Huntington Beach Tourism Summit
Thursday, June 15, 2023
2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Reception to follow
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel - Breakwater Ballroom
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
Discover what's new and exciting in Surf City USA® from experts in the tourism, action sports, and entertainment industries, as well as economic forecasts for Huntington Beach and updates on regional infrastructure enhancements. Get your tickets here!
Meet Our Esteemed Speakers
Caroline Beteta
President & CEO, Visit California
Caroline Beteta is responsible for implementing Visit California's global marketing program on behalf of the organization's 18,000+ investors and serves as the lead spokesperson for California's travel industry. She has shepherded the growth of Visit California into a global marketing franchise and helped restore travel and tourism following numerous natural and economic crises.
Tony Strickland
Mayor, City of Huntington Beach
Mayor Tony Strickland is a former State Assemblyman and State Senator. Strickland received a lifetime A-rating from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and was named Legislator of the Year from the Humane Society California. Mayor Strickland operates his own political and business consulting firm, Tony Strickland Consulting, in Huntington Beach. Most recently, he served as the Vice-Chair of the Huntington Beach Finance Commission.
Kim Bedier
Sr. Vice President & General Manager, ocV!BE
Kim is Senior VP and General Manager for the Honda Center/ocV!BE in Anaheim, home of the National Hockey League Anaheim Ducks. As a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) who delivers sports- and entertainment-industry related education internationally, she is responsible for the Honda Center and the development of ocV!BE venues.
Jeffrey Ball
President/CEO, Orange County Business Council
Jeff represents the interests of local businesses and organizations in promoting Orange County's economic prosperity. He is a leading advocate for the importance of financial education in all communities, and was the lead petitioner in the establishment of Kinetic Academy, a K-8 charter school in Huntington Beach, where he currently serves as Vice Chair.
Zeek Coleman
Vice President, Americas, Tourism Economics
Tourism Economics is an Oxford Economics company dedicated to understanding the relationship between travel and the economy, and Zeek spearheads the delivery of economic solutions to DMO, association, and corporate clients. He's built a reputation for his ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights.
Trever Cartwright
Founder/Partner, Coraggio Group
As the founding partner of Coraggio Group, a Portland-based strategy firm, Trever helps destination leaders and their organizations get clear, get focused, and get moving on their most important strategic and organizational challenges. He has worked as a destination strategist for state tourism offices, and CVBs at every scale, both urban and rural, nationwide.
Robert Fasulo
Executive Director, International Surfing Association
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is the world governing body for surfing recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Fasulo is responsible for the strategic leadership, financial stewardship, and operational management of the ISA, with a special focus on delivering surfing in the Olympic Games. He continues to be the lead executive for the surfing's Olympic strategy and place in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and beyond.
Komal Kumar
Interim Assistant Director, John Wayne Airport
Ms. Komal Kumar is the Interim Assistant Director at John Wayne Airport (JWA) and has been with the Airport since 2016. She is currently working on developing and funding a robust Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and on an Advanced Facility Planning study to ensure a positive outlook for the Airport over the next 20 years.
Kelly Miller
President & CEO, Visit Huntington Beach
Kelly Miller, CDME, has been the President & CEO of Visit Huntington Beach (VHB), the official destination management organization for Huntington Beach, for nearly a decade. Kelly is the past Chair of the California Travel Association, the influential, unifying advocacy voice for the travel and tourism industry in California. He currently serves as a board member for the HB Downtown Business Improvement District and the HB Chamber of Commerce.
