Austin is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the decisions being made today will shape the city's future for decades to come. Join Visit Austin for an inside look at the major developments transforming Austin into one of the nation's premier business and meetings destinations.

From the redevelopment of the Austin Convention Center and the business already committed to the new facility to the continued expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you'll gain insight into the projects driving the city's long-term growth. They will discuss how Visit Austin strategically markets the destination, why local residents typically don't see Austin's tourism advertising, and how the organization determines which markets to target.

The conversation will also explore what's new across downtown Austin, including developments in the Rainey Street District, the evolution of Old Sixth Street, new hotel projects, and other exciting opportunities on the horizon. Whether you're a travel buyer, supplier, or meetings professional, this session will provide valuable perspective on where Austin is headed and what it means for the future of business travel and meetings.

Visit Austin is the official destination marketing and sales organization for the City of Austin, promoting the city as a leading hub for conventions, meetings and leisure travel. An accredited member of Destinations International, Visit Austin is charged with marketing Austin nationally and internationally, attracting a diverse range of visitors, major conventions and large-scale events that stimulate the economy and enrich the community's overall quality of life.

 Austin’s hospitality and tourism sector is in the middle of its most significant transformation yet. While the city prepares for the 2029 opening of the world's first zero-carbon-certified convention center, how are we positioning ourselves for growth today? Join GBTA Austin and Visit Austin for an insider's look at the city’s travel trajectory. Learn how local industry leaders are adapting, where travel demand is heading, and how Visit Austin is keeping ATX top-of-mind for major meetings and conventions, sports events and leisure travelers.

Speakers:

Tom Noonan

President & CEO

• Tom Noonan has served as President and CEO of Visit Austin since 2016, driving record growth in tourism, visitor spend, and convention bookings. A 30-year industry veteran with prior leadership roles at Visit Baltimore and the Dallas CVB, Tom has championed diversity, strengthened community partnerships, and led pandemic recovery efforts across the local tourism sector. Looking ahead, he remains focused on expanding the Austin Convention Center, implementing the Tourism Public Improvement District, and growing the Visit Austin Foundation to support hospitality careers and education. Tom serves on the boards of the U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International, and Texas Travel Alliance, and holds a degree from Luther College.

Steve Genovesi

Executive Vice President

• Steve Genovesi serves as the Executive Vice President at Visit Austin, where he leads the convention sales, sports, and services departments to drive destination growth. With over four decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Steve previously served as Senior VP of Sales and Services at Visit Austin and spent nearly eight years as VP of Sales and Marketing for the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau. Earlier in his career, he held several senior leadership roles during a 19-year tenure with Marriott International across major U.S. markets. Steve holds a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel from Georgia State University and specializes in strategic team leadership and meeting planning.

Shelley Hall

Vice President of Marketing

• With over a decade of advertising agency experience leading accounts spanning tourism, beverage, CPG, tech, energy, entertainment, health and retail, Shelley brings a well-rounded marketing background to Visit Austin. Brands she's led include Bravo, Tillamook Cheese, Nike, Google, the American Heart Association, Heineken USA and New Mexico Tourism. Since joining Visit Austin in 2023 as Vice President of Marketing, Shelley leads strategy to maintain Visit Austin’s position as a leader in destination marketing by breaking out of category norms and developing integrated marketing campaigns for domestic and international markets. She is a graduate of The University of Texas with a Bachelors and Masters in Advertising.

Thank you to The LINE for hosting! The LINE Austin is a standout stay among Austin hotels. Crafted for the stylish traveler, the business professional, the cultural connoisseur, and everyone in between, our home base neighbors some of Austin’s top attractions. Whether you step outside our doors or rest inside our stylish rooms, you’ll find yourself at the intersection of art, food, design, and the buzz of our lively neighborhood.