April 24-26, 2025 – Mesa AZ
7^th Annual Accent East – November 16-18, 2025 – York PA

Registration information is available online at www.accenttravelnetwork.com For more information, contact Sue Arko at sue@takeafuntrip.com or 602-999-5749.