Executive Insights Symposium: Leading the Next Era of Connected Destinations
A one‑day, executive‑level forum for tourism, destination, and civic leaders ready to align identity, data, and technology for deeper resident and visitor engagement.
Hear from attendees of the first Executive Insights Symposium.
It was really gratifying to spend time with thought leaders and to really take note of what is happening in our industry. I really enjoyed the balance, whether it was a small DMO, certainly the Granicus team, and then we even have people here from academia, and that was a really nice blend. And you're meeting some very bright individuals, some amazing CEOs, leadership from Granicus, from Simple View, and you have amazing dialogue. So it's a great opportunity to be upfront, know what's coming into the future. Being in a setting like this, I think, really creates a sense of psychological safety. I think there are so many issues we're contending with right now that are incredibly charged. And for us to be in an environment where we can just have open conversations with trusted colleagues, it really helps us get to real world solutions.
May 4, 2026
Preliminary Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks | Speaker: David Peacock
Kick off the day with a warm welcome and learn who’s in the room as industry leaders come together for a high‑impact day of ideas, innovation, and inspiration.
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Identity Congruency as an Essential Part of Placemaking | Speaker: Frank Cuypers, Place Generation / VivaCity
Discover why identity alignment is the backbone of modern placemaking. Frank explores how destinations can crystallize who they are—authentically and powerfully—to drive resonance with residents, visitors, and investors alike.
9:30 – 10:00 AM
Leadership, Engagement, and Alignment | Speaker: David Herrell, CEO, Visit Quad Cities
Two seasoned CEOs share candid insights on leading organizations through change. Learn how to foster internal alignment, strengthen stakeholder trust, and champion a leadership culture that supports meaningful destination impact.
10:15AM – 11:00 AM
Roundtable + Report Out
Move beyond passive listening. You’ll collaborate in small groups to translate key themes into strategies, frameworks, and questions tailored to your destination—and then bring those insights back to the full room.
11:00 – 11:30 AM
The Intersection of Data & Engagement: Looking at Data Differently | Speaker: TBD
See how next‑generation data thinking can transform service delivery, engagement, and decision‑making. Learn practical, innovative ways to unlock human stories behind the numbers.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The Smart City Connection: Revisiting Executive Insights Symposium 2025 | Speaker: TBD
A forward‑looking conversation about how smart city frameworks are reshaping destination strategy. We revisit themes from last year’s Executive Insights Symposium and explore how communities can prepare for the rapidly evolving urban experience.
12:00 – 12:30 PM
Lunch
12:30 – 1:15 PM
Roundtable + Report Out
Move beyond passive listening. You’ll collaborate in small groups to translate key themes into strategies, frameworks, and questions tailored to your destination—and then bring those insights back to the full room.
1:15 – 1:45 PM
The Real Power of AI — Agentic AI at Work | Speaker: Karthik Anbalagan, General Manager Emerging Tech, Granicus
Go beyond the AI buzz. Explore real, operational examples of agentic AI already reshaping public sector workflows and community engagement. This session reveals the tangible power of AI that’s moving from concept to impact—right now.
1:45 - 2:00 PM
Break
2:00 – 2:45 PM
Panel: All keynote speakers + David Peacock (including full room discussion)
Join a lively, multi‑perspective discussion on the convergence of technology, resident engagement, and the expectations shaping tomorrow’s destinations. Expect candid insights, audience interaction, and practical takeaways.
2:45 – 3:00 PM
Synthesis + Closing Discussion
Download the 
2025 Executive Insights Symposium Report
Explore the key themes and leadership perspectives that emerged from Simpleview’s first Executive Insights Symposium. This report highlights the industry’s most pressing challenges, innovative strategies, and opportunities shaping the future of destination marketing.
Access the full report and uncover insights to guide your organization forward.
Thank you to our 2026 Executive Insights Symposium sponsor.
