06/14/2026
This week I had the opportunity to attend the KACVB Summer Conference in Bowling Green with tourism professionals from across Kentucky. It was three days full of learning, networking, and gathering ideas that can help us continue moving McCreary County forward. I always leave these meetings feeling re-energized and full of ideas.
When people think of tourism conferences, they probably picture a bunch of meetings and presentations. While there is that, what I value most is getting to learn first-hand from people who face many of the same challenges we do and hearing how they are finding creative ways to grow their communities.
My favorite session was by Lauren McClain. She talked about leading in high-visibility roles, handling pressure, protecting your energy, and staying effective when it feels like everyone needs something from you. If I’m being honest, I felt like she was speaking directly to me a few times. As someone who wears several hats and is constantly juggling events, tourism, chamber activities, and community projects, her message really hit home. It was a great reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup and that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of the work.
Another thing I appreciated was learning from attractions like Chaney’s Dairy Barn and the National Corvette Museum. It wasn’t just about seeing the attractions themselves. It was about hearing how they continue to evolve, create new experiences, and find ways to keep visitors engaged and coming back. In tourism, standing still isn’t really an option. You have to keep looking ahead, finding new opportunities, and giving people a reason to choose your destination. Those conversations sparked several ideas that I’m excited to explore for McCreary County.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent McCreary County Tourism and proud to sit at the table with some incredible tourism professionals from across Kentucky. There’s always something new to learn, and every conversation seems to spark a new idea.
